Scentex "Earth Scents Natural Potpourri Candles"

CPSC Recall #95-026 - November 28, 1994

Recall Summary

Recall Number95-026
Recall DateNovember 28, 1994
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 97,000

Product

Scentex "Earth Scents Natural Potpourri Candles"

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Scentex Inc., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 97,000 "Earth Scents Natural Potpourri Candles." Scentex candles in decorative tins are not included in this recall. Due to a manufacturing error, the wick of the candle is positioned in such a way that the potpourri inside the wax of the candle may ignite and flare up during use, resulting in a fire hazard. Scentex received one report of flare up from England associated with the use of this potpourri candle. There was no injury. The Earth Scents candles, which can be identified by its oval shape and the visible appearance of potpourri in the bottom half of the wax candle, were sold nationwide in retail stores and specialty shops from August 10, 1994 through October 1, 1994. Consumers should stop using these candles immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or for a safer replacement potpourri candle. Consumers with questions can call Scentex collect at (312) 278-0700.

Hazard

Due to a manufacturing error, the wick of the candle is positioned in such a way that the potpourri inside the wax of the candle may ignite and flare up during use, resulting in a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Scentex received one report of flare up from England associated with the use of this potpourri candle. There was no injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these candles immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or for a safer replacement potpourri candle.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund, Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.