What Are Wax Melts and How To Use Them

Last updated on October 26th, 2024 at 07:01 am

Wax melts are a popular way to enjoy your favourite fragrances at home without the need for an open flame.

These small, scented wax pieces are perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere, but how exactly do they work, and how should you use them?

Wax melts are often considered safer than candles, they provide a more consistent fragrance, and are easy to use and switch out when you want a new scent. They are also more versatile allowing you to mix and match different scents and are often more economical since they can last longer than traditional candles.

Let’s dive right in and clear up any questions you may have about wax melts.

What Are Wax Melts?

Wax melts are small, often colourful pieces of wax that are infused with fragrance oils.

Unlike traditional candles, wax melts don’t come with a wick. Instead, they are designed to be melted using a wax warmer, which allows the fragrance to disperse through your space without the need for a flame.

These melts are made from similar wax materials as candles usually soy, paraffin, or beeswax but since they don’t require a wick or container, they offer a safer and often more potent fragrance experience.

Wax melts are also highly customisable, with many people choosing to mix different scents to create unique, personalised fragrances.

Types of Wax Melts

There are several types of wax melts available, each made from different types of wax. The type of wax used can affect the fragrance throw, melting time, and overall experience. Here are the most common types:

Type of Wax Melt	Made From	Pros	Cons
Soy Wax Melts	Soybean oil, a renewable resource.	Burns cleanly with minimal soot. Biodegradable and eco-friendly. Long-lasting fragrance.	Can be softer and melt quickly in warmer climates.
Paraffin Wax Melts	Petroleum by-products.	Holds and releases strong scents. Often more affordable.	Produces more soot than natural waxes. Not as eco-friendly.
Beeswax Melts	Natural beeswax from honeycombs.	Long burn time and natural honey scent. Emits negative ions, which may improve air quality.	Higher cost. Limited fragrance options due to natural scent.
Coconut Wax Melts	Coconut oil or its derivatives.	Slow-burning and creamy texture. Excellent for holding fragrance. Eco-friendly and sustainable.	Often mixed with other waxes to solidify. Can be pricier.
Palm Wax Melts	Palm oil.	Creates a crystalized, textured look. Burns slower than paraffin.	Sustainability concerns with some palm oil production. Limited availability and higher cost.
Gel Wax Melts	Mineral oil and polymer resin.	Transparent and can be decorative. Offers a different texture and appearance.	Typically burns faster. Doesn’t hold fragrance as well as other types.
Blended Wax Melts	A mix of different waxes, like soy-paraffin or coconut-soy blends.	Combines the strengths of each wax (e.g., scent throw of paraffin with the clean burn of soy). Can be customized for texture, burn time, and scent throw.	Some may prefer pure wax types over blends.

How to Use Wax Melts

Wax melts are heated in a wax warmer that features a ceramic heater or light bulb.

If you’re new to wax melts, using them is simple:

Choose Your Wax Melts: Pick a scent that suits your mood or the atmosphere you’re trying to create.

Set Up Your Wax Warmer: Wax warmers come in two types: electric and tealight-powered. Choose the one that best fits your preferences.

Place the Wax Melt in the Warmer: Break off a piece of the wax melt and place it in the warming dish. You only need a small piece to start with, as the fragrance can be quite strong.

Turn On the Wax Warmer: For electric warmers, simply plug in and turn on the device. For tealight warmers, light the tealight underneath.

Enjoy the Fragrance: As the wax melts, the fragrance will fill the room. Enjoy the scent until it starts to fade, then replace the wax with a fresh piece.

Benefits of Wax Melts

Wax melts provide several benefits including the following:

• They are Reusable: Wax melts are reusable so you can recycle them again and again. You can use them in your warmer or for a variety of other purposes. You can even use them as regular wax after the scent goes away.

• They Run on a Timer: Some warmers run on a timer. If this is the case, the timer will turn itself off. You won’t have to worry about leaving it burning to cause a fire risk.

