You may have come across the term wax melts without knowing exactly what they are or how they are used. Wax melts are scented pieces of wax, made to fragrance your home without a wick and without being lit directly.
When they are warmed in a special burner, they melt gradually and release their scent into the room. They are a simple, versatile alternative to scented candles, especially if you like changing the fragrances in your home often.
What do wax melts look like?
Wax melts come in all sorts of shapes, colours and sizes. You will find them as bars that snap into pieces, as little hearts, flowers or other decorative shapes.
Handmade ones can have small differences in colour or appearance. Those little quirks are perfectly normal, and they are what make each piece unique.
Unlike a classic candle, a wax melt:
- has no wick;
- is never lit directly;
- is only used in a wax burner;
- can be warmed many times over, until the scent fades.
What do you need to use wax melts?
To use a wax melt you need:
- a burner made specially for wax;
- an unscented tea light, if you are using a classic burner;
- or a compatible electric burner;
- one or more pieces of wax melt, depending on the size of the dish.
A burner has a small dish on top, where the scented wax sits. The heat source underneath warms the wax, which starts to melt and release its fragrance.
How do you use a wax melt properly?
It could not be simpler:
- Place the burner on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Put a piece of wax melt in the dish on top.
- If you are using a classic burner, place an unscented tea light underneath and light it.
- If you are using an electric burner, switch it on following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Wait for the wax to melt and start releasing its fragrance.
- Turn off the heat source once the scent is strong enough, or whenever you want to stop.
Start with a single piece. If you would like a stronger scent and the burner is roomy enough, you can add another one later.
Do not overfill the dish, because melted wax can spill over.
Does the wax disappear as you use it?
No. Unlike candle wax, which is gradually consumed as the wick burns, the wax in a burner does not disappear the same way.
A wax melt can be melted and left to set again many times over. With each use the scent fades a little. When the wax no longer gives off enough fragrance, it is time to replace it.
How long the scent lasts can depend on:
- how much wax you use;
- the strength and type of the fragrance;
- the size of the room;
- the temperature of the burner;
- how long each session lasts;
- how intense the chosen scent is.
How do you get the wax out of the burner?
Before removing the wax, turn the burner off and let it cool.
To lift out wax that has set, you can warm the burner for a very short moment, just long enough for the base of the wax to come loose. Then turn off the heat source and carefully take the piece out.
Another option is to soak up the liquid wax with cotton pads or paper towels once you have turned off the heat. Do take care that the wax is not too hot.
Do not use sharp objects to prise the wax out, as you could scratch, crack or damage the burner. And never pour melted wax down the sink or the toilet.
Wax melts or scented candles?
Both create a lovely atmosphere, but the experience is a little different.
A scented candle gives you both the fragrance and the warm light of a flame. Wax melts suit you better when you want to change scent more often, or to control how much wax you use.
Wax melts may be for you if:
- you like trying lots of fragrances;
- you want to blend different scents;
- you prefer choosing how much you use;
- you already have a wax burner;
- you want a simple way to fragrance your home.
With an electric burner you get the scent without an open flame. Even so, the device should be supervised and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can you mix the scents?
Yes, and it is one of the nicest things about wax melts. You can combine pieces with different fragrances to create your own room scent.
For example, you might pair:
- a floral scent with a fruity one;
- vanilla with citrus notes;
- sweet fragrances with woody notes;
- fresh scents with a delicate hint of mint.
Start with small pieces, so the blend does not become too intense. Write down the combinations you love, so you can recreate them.
Wax melts are not wardrobe fresheners
Even though both products are made of scented wax, wax melts should not be confused with wardrobe fresheners.
Wax melts are designed to be melted in a special burner. Wardrobe fresheners are made to scent small spaces and are used without any heat.
Always follow the instructions on the product, and never put anything in a burner that is not clearly labelled as a wax melt.
Advice for using them safely
- Only use a burner designed for wax melts.
- Never place the wax directly on a heat source.
- Do not add water, oil or any other substance to the wax.
- Do not move the burner while the wax is liquid or hot.
- Never leave the burner on unattended.
- Do not place it near curtains or flammable materials.
- Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not touch the dish while in use, as it can become very hot.
- Air the room and stop using it if the scent becomes too intense.
- Follow the instructions from the burner's manufacturer.
See how wax melts are used
If you would like to see exactly how the wax goes into the burner and how it starts to release its fragrance, I have made a short video as well.
▶️ **Watch my video about wax melts**
Discover wax melts from Dreya Candles
Wax melts are a simple, lovely way to bring your favourite scent into your home. Choose the fragrance that suits your mood, drop a piece into the burner and let it transform the room.
Every Dreya Candles product is made by hand, with care and attention to detail, to bring a little beauty and fragrance to your moments at home.
Discover the scents available in **our shop**.