Tips, Tricks & Other Info

from A Familiar Flame, Dusty Garret Collectables, and Rusty Blades Woodshop

Quick Note on Safety

These tips are for general information. Use common sense, follow manufacturer instructions, and keep kids/pets away from hot, sharp, or breakable things. For the full safety and medical disclaimers, see: [Disclaimers] (link).

A Familiar Flame — Wax Melt Use

How to Remove Cubes (without wrecking the clamshell)

  1. Slightly bend the clamshell along the cube “flex” lines to crack the wax.

  2. Press gently from the bottom until 1–2 cubes rise.

  3. Place cubes in the warmer dish.
    Tip: Wipe your fingertips—wax residue can be slick.

How Many Cubes?

  • Start with 2 cubes.

  • When scent fades, either:

    • Turn off warmer and let wax cool, then add 1 cube, or

    • Add a cube while warm carefully (hot wax can splash).

When to Change the Wax

  • When scent is mostly gone, turn off warmer and let wax cool until firm.

  • Remove wax using your warmer’s manual instructions, or a safe method you trust.

Why Some Melts Last Longer Than Others

Wax longevity depends on:

  • the fragrance load,

  • your warmer’s temperature,

  • and the oil blend (some aroma oils fade faster than others).

Scent Sensitivity

Some people are sensitive or allergic to fragrance, smoke, or heated wax.
If you feel irritation or have trouble breathing:

  • turn it off / blow it out,

  • ventilate the area,

  • move to fresh air,

  • and seek medical help if symptoms are severe or don’t improve.

Dusty Garret Collectables — Vintage & Pre-Owned Items

Pre-owned and antique items may contain materials or residues consistent with their era (finishes, metals, dyes, etc.). Items are cleaned as practical, but original manufacturing materials and processes are often unknown.

Purchases of vintage/pre-owned items are made at the customer’s discretion.
(And yes—old stuff can be classy, functional, and way more interesting than modern “disposable everything.”)

Rusty Blades Woodshop — Handmade Wood Products

Rusty Blades products are made with care and are built to be used. That said:

  • Wood is wood. Minor grain texture, small imperfections, and seasonal movement can happen.

  • Splinters are possible. Sanding reduces risk but can’t guarantee splinter-free for life.

  • We use off-the-shelf stains, paints, and sealers intended for finished wood products.

  • Wood is sawn locally in Southern Indiana and air/kiln dried (depending on the piece).

Durability & Handling

Production items are tested for normal use and minor mishandling.
If glass is part of an item: glass breaks, and sharp glass is a bad time. Avoid breaking it.

Pricing, Tax & Shipping

  • All prices are before shipping.

  • Indiana sales tax: 7% (where applicable).

  • We do our best to keep shipping costs reasonable.

Just when you thought it was safe…
More thoughts and ideas from Skinny.

Safe…er Cleaning Products & Idea Links

These resources are provided for reference and brainstorming. I haven’t personally tested every method or product listed. Use common sense, follow label directions, and discontinue use if anything irritates your skin, lungs, or surfaces.

If You Can’t Cook (no judgment)

Tip: The site names above are clickable links.