FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about Hom33® Instant Candle
GETTING STARTED
WHAT IS Hom33® INSTANT CANDLE?
Hom33® Instant Candle is a loose, pearled candle wax system that lets you create a candle in your own suitable vessel.
Pour the pearls into a heat-resistant container, insert one of the supplied wicks and light it. When the candle has cooled after use, you can remove the hardened melt pool, insert a new wick and use it again.
Products like this are sometimes described as candle pearls, candle sand or pearled candle wax.
HOW IS INSTANT CANDLE DIFFERENT FROM A TRADITIONAL JAR CANDLE?
A traditional candle is permanently poured into its jar. Instant Candle arrives as loose wax pearls, allowing you to choose and reuse your own suitable container.
If used correctly, only the wax surrounding the wick is intended to melt. Once it has cooled, you can remove that small hardened section, smooth the remaining pearls and relight the candle with the same wick or insert a new one.
WHY CHOOSE INSTANT CANDLE?
- Make it your own — Pour it into a suitable container that complements your space and style.
- Refresh after each use — Once cooled, remove the hardened wax around the wick and insert a fresh wick whenever needed.
- Reuse what remains — Unmelted candle pearls can be used again or poured into another suitable container.
- Enjoy it your way — Burn it unscented or add a candle-compatible fragrance oil.
- Restyle it anytime — Change the container or arrangement to suit different rooms, seasons and occasions.
WHAT IS THE BURN TIME?
A 450g pack of Instant Candle can provide up to approximately 100 hours of total burn time across multiple uses when used as directed. Each wick can be relit and used for approximately 10–12 hours in total.
Actual burn time will vary depending on the vessel, number of wicks, exposed wick length, length of each burn and how the candle is refreshed.
HOW MUCH INSTANT CANDLE DO I NEED?
Use our Instant Candle Calculator to estimate how much you’ll need based on the size of your chosen container.
USING YOUR INSTANT CANDLE
HOW DO I REFRESH MY INSTANT CANDLE?
Extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool completely.
Here are three simple ways to refresh your Instant Candle:
- Start fresh — Remove the wick and hardened melt pool, then insert a new wick.
- Flip it over — If enough unused wick remains, turn the hardened melt pool over so the unburnt end of the wick faces upwards, then nestle the wax beneath the surrounding pearls.
- Reuse the wick — Carefully separate the hardened melt pool from the wick, then reinsert the usable wick into fresh pearls.
When reusing a wick, leave approximately 1cm exposed and replace it if it becomes too short or damaged.
Never touch, remove or adjust the wax or wick while the candle is still burning or hot.
WHAT CONTAINERS CAN I USE?
For standard use, choose clean, dry, stable, open and undamaged container made from a heat-resistant, non-combustible material — candle-safe glass, ceramic or metal.
It should measure at least 10 cm across internally at its narrowest point. Don't use plastic, wood, paper, cardboard, thin or damaged glass, or anything that could melt, burn, leak, tip or become unstable.
Leave approximately 1 cm of wick exposed, keep each wick at least 5 cm from the container sides and anything decorative, and keep at least 3 cm of Instant Candle beneath the wick.
Use one wick in a 10 cm container. In larger containers, position wicks evenly and keep lit wicks at least 10 cm apart — extra wicks add heat and use the pearls up faster.
For full setup guidance, read our Instructions & Safety guide.
HOW DO I PUT IT OUT?
Use a candle snuffer, wick dipper or gently blow out the flame.
Never use water to extinguish a candle.
CAN INSTANT CANDLE BE USED AS A FLOATING CANDLE?
Yes. Our white Instant Candle pearls float, so you can create a floating candle display. Only the white pearls are suitable for this — please don't use the coloured range on water.
Choose a stable, heat-resistant container at least 10 cm wide at its narrowest point. Add any water-safe decorations first and keep them fully submerged, then fill with water and pour at least 8 cm of pearls over the surface.
Insert the wick so it sits securely in the pearls with about 1 cm showing, and make sure its base does not reach the water. Keep the flame at least 5 cm from the sides of the container.
Use the pearls unscented for floating displays — don't add fragrance oil to a candle set on water. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and don't move the container while it's lit or while the wax is hot.
Afterwards, let everything cool completely, then lift out the hardened wax and let any damp pearls dry fully before reusing them. Don't reuse pearls that are still wet.
