Wax melts are one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to fragrance your home, but if you are new to them, a few simple tips will help you get the most from every melt. Here is everything a beginner needs to know.
What you need to get started
To use wax melts you need two things: the wax melts themselves, and a wax burner. Burners come in two main types:
- Tea light burners: A ceramic or glass dish suspended above a space for a tea light candle. The tea light heats the dish from below, melting the wax and releasing the fragrance. These are the most common type and are available in a huge range of styles.
- Electric burners: A dish heated by an electric element rather than a flame. These are the safest option, particularly for homes with children or pets, and many have timers and adjustable heat settings.
How to use wax melts step by step
- Place one or two wax melts in the dish of your burner. Start with one melt and add a second if you want a stronger fragrance. Do not overfill the dish.
- Light your tea light (or switch on your electric burner).
- Allow the wax to melt. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. As the wax melts, it will begin to release its fragrance into the room.
- Enjoy the fragrance. A single melt will typically provide 8 to 12 hours of fragrance before the scent fades.
- When the fragrance fades, replace the wax. Allow the wax to cool and solidify, then remove it from the dish. The easiest method is to place the burner in the freezer for 10 minutes, after which the wax will pop out cleanly. Alternatively, use a cotton wool ball to absorb the liquid wax while it is still warm.
- Wipe the dish clean with a paper towel before adding fresh melts.
How many wax melts should you use?
One melt is usually enough for a small to medium room. For a larger space, or if you prefer a stronger fragrance, use two melts. Avoid using more than two at a time as this can make the fragrance overwhelming and may cause the dish to overflow.
Can you mix wax melt scents?
Yes, and it can produce beautiful results. The key is to mix scents from the same fragrance family. Two florals, two fresh scents, or two warm woody scents will almost always complement each other. Mixing scents from very different families, such as a heavy musk and a sharp citrus, can produce an unpleasant result.
Safety tips
- Never leave a tea light burner unattended
- Keep burners away from flammable materials
- Do not add water to the wax dish
- Allow the burner to cool completely before handling
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
Browse our wax melt range and explore our Best Sellers for popular fragrance choices. All made in Carlisle, Cumbria using premium soy wax.