Ross Stores Recalls Taylor and Finch Six-Wick Scented Candles Due to Fire and Injury Hazards

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a voluntary recall involving specific batches of scented candles manufactured by the brand Taylor and Finch, which are exclusively sold at Ross Stores. This action, announced on January 19, 2023, targets six-wick candles that were marketed under the Taylor and Finch label. These products were distributed through Ross Dress for Less retail locations across the United States. The recall is not a blanket ban on every candle sold by the brand or the retailer; rather, it is focused on two particular scent profiles that were packaged in specific types of containers during a defined period.

To understand exactly which items are affected, it is helpful to look at the specific product details. The recalled candles come in two distinct varieties: one scented with Spiced Apple & Rosewood and the other with Cedarwood & Clove. Both of these scents were packaged in large 44-ounce containers made of glass. The exterior appearance of the glass varies by scent. The Spiced Apple & Rosewood candles were housed in red glass jars, while the Cedarwood & Clove variants came in white glass jars. This color-coding is a key visual identifier for consumers trying to determine if their product is part of this specific safety notice.

The packaging itself holds critical information that serves as the primary method for verification. On the side of the glass container, you will find a label displaying the scent name and the "Taylor and Finch" brand logo. However, the most definitive proof of whether your candle is part of this recall lies on the bottom of the jar. Ross Stores places a price label on the base of each container, which includes a specific Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number. If you are unsure if your candle is included, checking this SKU number against the official list is the most reliable step.

The affected SKUs are clearly defined in the recall notice. For the red glass containers holding the Spiced Apple & Rosewood scent, the SKU number is 400244981194. For the white glass containers holding the Cedarwood & Clove scent, the SKU number is 400244981200. It is important to note that while the recall facts provided do not specify the exact quantity of units sold or the precise dates of sale beyond the announcement date, these specific SKUs and scents are the only ones confirmed as hazardous under this current safety alert. If your candle matches the scent and the SKU number on the bottom label, it is part of this recall.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a large, six-wick candle seems like the epitome of cozy relaxation. However, in the case of the recalled Taylor and Finch 6-Wick Scented Candles, this very feature creates a specific and dangerous physical mechanism that can lead to fire and injury. To understand why these particular products are being pulled from shelves, it helps to look at what happens inside the glass container when the candle is lit.

The primary issue lies in the combination of having six separate wicks burning simultaneously within a single vessel. When all six wicks are lit, they generate a significantly higher volume of heat and a much larger flame surface area than a standard single-wick or even double-wick candle. This intense, concentrated thermal energy is directed upward into the glass walls of the container. Glass, while beautiful, is a material that can be sensitive to rapid or uneven temperature changes—a phenomenon known as thermal shock.

Under normal circumstances, high-quality candle jars are designed to withstand steady heat. However, if the heat generated by six flames exceeds the thermal tolerance of the glass, or if the heat distribution becomes uneven (for example, if one wick burns hotter than the others), stress fractures can develop in the glass structure. According to reports from Ross Stores, this stress has led to the glass containers combusting and breaking while the candles are still lit. When a glass jar shatters under these conditions, it does not just stop the fire; it often sends shards of hot glass flying outward along with burning wax and dripping fire.

This is why the hazard is categorized as both a fire risk and an injury risk. The immediate danger is the potential for the flame to ignite nearby flammable materials—such as curtains, furniture, or tablecloths—if the candle tips over or if hot wax splatters. More personally, the breaking glass poses a direct physical threat to anyone nearby. The recall notice confirms that this is not just a theoretical risk; Ross has received five reports of candles combusting and their containers breaking, with one report confirming a minor injury likely caused by contact with the broken glass or hot materials.

In general, safety experts warn that large multi-wick candles require careful monitoring precisely because they produce more heat than smaller vessels can safely dissipate. When the container fails structurally due to this excess heat, the result is an uncontrolled release of fire and sharp debris. This explains why the remedy for these specific Taylor and Finch scents (Spiced Apple & Rosewood and Cedarwood & Clove) is immediate removal from your home, rather than a simple adjustment in how you burn them.

Who is most at risk

The Taylor and Finch six-wick scented candles recalled by Ross Stores are designed for home ambiance, yet their failure mode transforms a relaxing experience into a significant safety threat. While any individual who owns these specific 44-ounce red or white glass containers is technically at risk due to the potential for the glass to shatter during combustion, certain groups face heightened vulnerability depending on their living situations and physical capabilities. The primary group at risk includes anyone who has purchased these items from Ross Stores between the relevant dates and continues to burn them in enclosed spaces, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or small living rooms where heat can accumulate rapidly.