• Relatively Safe: Wax warmers require electricity, or they warm via a tea light under the bowl. Either way, there is no exposed flame. This greatly reduces the risk of fire.

• Affordable: Wax melts require a lot less materials to make than candles, so they are a more affordable option.

• No Paraffin Wax: Most candles are made of a paraffin wax that may emit carcinogens. Wax melts are commonly made of soy wax that’s safe, environmentally friendly and can also be vegan and cruelty free.

• Convenient: Wax melts are convenient to use. Just pop one into the warmer and you are good to go. The compact size of the melts and warmers also make them easy to store or travel with.

• Control the Fragrance: A wax melt allows you to control your fragrance. Pop a small chunk into the warmer for light scent. Use a larger chunk for a stronger aroma.

• No Soot: Wax melts do not produce soot that can stain furniture and surfaces and negatively affect one’s health.

• Customize Fragrances: You can mix and match wax melts to come up with your own custom fragrances.

• Less Waste: Most candles come in a glass or metal container that’s likely to get thrown out once the candle burns. A wax melt does not require those materials and, therefore, produces less waste.

Wax Melts vs. Candles

When it comes to filling your home with fragrance, both wax warmers and candles are popular options. But which one is right for you? Let’s break down the key differences.

Feature	Wax Warmers	Candles
Safety	Wax warmers are considered safer as they don’t require an open flame, making them ideal for homes with children or pets.	Candles require an open flame, which can pose a fire hazard if left unattended.
Fragrance Intensity	Wax melts provide a consistent fragrance experience, as the wax is melted evenly without a flame, offering a steady scent throughout.	Candle fragrance intensity can vary. Candles often provide a stronger initial scent throw but may become inconsistent over time.
Convenience	Wax warmers allow for easy scent changes and generally need less maintenance. Electric warmers can be switched on and off easily.	Candles require wick trimming and proper burning to avoid tunneling. Once lit, they need to burn for a certain time to achieve an even melt pool.
Cost	Wax warmers may have a higher initial cost, but wax melts are often more economical in the long run compared to buying multiple candles.	High-quality candles can be expensive, especially if you like to frequently change up your scents.
Aesthetic Appeal	Candles provide a classic, ambient glow, perfect for creating a relaxing or romantic atmosphere.	Wax warmers are available in various styles, from modern electric options to charming tealight warmers, to complement your decor.

Best Wax Melts for Home Fragrance

Choosing the best wax melts for home fragrance can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some of the top wax melts that are known for their quality and long-lasting scents:

1. Yankee Candle Wax Melts

Yankee Candle is a well-known brand for a reason. Their wax melts offer a wide variety of fragrances, from floral to fruity, and are known for their strong scent throw. They are made from paraffin wax, which means they provide a consistent and long-lasting fragrance.

2. Scentsy Wax Bars

Scentsy wax bars are popular for their unique fragrance blends and quality. Made from a custom paraffin wax blend, these melts are designed to provide a consistent and strong fragrance.

3. Febreze Wax Melts

Febreze wax melts are great for eliminating odours while adding a pleasant fragrance to your space. They are known for their odour-eliminating properties and work well in kitchens and bathrooms. The fragrances are light and fresh, making them perfect for daily use.

4. Better Homes & Gardens Wax Cubes

Better Homes & Gardens offers affordable wax melts that are perfect for budget-conscious shoppers. Despite the lower price, these wax melts provide a surprisingly good scent throw and come in a wide range of fragrances, from sweet to earthy.

5. Handmade Soy Wax Melts (Etsy)

If you prefer natural options, handmade soy wax melts from Etsy are a fantastic choice. Many independent sellers offer small-batch, handcrafted soy wax melts with unique, custom scents. These melts are eco-friendly and provide a clean burn, making them a popular choice for those who prefer natural ingredients.

