Quality craftsmanship requires more than just premium ingredients; it demands an understanding of the ritual. From mastering the first burn to maintaining the integrity of your wooden wick, find the technical answers needed to ensure your Maxwell Thomas candles perform with the resilience and refinement they were built for.
Every Maxwell Thomas candle is a study in intentionality. We don’t believe in mass production. Instead, we focus on small-batch craftsmanship, using a proprietary blend of premium waxes and complex fragrance oils. Our scents are designed to be sophisticated and layered—evoking memories and shifting the atmosphere of a room without overpowering it.
We use a high-performance, clean-burning wax blend and lead-free cotton wicks. This ensures a steady flame and a superior scent throw. Our materials are chosen for their quality and their ability to provide a long-lasting, soot-free experience.
Yes. All Maxwell Thomas fragrances are phthalate-free and paraben-free. We work with premium fragrance houses to ensure our oils meet strict safety standards while maintaining the depth and “afterglow” our brand is known for.
Every candle is hand-poured and finished in our Chicago-based studio. From the first melt to the final label, the entire process is overseen by our team to ensure it meets the Maxwell Thomas standard of excellence.
The first burn is the most important. Allow the wax to melt across the entire surface to the edges of the vessel (usually 2–3 hours). This establishes a “burn memory” and prevents tunneling. For every subsequent light, ensure you trim the wick to 1/4 inch to maintain a clean, controlled flame.
Our signature 8oz candles typically offer a burn time of 45–50 hours, provided the wicks are trimmed regularly and the candle is kept away from drafts.
Tunneling usually happens if a candle is extinguished before the wax pool reaches the edges of the jar. If this occurs, you can often “reset” the memory by burning the candle for a longer period (3–4 hours) until the edges melt down.
Absolutely. We encourage stewardship of our materials. Once 1/2 inch of wax remains, discontinue use. You can remove the remaining wax by placing the vessel in the freezer for a few hours, then gently popping the wax out. Our amber jars make excellent containers for pens, small tools, or desk accessories.
Because we pour in small batches, please allow 2–3 business days for processing. Standard shipping typically takes 3–5 business days. You will receive a tracking number via email as soon as your order leaves our Chicago studio.
Currently, we ship within the United States. We are looking into expanding our reach to international enthusiasts in the near future.
We take great pride in the craftsmanship of Maxwell Thomas. If your candle arrives damaged or if there was an error in your order, please contact us within 14 days of receipt with a photo of the issue. Due to the handcrafted nature of our products, we cannot accept returns for used candles or a simple change of mind.
Yes. We partner with select boutiques and retailers that align with our brand values of craftsmanship and integrity. For wholesale inquiries, please contact us at [Insert Email] with your store details.
We believe in building something meaningful that lasts. If you are interested in Maxwell Thomas for corporate gifts, events, or private commissions, please reach out to discuss how we can create a bespoke experience for your recipients.
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, please reach out to us at hello@therealmaxwellthomas.com. We’re here to help you find your flame.
