How can we help?
Have a question that isn't answered here? Email us at hello@bashfordandpitt.com and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Section 1: About our candles
How long do your candles burn?
• 8 oz signature glass candles burn for approximately 40–50 hours
• Blue & white porcelain bowl candles burn for approximately 45–55 hours
• Burn time depends on usage habits — see the candle care section below for tips on getting the longest, cleanest burn from your candle.
What kind of wax do you use?
We use a natural soy/coconut wax blend, combining the best qualities of both. Soy wax is a renewable, biodegradable resource derived from soybeans. Coconut wax is one of the cleanest-burning waxes available, with an exceptional scent throw and a smooth finish. Together, they burn longer, cleaner, and more evenly than paraffin with no petroleum byproducts.
Why a soy/coconut wax blend instead of 100% soy?
Pure soy wax can be prone to frosting and uneven surfaces. Adding coconut wax improves scent throw, creates a smoother finish, and results in a more consistent burn — all without sacrificing the eco-friendly, clean-burning benefits of natural wax. It's simply a better candle.
Are your candles non-toxic?
Yes. Our candles are made of a natural soy/coconut wax blend (no paraffin, no petroleum).
We do not test on animals, and our candles are not formulated with parabens, sulfates, or synthetic dyes.
Are your candles safe for pets?
Soy wax candles with cotton wicks are generally considered pet-safer than paraffin candles, but no candle is 100% pet-safe. We recommend:
• Burning in a well-ventilated room
• Keeping candles out of reach of pets at all times
• Never leaving a burning candle unattended around pets
• If you have a bird, please be especially cautious — birds are highly sensitive to all airborne particles, including from candles
Where are your candles made?
Every Bashford & Pitt candle is hand-poured in small batches in Alexandria, Virginia — eleven miles up the Potomac from Mount Vernon itself. We don't outsource the pour or pre-mix in bulk. Founder Lauren Crisler personally light-tests every batch.
What's the deal with the story card?
Every Bashford & Pitt candle is named for a person, place, or moment in early American history — and every candle ships with a story card explaining what that history is. Light the candle. Read the card. Pass it on.
Section 2: Candle care & burning tips
How do I get the longest, cleanest burn from my candle?
Three rules to live by:
1. The first burn matters most. Burn your candle for 2–3 hours the first time you light it, until the wax pool reaches the edge of the vessel. This prevents "tunneling" (where the wick burns straight down and leaves wasted wax around the edges).
2. Trim the wick to ¼ inch before every relight. A long wick produces soot, an uneven flame, and a shorter overall burn life. Use a wick trimmer, scissors, or even your fingers once cool.
3. Don't burn for longer than 4 hours at a time. Soy wax overheats with extended burns, which can shorten the life of the candle and damage the vessel.
Why is my candle "frosting" / showing a white film on top?
That's a totally normal feature of natural soy wax. Frosting happens when the soy wax crystallizes as it cools — it's a sign you have real, unprocessed soy wax with no synthetic additives. It does not affect performance, scent, or burn quality.
Why is the surface of my new candle uneven or pitted?
Same reason as above — natural soy wax shrinks slightly as it cools, and small surface imperfections are normal in a hand-poured candle. After the first full burn, the surface evens out.
Can I reuse the vessel after the candle is finished?
Absolutely — and we encourage it. Both vessels are designed to last:
• Amber glass jars can be cleaned with warm soapy water and reused as planters or storage. The label peels cleanly off after a soak.
• Blue & white porcelain bowls become beautiful little keepsakes — perfect for jewelry, ring dishes, paperclips, or just as decorative pieces. Customers tell us they sit on mantels long after the candle is done.
To clean wax remnants: place the vessel in the freezer for an hour, then pop the wax out with a butter knife. Wash with warm water.
Section 3: Shipping & delivery
How long will it take for my order to ship?
Orders typically ship within 2–3 business days of being placed. You'll receive a tracking number by email when your order ships.
When will my order arrive?
Standard shipping takes 3–6 business days within the continental U.S. Expedited options (2-day, overnight) are available at checkout for last-minute gifts.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free standard shipping on all U.S. orders over $50.
Do you ship internationally?
Not at this time. We currently ship within the United States only.
How can I track my order?
Tracking numbers are emailed automatically when your order ships. If you can't find the email, check your spam folder or email hello@bashfordandpitt.com with your order number.
My package says delivered but I can't find it. What do I do?
4. Check with neighbors and your front desk
5. Wait 48 hours — carriers sometimes update late
6. If it still hasn't surfaced, email hello@bashfordandpitt.com with your order number and we'll work with the carrier to file a claim or send a replacement.
Section 4: Returns, exchanges & damaged items
What's your return policy?
30-day love-it-or-return-it guarantee. Unused, unburned candles can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. See full details on our Refund & Return Policy page.
My candle arrived damaged. What now?
Email hello@bashfordandpitt.com within 5 days of delivery with your order number and a photo of the damage. We'll ship a replacement at no charge — no return required.
Can I exchange a candle for a different scent?
Yes — let us know in your return email and we'll set up an exchange instead of a refund. Exchanges ship at no additional cost.
Section 5: Gifting, custom orders & wholesale
Can I send a candle as a gift?
Yes — at checkout, just enter the recipient's shipping address. Every order ships in our signature box with the story card included, so it's gift-ready as-is.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes — Bashford & Pitt digital gift cards are available in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations. They're delivered by email and never expire.
Do you do custom orders for events, weddings, or corporate gifts?
We love custom orders. For weddings, corporate gifts, and events of 25+ candles, email hello@bashfordandpitt.com with the occasion, quantity, and timeline. We can:
• Add custom story cards or messaging
• Coordinate scent selection to your theme
• Offer volume pricing on bulk orders
• Ship to multiple addresses (corporate gifting)
We typically need 3–4 weeks of lead time for custom orders.
Do you offer wholesale to retailers?
We work with a select group of independent retailers, museums, and historic sites. If you'd like to carry Bashford & Pitt, email hello@bashfordandpitt.com with your business name, location, and a bit about your shop.
How can I stay in touch?
The best way is to sign up for our newsletter — you'll get 10% off your first order, plus early access to seasonal scents, the stories behind them, and members-only sales. We email about twice a month, never more.