Looking for styling ideas? Browse our Instant Candle inspiration gallery
CAN I REUSE MY INSTANT CANDLE AFTER FLOATING DISPLAY?
Yes. Once the candle has cooled completely, lift out the hardened wax around the wick, then scoop the loose pearls out with a spoon or pour them through a fine-mesh sieve.
Spread them on kitchen paper in a single layer and let them air dry fully — the thinner you spread them, the quicker they dry. Only put them back in the tub once they're completely dry.
Don't reuse pearls that are still damp, and discard any that have picked up debris from the water or decorations.
CANDLE SCENTS
CAN I ADD MY OWN FRAGRANCE?
Instant Candle is supplied unscented so you can keep it as it is or scent it yourself.
Use a fragrance oil that its manufacturer states is suitable for candles, and add 3–5 drops to the cool pearls around the wick before lighting. Always follow the oil manufacturer's own usage and safety instructions — oils vary in how they behave when heated.
Because the scent sits in the melt pool rather than through the whole tub, you can change it each time you fit a new wick. Once the candle has cooled completely, lift out the hardened melt pool with the spent wick, level the pearls underneath, add a fresh wick and scent it differently.
Never add fragrance oil, essential oil or any other liquid to a burning candle, hot wax or an active melt pool. Oils are flammable. Using more than the stated amount may affect how your candle burns — stop use if the flame becomes unusually large, unstable or smoky.
IS INSTANT CANDLE SCENTED?
Our standard Instant Candle is supplied unscented unless otherwise stated on the product page.
WICKS KNOW-HOW
DO I NEED TO USE A NEW WICK EVERY TIME?
You can relight the same wick and burn it as long as it lasts.
We include plenty of wicks so you can refresh your candle and make it look brand new whenever you choose to!
HOW LONG DOES ONE WICK LAST?
One wick lasts approximately 10-12 hours of cumulative burn time under typical conditions and if used correctly.
When the wick reaches its end, it will typically fall into the melt pool and extinguish. This is not a substitute for supervision, and the candle must never be left unattended.
MY WICK GOES OUT TOO QUICKLY - WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?
Make sure approximately 1cm of wick is visible above the pearls and that the tip is not covered.
If too little wick is exposed, the flame may go out. If too much is exposed, the flame may become too large and the wick will burn more quickly.
Allow everything to cool completely before adjusting or replacing the wick.
ARE WICKS INCLUDED WITH MY INSTANT CANDLE?
You get 20 wicks with your 450g Instant Candle so you can keep your candle going!
Need more? Shop replacement Instant Candle wicks
CAN I USE DIFFERENT WICKS?
For safe and consistent performance, use only Hom33 wicks. Different wick sizes, materials and coatings can alter flame height, heat output and burn behaviour.
SAFETY & INGREDIENTS
HOW SHOULD I USE INSTANT CANDLE SAFELY?
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep it away from curtains, furniture and other flammable materials.
- Keep it away from children and pets.
- Do not move the vessel while the candle or wax is hot.
- Keep the wax and melt pool free from debris.
- Always place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Please read our complete Instructions & Safety guide before use.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CANDLE IS KNOCKED OVER?
If accidentally knocked over, Instant Candle will typically self-extinguish as the loose wax pearls shift and help smother the flame.
However, it still uses a real flame, and every spill is different. Check the area immediately and safely extinguish any remaining flame. Allow the container and melted wax to cool completely before touching or cleaning them.
Never rely on this behaviour as a substitute for supervision or normal candle safety.
WHAT IS INSTANT CANDLE MADE FROM?
Instant Candle is made from highly refined, plant-based wax. It contains no animal-derived ingredients. When used as directed, it typically produces very little visible smoke or soot. As with any candle, wick position and draughts can affect how it burns.
IS INSTANT CANDLE SAFE TO USE AROUND PETS?
Instant Candle can be used in homes with pets when normal candle safety precautions are followed. It is made from plant-based wax and supplied unscented, but it still uses a real flame.
For households with pets, we recommend placing candles on stable, elevated and heat-resistant surfaces out of reach of curious paws, whiskers or wagging tails. This helps keep your pets safe while allowing your candle to be enjoyed as intended.
Do not allow animals to ingest the wax or any added fragrance oils. Because birds have particularly sensitive respiratory systems, we recommend not burning candles in the same room as them.