How to Use Wax Melts & FAQ'S

Wax melts have grown in popularity over the past few years. Made with wax and fragrance and/or essential oils, wax melts to create a cozy and long-lasting scent when paired with a warmer. This post has included all the frequently asked questions about how to use wax melts.

What are Wax Melts?

Wax melts (sometimes referred to as tarts) are aromatic pieces of wax that do not require an open flame. Think of wax melts as a sister to candles, with the most obvious difference being the size and wick; wax melts don’t have a wick.

How to Use Wax Melts?

Place a wax cube into the top of your wax melt burner. If you’re using an electric warmer, there should be a switch or button to turn it on. If you’re using a warmer, light your tea light and pop it into the designated hole below the dish.

What are the benefits of wax melts?

Wax melts are a great way to add fragrance to your home without a flame. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and come in many scents. The benefits of wax melts include the following:

They are safer than candles since there is no open flame.
They allow you to switch up your scents quickly and easily.
They are generally easier to clean up than candles.
They are often less expensive than candles.
They typically last longer than candles.
They can be used in various settings, including the bathroom, bedroom, living room, and kitchen.

How Are Wax Melts Different From Candles?

Wax melts are a great alternative to candles and offer a few unique benefits. Wax melts are made of scented wax heated in a wax warmer. This produces a fragrance without the risk of an open flame. They also provide a longer-lasting scent as the wax does not evaporate like a candle. Wax melts are also much easier to use and clean up, as you don’t need to worry about any melted wax or wick trimmings.

How Is The Scent Of Wax Melt Blends In Comparison To Candles?

With wax melts, you heat the wax instead of burning it, so the scent slowly dissipates. Because of this process, wax melts usually have a stronger scent than candles. Since the aroma slowly fills the room, the scent can last after you turn the warmer off, compared to a candle that gives a quick fragrance.

What Is The Safest Type Of Wax Melt?

Select soy wax melts or beeswax melts, instead of those made from paraffin wax. Paraffin is the cheapest option but one of the worst for your health. Soy wax contains nothing artificial, making it a better alternative to paraffin wax, which is made from a petroleum by-product that produces harmful toxins when burned or melted. Beeswax is also an excellent option for DIY wax melts but a more expensive option.

For those who prefer natural scents, look for make wax melts with essential oils for a healthier scent option. Just be sure to avoid essential oils deemed unsafe for kids and pets. Lavender and lemon essential oils are pleasant scents for homes.

How many times can you use wax Tarts?

You can use wax melts repeatedly until they no longer give off fragrance. When the scent is gone, it’s time to replace them. This can be after 5-8 hours of use for lower quality products with less fragrance throw (how well the smell is distributed). Or after 12-18 hours for high-quality melts.

How long should you leave wax melts on in the wax melt warmer?

There are varying opinions online about how long you should leave a wax warmer on. Some manufacturers recommend no more than 4 hours, while other sources say 8-10 hours.

Can you leave wax melts on all night?

Much like a candle, you want to ensure that wax warmers are turned off overnight or anytime you are away from home. Do not run a wax warmer overnight or while you’re away from home. Always place them outside of a child’s reach on a non-flammable surface. Tea light warmers should be closely monitored, and a warmer should not be left on for hours as the continual heat could damage the unit.

Do you use wax melts until they evaporate?

Unlike candles, wax melts do not evaporate, even after multiple uses. Wax melts are used until the fragrance dissipates.

What to do with Wax Melts After Used?

After the fragrance dissipates, you’ll be left with unscented leftover wax that can be used for other purposes. You can re-melt old wax melts to make homemade wax melts in new scents, homemade candles, fire starters for the campfire/fireplace, and scented pouches to put around the house. Silicone molds or a small ice cube tray work well for DIY wax cubes.

Can I use wax melts without a wax burner?

A wax melt warmer is the easiest and most efficient way to melt your wax melts. They also look fantastic as a piece of home decor. However, there are many DIY methods that you can use as well. All you need is a heat source with a tray (burner dish) close enough to place the wax on top and melt.

One option is to use a double boiler. Heat water in a pot, place a smaller pot, bowl, or mason jar into the water, and place your wax melts into it. They will begin to melt and release the scent.

Another option is to use a microwave. This is not an ideal method, and I don’t recommend it. However, *if* you are desperate, you can put wax melts into a glass bowl and microwave them in increments of 10 seconds at a time until they are fully melted.

What are the different kinds of warmers?

Incandescent bulb – is the older light bulb that gives off heat (think of the Easy Bake Oven). The heat will melt the wax, allowing the scent to permeate the room.

Heating plate – these come in various sizes and are discrete in appearance.

Plug-in – if you lack space on your counter, these are handy. You plug into a wall outlet and forget about them. If you wish for the aroma to stop, unplug it and store it upright until the wax solidifies.

Tea light – the wax is suspended above a tea light to allow it to melt from the flame’s heat. These provide a nice, soft glow similar to the incandescent bulb. Nothing beats the glow from a real candle.

How to use wax melts in the car?

Make an air fresher to put in your car! Open a shaker jar (think parmesan cheese shaker from a pizza/Italian restaurant). Put a few pieces of wax melts inside the jar. Put the lid on the jar and place it in your car’s cup holder. Leave your car in the summer heat; the sunlight will melt the wax, and the scent will fill the vehicle. You could also hang a macrame mirror charm, with a small glass jar, from your rearview mirror. The sun will melt the wax releasing the scent into your car.

How to remove the wax/clean your warmer

If your wax warmer is not on and has hardened, it is easier to remove it by turning it back on so the wax loosens a bit from the edges and is easier to remove as a solid piece! Use a scraper to help with this, so you don’t burn your fingers, and be sure to wipe it down with a damp cloth or paper towel.

An easy and mess-free way to discard the remaining liquid wax is to pour it into a ziplock bag and then throw it away, or you can pour the melted wax directly into a garbage can with a strong garbage bag. Unless you want plumbing problems, the drain is never a safe place to pour liquid wax.

Note: It is not recommended that you add water to your melted wax. When even a small amount of melted or boiled wax comes in contact with water, it can cause a wax fire reaction.