Melting Wax Safely

Melting wax safely is crucial, whether you’re using a wax warmer or making your own candles. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

Use the Right Equipment

• Wax Warmers: Always use a wax warmer that is specifically designed for wax melts. Avoid makeshift alternatives, as they can pose a risk.

• Thermometer: If you’re melting wax for DIY projects, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Wax should be heated to the right temperature—too hot, and it can become a fire hazard.

Avoid Overheating

• Keep Temperature in Check: Wax can become dangerous if it overheats. If you’re using a double boiler to melt wax, never leave it unattended, and ensure the water doesn’t boil dry.

• Electric Warmers: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe usage and avoid keeping the warmer on for extended periods.

Fire Safety

• No Open Flames: When using wax warmers, avoid using them near flammable materials. If you’re using a tealight-powered warmer, make sure the tealight is placed securely and is not at risk of tipping over.

• Proper Ventilation: Always melt wax in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling concentrated fumes.

Keep Away from Children and Pets

• Hot Wax Can Burn: Keep wax warmers and melted wax out of reach of children and pets. Hot wax can cause burns, and curious pets may knock over warmers.

• Cord Safety: For electric warmers, make sure cords are placed safely to prevent tripping or accidental pulling.

What to Do with Leftover Wax

One terrific benefit wax melts provide is their ability to be reused. You can pop them into the warmer again and again until their fragrance wears off, or you can recycle them in the following ways:

Make a Scented Pouch: You can combine the leftover wax and put it into a small pouch. If the pouch closes, great. If not, you can sew together your own closing pouch to envelope the wax.

This can serve as a sachet that can be put in underwear and sock draws or anywhere in the house that you want to smell terrific.

Make a Candle: You can also make your wax melts into a candle. Use a jam jar or coffee can as your container. A candle wick can be bought in most craft stores. Use a glue gun to glue the wick into the center of the can or jar.

Then warm up your wax in the wax warmer and allow it to cool but not solidify and pour it into the can.

Note, you can pour the wax in layers allowing each to solidify before pouring the next. This will allow you to make a multi-colored candle that looks as terrific as it smells.

Put it in Your Garbage Cans: Garbage cans can sure smell nasty. The next time you change yours out, put your wax melt inside the rim and secure it with sellotape. This will neutralize the odor keeping it smelling great.

Use it in the Bathroom: The bathroom is another location that could use some odor neutralization. Put your wax melts in a dish next to the sink or on top of the toilet to fill the room with a pleasant aroma.

FAQs

Are Wax Melts Safe?

Yes, wax melts are generally safe, especially compared to traditional candles since they don’t require an open flame. This makes them an excellent choice for homes with children or pets. Just be mindful to keep the wax warmer out of reach, as the melted wax can be quite hot.

How Long Do Wax Melts Last?

The longevity of wax melts depends on the type and quality of wax as well as the fragrance oil used. On average, a single piece of wax melt can last anywhere between 6 to 10 hours.

Can You Reuse Wax Melts?

Yes, you can reuse wax melts until the fragrance is no longer noticeable. Once the scent fades, it’s time to replace the wax.

Do Wax Melts Evaporate?

Unlike candles, wax melts do not evaporate. The wax will remain in the warmer until you remove it; it’s the fragrance that dissipates over time.

How Do You Remove Old Wax from the Warmer?

The easiest way to remove old wax is to let it harden and then gently pop it out. Alternatively, you can warm the wax just enough to loosen it and wipe it away with a paper towel.

Final Thoughts on Wax Melts

Wax melts are a fantastic way to add fragrance to your space without the hassle of traditional candles. They’re easy to use, customisable, and safe. Whether you’re trying to create a relaxing atmosphere after a long day or adding a fresh scent to your home, wax melts can easily do the trick.

If you’ve never tried wax melts before, now is the perfect time to experience what makes them so beloved by many. Happy melting!

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How Long Do Wax Melts Last
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