Ever wonder what wax melts are and how to use them? Look no further! Learn how to use wax melts, where to buy and more in this informative post.
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What Are Wax Melts?
Wax melts are scented wax pieces, much like small candles except without any wicks. They produce a fragrance when warmed and slowly melted. They can be made with a variety of waxes, fragrances and essential oils, as well as come in a variety of shapes, scents and sizes.
How to Use Wax Melts
There are primarily two types of wax melt warmers: tea light warmers and electric warmers. The steps are the same for both.
- If you are using purchased wax melts that come in chocolate bar-form, break off one piece of wax melt. If using single wax melts or cubes, skip this step.
- Place the wax melt into the dish of the warmer.
- Light the tea light for the bottom of the warmer or flip the switch or button on for an electric warmer.
- Once the wax melter is going, the wax melt will slowly melt and release an aroma for several hours, depending on the size of the wax melt used as well as the warmer being used.
Top Tips
- If using a tea light warmer, check to make sure the tealight candle flame has not put itself out. You may need to replace it before the wax melt has melted completely.
- If leaving your home before a wax melt has run its course, you can turn off the warmer or extinguish the candle and allow the wax to re-harden for use another time.
- To clean a wax warmer, allow any remaining amount of wax to harden, then turn the wax burner on until the wax melt has softened just enough to be scooped out easily. Scoop the wax into the trash, then wipe the warmer with a soft, damp cloth.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners when cleaning the bowl of a wipe warmer to both maintain the integrity of the warmers, but to also avoid using anything that can create toxic fumes when in use.
- For ease and convenience, you can purchase reusable liners for wax warmers that make clean up a breeze.
- You can repurpose old candle wax by cutting it into pieces and placing it directly into a wax warmer or you can melt old candle wax, pour into a silicone ice cube tray until hardened, then pop out for your own DIY wax melts!
Where to Buy Wax Melts
Wax melts are now commonly sold in many big box stores like Target and Walmart, however these wax melts often have synthetic fragrance oils and paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct.
For healthier, more non-toxic wax melts, I recommend purchasing homemade wax melts from places like Etsy, soy wax melts from Happy Wax, organic beeswax wax melts, or carefully perusing Amazon for wax melts made with high-quality ingredients. My favorite types of wax melts are made with soy wax or beeswax.
Wax Melts vs Candles
Wax melts and candles are similar in nature, though wax melts are safer to use.
Candles involve the use of a lit wick that produces a flame and melts the wax.
Wax melts use electricity or tea light candles that burn themselves out, making them a bit safer.
Some wax melt burners offer the option of adding a candle jar instead of a wax melt for wax melting purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wax melts and warmers are designed to be used without water. I do not advise adding water to a wax melt warmer burner dish.
You can use and reuse a wax melt until the scent disappears. The wax melt itself will never evaporate, only the fragrance.
To make your own wax melt warmer, simply place a lit tea light candle into a mason jar, then pop a small heat-safe dish or tart tin on top of the jar. Place the wax melt into the dish and enjoy!
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How to Use Wax Melts
Equipment
Instructions
- If you are using purchased wax melts that come in chocolate bar-form, break off one piece of wax melt. If using single wax melts or cubes, skip this step.
- Place the wax melt into the dish of the warmer.
- Light the tea light for the bottom of the warmer or flip the switch or button on for an electric warmer.
- Once the wax melter is going, the wax melt will slowly melt and release an aroma for several hours, depending on the size of the wax melt used as well as the warmer being used.
- Allow the wax melt to melt until the fragrance completely dissipates, the tea light puts itself out, you flip the switch of the burner or a set timer on the burner runs its course. See full post above for more information!
Liz says
A friend of mine gave me wax melts and a warmer but I have always used candles. This post was very helpful and informational as I want to get the most out of them. Thank you!
Kristen says
I'm so very happy to hear it. Thank you for sharing! 🙂