Everything about wax melts explained
How to use wax melts
Place one or more pieces of the melt in a wax warmer or oil burner dish and light a tea-light candle underneath. Wax melters can also be powered by electricity with a hot light bulb.
When the wax melts, it releases the trapped fragrance oil vapour into the air, filling the room with that scent. Wax melts do not have a wick, so there is no flame or soot to worry about. This is why they are also labelled as 'wickless candles'. This makes wax melts a safer and cleaner alternative to candles where there are children or pets.
What are the Benefits of Using Wax Melts?
Melts add fragrance to a room without needing a candle or diffuser. They are cheaper than other home fragrance products and can be reused multiple times before losing their scent.
Can wax melts make my pet ill?
We have covered this subject in depth in this blog article
Melts can be stored in any cool and dry place for up to one year and used whenever you want a scent boost. We manufacture and sell our melts within three months. If any are left over after this period, we offer them for free in competitions, or they are reduced in our Outlet store for a quick sale. This makes them a convenient and hassle-free option for busy households.
How long do wax melts last when melted?
Some considerations include the type of wax used, the fragrance used, and the temperature of the wax warmer or oil burner. On average, a single wax melt can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, but some can last up to 20 or more. As a rule, our ten-chunk clamshells (55g) last up to 80 hours.
Paraffin wax can last longer than soy wax because of its denser composition, but soy wax melts tend to release fragrance more quickly. Beeswax and coconut wax melts also tend to have a longer burn time than other wax melts. If the scent is released slower and is weaker, the overall scent life will be longer.
The fragrance used can also affect the cast time of wax melts. Some fragrances are stronger than others, so they don't need to be melted for as long to cast their scent.
The temperature of the wax warmer or oil burner will also affect the scent life of wax melts. If the temperature is too high, the wax may melt too quickly, and the fragrance will be released too quickly, shortening the overall duration. If the temperature is too low, the wax may not melt enough to release the fragrance properly, reducing the period.
What are wax melts?
They are small, scented pieces of wax that are melted in a wax warmer or oil burner (electric or candle). They can be manufactured using a base wax of paraffin, soy, or other natural waxes. Wax is blended with fragrance oils to create the scents. Melts are found in every possible combination of size, shape, colour and fragrance and are usually sold in packs or bundles.
Types of Wax Melts
Several types of wax melts are available, each with unique properties and benefits. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular types of wax melts:
Soy Wax Melts:
Soy wax is a natural wax made from soybeans. Soy wax melts are known for their clean burning and long-lasting fragrance. They are also environmentally friendly and are a popular choice for those who want to use natural products in their homes.
Paraffin Wax Melts:
Paraffin wax is a by-product of crude oil and is one of the most commonly used waxes in wax melts. Paraffin wax melts are known for their strong fragrance and ability to hold onto scent for a long time. They are also more affordable than other types of wax melts, making them a popular choice for larger manufacturers,
Beeswax Melts:
Beeswax is a natural wax made by bees. Beeswax melts are known for their subtle, honey-like scent and are an excellent option for those who prefer a more natural fragrance. They are also environmentally friendly and can be reused multiple times before they lose their scent.
Coconut Wax Melts:
Coconut wax is a natural wax made from the flesh of coconuts. Coconut wax melts are known for their clean, burning and long-lasting fragrance. They also have a slightly lower melting point than other waxes, which means they melt faster and release their fragrance more quickly. Coconut wax melts are an excellent option for those who want a natural and sustainable home fragrance product.
Tips for Choosing Wax Melts
When choosing wax melts, there are a few things to remember to ensure that you choose the right ones for your needs. Firstly, consider the type of wax used in the melts. Paraffin wax melts are more affordable but may not be as environmentally friendly as soy or beeswax melts. Soy wax melts are an excellent option for those who want a natural and sustainable product. Beeswax melts are also a good choice for those who prefer natural products.
Consider the fragrance of the wax melts. Wax melts come in many scents, so choose one that suits your preferences. Consider the strength of the aroma, as some wax melts are more subtle than others. It's also a good idea to choose a fragrance that complements the décor and ambience of the room you plan to use them in.
Finally, consider the shape and size of the wax melts. Some wax melts come in small, square cubes; others are shaped like flowers, stars, or other decorative shapes. Choose a shape and size that fits your wax warmer or oil burner and suits your style.
Do wax melts lose their scent if not used? How long is the shelf life?
Over time, wax melts can lose their scent if unused. The smell of a wax melt can dissipate over time due to exposure to air and changes in temperature or humidity. However, the rate at which a wax melt loses its scent can vary depending on several factors, including the wax used, the quality of the fragrance oil, and how the wax melts are stored.
How to increase the life of your wax melts and help them maintain their scent
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Use wax melts within one year of purchase to ensure the best possible fragrance experience. Store them flat as you imagine they were poured. The fragrance oil will move around over time and can sink to the bottom.
In the example of our clamshell choc bar, they are poured flat, and it won't matter if the oil sinks because they are used one chunk at a time. If stored on their side, half of the five chunks will have double the amount of oil, and the other five chunks will contain none or little oil. This is the same with all types of wax and affects all manufacturers.