Children are particularly vulnerable in scenarios involving exploding glass containers and fire hazards. Young children often lack the situational awareness to recognize the early signs of a candle malfunction, such as irregular flame behavior or excessive smoke. Furthermore, their natural curiosity may lead them to touch hot glass or investigate the source of a sudden crack or breakage. If a 44-ounce glass container shatters while lit, it can scatter burning wax and sharp glass fragments across floors and surfaces where children play. The resulting burns from hot wax or cuts from glass shards can be severe, especially since young skin is more delicate and prone to deeper tissue damage than adult skin.

Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility also face disproportionate risks. If the glass container breaks due to combustion, it creates immediate physical hazards like sharp debris on walkways, which can lead to falls—a leading cause of injury in older adults. Additionally, managing a fire emergency requires quick reflexes and strength to extinguish flames or escape a room. An individual with reduced mobility may struggle to safely put out the candle or navigate away from the hazard, increasing the likelihood of smoke inhalation or burn injuries. The recall notes one report of minor injury, which underscores that even "minor" incidents can escalate quickly for those who cannot react swiftly.

• Pet Owners: Animals are often attracted to the scent and warmth of candles. A breaking container can injure paws or faces with hot wax and glass, and pets may knock over other flammable items in their confusion or fear.
• Individuals with Respiratory Conditions: While the primary hazard is physical injury from glass and fire, the combustion of these specific candles also releases smoke and potentially unburned wax particles. For people with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory sensitivities, inhaling smoke from a malfunctioning candle can trigger severe attacks or complications.

Ultimately, the risk is not limited to a specific demographic but is tied to proximity and exposure. Anyone sleeping in a room where these candles are burning, or anyone who keeps them within reach of flammable materials like curtains or bedding, is at elevated risk. The six-wick design generates significant heat; if the glass fails, the intensity of the fire can spread faster than a standard single-wick candle, giving occupants less time to react.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you purchased scented candles from Ross Stores recently, it is important to verify whether your specific product is part of this safety recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a distinct set of Taylor and Finch six-wick candles that pose a significant fire risk. Because these items were sold in physical retail locations, you may not have a digital record of the purchase, so you will need to inspect the physical product itself. The first step is to look for the brand name "Taylor and Finch," which should be clearly printed on the side of the glass container along with the scent description.

The recall specifically targets two scents: Spiced Apple & Rosewood and Cedarwood & Clove. These candles are housed in large, 44-ounce glass jars that come in either red or white colors. It is crucial to check both the color of the glass and the specific scent name, as other Taylor and Finch products with different scents or container sizes are not included in this recall. The label on the side of the jar will display the product name and the brand. However, to be absolutely certain you have a recalled unit, you must look at the bottom of the candle.

On the bottom of the container, there is a price label that contains the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number. This alphanumeric code is your most reliable way to confirm if your candle is part of this specific recall. The CPSC has identified two exact SKUs associated with the hazard:

• 400244981194: This SKU corresponds to the Spiced Apple & Rosewood scent, which comes in a red glass container.
• 400244981200: This SKU corresponds to the Cedarwood & Clove scent, which comes in a white glass container.

If your candle has one of these SKU numbers printed on the bottom price tag, you have a recalled item. If the SKU is different, or if the product does not match the specific scents and colors described above, it is likely safe to continue using. However, when in doubt, it is always safer to treat the product as potentially hazardous. These candles were sold exclusively at Ross Stores, so if you bought them from a different retailer, they are not part of this specific recall notice. Take a moment now to locate your candles and check the bottom label against these specific codes to ensure your home remains safe.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have one of the recalled Taylor and Finch six-wick scented candles in your home, the good news is that the remedy is straightforward and fully covered by the retailer. Because these products pose a genuine fire and injury hazard due to the risk of the glass container breaking while lit, there is no option for repair or replacement with a safe version of the same item. Instead, Ross Stores has arranged for a full refund for anyone who purchased these specific candles. This means you do not need to worry about partial credit, store merchandise exchanges, or keeping the defective product as a "hazard sample." The entire purchase price will be returned to you, ensuring that you are not financially penalized for a safety issue that was entirely beyond your control.

