Wax melts are growing in popularity, and there are good reasons for it. They are a great alternative to traditional scented candles: they release fragrance quickly, and you can give your home a beautiful aroma without an open flame. In addition, they are less expensive than certain types of scented candles.
But what are wax melts, and how do you properly use them?
What is a wax melt?
A wax melt is a small piece of scented wax. It comes in many shapes, and it can have different sizes. The classic ones are round or chocolate bar-shaped, but you can also find ones resembling flowers, shells, or hearts. The most popular wax melts are made of paraffin (the most affordable ones), plant-based wax like soy or coconut (environment-friendly, sustainably resourced, and vegan) or beeswax (eco-friendly but not vegan), and essential or fragrance oils. We already covered the properties of different wax types and tips on choosing the right ones for your needs in our earlier post.
How to use wax melts?
The type of wax used does not affect how you use wax melts. The general instructions are the same.
What are wax melts used for?
Like scented candles, wax melts release the fragrance to bring a cosy ambience into your room (or other space). You can use them not only to cover unpleasant smells and create a welcoming atmosphere but also for their aromatherapeutic properties. A pleasant scent can improve your mood, remove stress and tension, and help you relax.
The manufacturer should provide information about the fragrance used in wax melts. If you'd like to use them for aromatherapy, choose a proven scent known for its calming properties, like lavender, camomille, or eucalyptus, instead of heavy perfumed ones. Using essential oils is better than synthetic fragrances. But it's still important to check if you're not allergic (yes, you can get those even from 100% natural products).
One of the best advantages of wax melts is that they reach a full fragrance release much faster than traditional candles. It can take more than thirty minutes for the candle fragrance to disperse. For most wax melts, it can take only 10 to 15 minutes to reach its' full fragrance release. If you are having unexpected visitors, it will be a perfect choice!
How do wax melts work?
You may ask yourself, how to burn wax melts if they don't have a wick? That's simple! You will need a wax burner to warm them up. When the wax reaches the proper temperature, it melts and releases the fragrance into the air.
There are two types of wax melters: an electric and a classic tealight burner. You can read about differences in our post Electric and Tealight candle wax melter comparison.
How to use a wax melt burner
Using a wax burner is easy. No matter the type of melter, always check if the surface is clean (you can wipe it with a tissue to remove dust or other impurities).
Place the wax melt on the top. Wax burners can have different sizes, so remember to choose the one compatible with the volume of the melt (you can also break the wax melt to make it smaller or add some more later on). This way, you will avoid spilling the melted wax and dripping from the reservoir.
Depending on the sort of wax burner, you either light a tealight and place it on the bottom (under the wax melt) or turn on the electric melter according to instructions provided by the manufacturer. The wax will melt when it reaches the right temperature, and you can enjoy the fragrance! If you notice that the melted wax pool starts to drip out the edge (some reservoirs may be too shallow for the volume of your wax), don't panic. Just take a tissue and dip it carefully to absorb the excessive wax.
Remember to use a wax burner according to safety instructions: place it on a flat surface, away from the reach of kids and pets or objects that can catch a flame, and never leave it unattended while burning. And if you wonder if wax melts are safe for your pet, read our post here.
How long do wax melts last?
How long one wax melt will smell depends on its size and fragrance density. The average piece can release the scent up to 6-8 hours before you need to replace it. So, how often should you change wax melts? When you can't smell it anymore. If you don't feel the scent of the melted wax, remove it and replace it with a new one. You can scoop the old wax melt with a spoon when it's solid (cold) or with a paper kitchen towel when the wax is still liquid. Just make a ball of the towel and carefully dip it until it absorbs the wax.Do wax melts expire?
Yes, but you have plenty of time to use them. The general shelf life of wax melts is about one year. Always store them in a cool and dark place. And do wax melts lose their scent? It can evaporate if you leave them out of the packaging for a long time and exposed to temperature changes. Store your wax melts flat to prevent fragrance oils from moving down over time.Summary:
You just learned what wax melts are and how to use them properly. You will need a wax burner, and there's a broad choice of them in the stores. Choose one that suits your needs. Some can be expensive (because of the fancy design), but you can get a simple one at almost no cost.If using a classic melter, light a tealight candle and place it on the bottom. If it's an electric melter, follow the manufacturer's instructions to turn it on. Then, place the wax melt on top and wait for it to heat up and melt.
Now you know how to use wax melts. Visit our store and find your favourite scents.