Wax Melts 101: Your Ultimate Guide to Flame-Free Fragrance

Posted by Rachel Meyer on 10/29/2024 to Information

You may have seen small containers of wax blocks when candle shopping or browsing social media. They look more like candle-making supplies than proper candles.

Those are called wax melts, one of the products we get the most questions about as a candle company. These little wax cubes are a great alternative to regular candles, but most people don't even know what they are.

In this post, we're covering all things wax melts- explaining what they are, how to use them, and more. You'll be a wax melt expert by the end, so let's go ahead and get started.

What Are Wax Melts?

Wax melts, or wax tarts, are small cubes or pieces of wax meant to be melted in a wax warmer. They're generally made of paraffin or soy wax, which is the better option. While cubes are the traditional shape, they also come in circles, bars, or other unique shapes.

The Benefits of Wax Melts

No Flame

Most people love wax melts because you don't need an open flame to melt them. For those nervous about burning candles, these can be a great alternative.

Small Size

We love a large 16oz candle as much as the next person, but we admit they take up a lot of space in your home. Wax melts are much smaller and easily fit in a drawer when not used.

Long-lasting

Each cube of wax's scent can last about 8-10 hours. A complete package of wax melts can produce around 60 hours of fragrance, almost double a regular 7 oz candle.

Concentrated Scent

Wax melts have a far more concentrated scent than a traditional candle. If you find regular candle fragrance disappointing, try wax melts instead.

Extend Candle Life

Candles can only be burned until about ½” of wax is left. To extend its life, remove that wax and use it as a DIY wax melt.

What is a Wax Warmer?

A wax warmer is a decorative item designed to melt wax cubes. There are different types of melting mechanisms and designs, such as lanterns or ceramic pots.

Electric with Lightbulb

The electric wax warmer uses the heat from a lightbulb to warm and melt the wax. The lightbulb may be visible or hidden inside the design, giving the warmer a bright glow.

Electric with Heating Plate

Another electric option is one with a heating plate, which uses electricity to warm the wax. It’s a good option if you don’t want the brightness of a lightbulb while melting your wax cubes.

Tea Light

The final type of wax warmer uses the heat from a tea light to melt the wax. Some people don't like this option because of the flame aspect, but it works just fine.

How to Use Wax Melts

#1: Choose Your Melts

Start by picking what scent you want. You can choose a single fragrance or combine two wax melts to make a unique blend.

#2: Place in the Warmer

Place your wax melts in the dish part of your wax warmer. You’ll only need one or two wax cubes, as their scent is quite strong.

Do not add any water to the wax melts. It doesn’t need it, and adding water can cause the wax to splatter.

#3: Turn on Your Warmer

Now, it’s time to turn on the warmer! Keep the warmer and any cords on a heat-safe surface away from flammable material.

#4: Enjoy the Scent!

Now, all you have to do is leave your warmer on as long as you'd like. Five hours is the general rule of thumb, but you don't have to go that long.

#5: Allow the Wax to Fully Cool

You can melt the wax in your warmer several times before replacing it. Make sure the wax fully cools between uses. This prevents your wax from deforming.

#6: Clean the Warmer

Clean out the old wax before putting a new scent in the warmer. You don’t want to melt fresh wax in a dirty warmer.

How to Clean a Wax Warmer

Dos and Dont's

Do:

Clean your warmer before melting a new scent
Be careful when handling the warmer, especially when it's hot

Don't

Clean the warmer while plugged in or lit
Pour melted wax down the drain

Method #1: for Mountain City Candles wax melts

Did you purchase our wax melts from Mountain City Candles? If so, cleaning your warmer is super easy. When your wax is completely cool, press down on one side of the wax with your thumb or index finger for just a few seconds. You may also be able to rotate the wax as you apply pressure.

The pressure should be just enough to loosen the wax from your warmer. Your wax melt should pop right out effortlessly. If not, the freezer method below will work perfectly.

Method #2: Freezer

Like a regular candle, you can put just the dish of your wax warmer in the freezer for a bit to shrink the wax, then pop it out.

Method #3: Soak it Up

While the wax is still warm, put a few cotton balls in the warmer and allow them to soak up the liquid wax. Throw away the cotton balls and wipe away any residue carefully with a paper towel.

Method #4: Wax Warmer Liner

Consider investing in a wax warmer liner to make cleaning your warmer even easier. These are made of either paper or silicone, allowing you to pop out the wax and throw it away when you’re done.

Caring for Wax Melts

Store Properly

Like candles, wax melts last better when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Place Wax Warmer in a Safe Place

While most warmers don’t use open flames, keeping your warmer in a safe spot when it’s on is still a good idea. No one wants hot wax burns or to clean wax out of the carpet.

Don’t Melt Too Long

Like a candle, you don’t want to leave your wax warmer on for too long of a period. Wax melts don’t evaporate like a regular candle, so don't be surprised if the wax level doesn't go down.

Lifespan

Wax melt scents generally last about 8-10 hours. You know it’s time to change your wax melts once they no longer release fragrance.

Wax melts are a great way alternative to regular candles. If you've struggled to enjoy candles, give them a try.

Looking for some eco-friendly soy wax melts made here in the USA? You’ve come to the right place! Every scent we offer is also available in a wax melt, so you can easily discover your perfect fragrance.

SHOP WAX MELTS