To initiate this refund process, you must return the physical item to a Ross Stores location. This is an in-person requirement rather than a mail-in or online-only resolution, which simplifies the logistics for most consumers but does require a trip to a local store. When you visit the store, simply bring the candle with you. It is helpful, though not strictly mandated by the recall notice, to have your original proof of purchase or receipt if you still have it. However, in many retail recall situations, the physical presence of the product and its identifying labels are often sufficient for customer service representatives to process the return. The staff at Ross will handle the rest, issuing a full refund to your original method of payment.

For those who prefer digital assistance or need more information before visiting a store, Ross Stores has provided dedicated consumer contact channels. You can call their recall support line at 800-335-1115. It is important to note the operating hours for this service: calls are accepted from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to research online first, you can visit www.rossstores.com/recalls or navigate to the main Ross website and look for the "Recalled Products & Legal Notices" link located at the bottom of the page. These resources will provide official confirmation and any additional details regarding the recall scope.

Please remember that this remedy applies strictly to the specific Taylor and Finch six-wick scented candles identified in the recall, particularly those in the Spiced Apple & Rosewood and Cedarwood & Clove scents sold in 44-ounce red or white glass containers. Do not attempt to discard these candles in your regular trash while they still contain wax or wicks, as they remain a fire risk until properly disposed of after returning them for the refund. The priority here is safety first, followed by financial restitution. By taking the time to return the item, you are protecting your household from potential harm and ensuring that Ross Stores can accurately track the scope of this safety incident.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to discard a beautiful candle that still has wax left inside. You may feel a sense of loss over the scent or simply want to avoid the inconvenience of making another trip to the store. However, ignoring this recall is not just about wasting money; it is about exposing your home and family to a tangible, escalating danger that does not resolve itself with time.

The core issue here is structural failure under heat stress. These Taylor and Finch six-wick candles are designed to burn with six flame sources simultaneously, generating significant thermal energy within the glass container. When the recall notice states that the product can combust while lit, it refers to a catastrophic breakdown of the candle’s integrity. As the wax melts and the heat builds up inside the sealed or semi-sealed environment of the jar, internal pressures can rise rapidly. If the glass is not tempered correctly for this specific thermal load, it does not just crack; it shatters. This is not a slow leak or a minor wick issue—it is a sudden release of energy.

The consequences of continuing to use these candles range from property damage to serious physical harm. The most immediate risk is fire. When the glass container breaks while the candle is still burning, molten wax and active flames are released directly onto whatever surface the candle was sitting on. This can ignite nearby curtains, tablecloths, wooden furniture, or other flammable household items. A small decorative candle can quickly become a major house fire if it tips over or splashes hot wax onto combustible materials. The six-wick design amplifies this risk because the heat output is significantly higher than that of a standard single-wick candle.

Beyond the fire hazard, the physical injury potential is severe. The recall data indicates that there have already been five reports of these candles combusting and the glass breaking. In one instance, this resulted in a minor injury, but we must consider what "minor" means in the context of hot wax and sharp glass shards. If the jar explodes while you are holding it, or if it breaks near your face or body, you risk deep lacerations from flying glass fragments and third-degree burns from scalding hot wax. These injuries often require medical attention, stitches, or even surgical intervention to remove embedded glass. The heat of molten wax is sufficient to cause instant tissue damage, and the combination of burns and cuts can lead to complications like infection or permanent scarring.

Furthermore, there is a psychological toll that is often overlooked. Living with the knowledge that a hazard exists in your home creates a low-level anxiety every time you light a candle or even walk past the jar. You may find yourself constantly checking to ensure it hasn't tipped over or started to crack. This vigilance undermines the very purpose of using a scented candle, which should be relaxation and comfort, not fear and monitoring. By ignoring the recall, you are choosing to gamble with your safety for the sake of convenience, when the remedy—a full refund—is readily available and requires no guesswork.

Finally, consider the broader impact on your household members who may not be aware of the specific risks. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to sudden glass breakage and hot liquid spills. An exploding candle can cause panic, leading to secondary accidents like falls or collisions as people try to escape the sudden chaos. The five incidents reported by Ross Stores are just the beginning; each one represents a family whose home was disrupted and whose safety was compromised. Do not let your candles become a source of trauma. The small effort of returning them now prevents the large, irreversible consequences that could follow if you wait.

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