Do Wax Melts Burn Away Completely?
What Are Wax Melts?
Wax melts, also sometimes referred to as tart melts, are small pieces of scented wax that are designed to be melted to release their fragrance (Everything You Need to Know About Wax Melts). They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents and are made of soy, paraffin, or a blend of waxes.
Unlike candles, wax melts do not have a wick. They are placed in a wax warmer or wax melt burner, which gently heats the wax to a liquid state to disperse the fragrance into the air. The wax itself does not burn or produce a flame. As the wax melts, the fragrance oils are released through evaporation.
Wax melts are available in individual shapes or can come packaged together in clamshell plastic containers. Popular shapes include flowers, hearts, gems, and more. They allow you to switch up fragrances easily by simply switching out the wax melt shape in your warmer.
Compared to candles, wax melts are considered a safer option since there is no open flame. They also provide more flexibility and control over fragrance. However, wax melts do require electricity to melt the wax, unlike candles.
Do Wax Melts Fully Melt Away?
Unlike candles, wax melts do not fully burn away or evaporate when heated. The wax melts liquefy into a liquid when heated, releasing their fragrance into the air. But once the warmer is turned off and the wax cools, any remaining solid wax remains in the wax melt dish or tart burner.
The natural ingredients that make up wax melts such as soy, paraffin, or vegetable-based waxes have high melt points. So when the wax melt is heated, the heat causes the solid wax to liquefy into a liquid that pools in the melt warmer dish. However, the wax itself does not burn away or turn into a gas. The essential oils mixed into the wax provide the scent, but do not change the wax composition.
While the wax melt liquefies when heated, only a portion of the wax melt will be used up per heating session. Much of the original solid wax shape will remain once cooled. The wax must be reheated multiple times before being used up. So wax melts do not fully melt away or evaporate with a single use.
Factors That Affect Burn Time
The burn time of wax melts can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. Some of the main things that affect how long wax melts last include:
Size and Shape of Wax Melt
The larger the wax melt, the longer it will take to completely melt away. Smaller cubes or pieces will melt faster than larger cubes or shapes (Devonwick). So if you want your scent to last longer, opt for larger wax melts.
Wax Type and Quality
High quality wax melts made from soy, vegetable, or blended wax will generally last longer than lower quality paraffin wax melts. The wax composition affects the melt point and longevity (Happy Wax). Premium waxes retain scent better as well.
Warmer Type
Electric and candle warmers heat wax melts differently, resulting in varying burn times. Electric warmers heat wax more slowly at a lower temperature, while a tealight can make wax hotter and melt faster (Seventh Avenue Candles). The warmer you use impacts melt time.
Tips for Maximizing Melt
To get the most out of your wax melts, follow these tips for maximizing melt time and fragrance:
Proper warmer placement is important. Keep your warmer out of drafty areas and direct airflow to prevent the wax from cooling and solidifying too quickly. Place it in a central location to allow the fragrance to effectively fill the room.
Trim the wicks on your wax melt tart before placing it in the warmer. Long wicks can cause the wax to pool unevenly and tunnel, rather than melting slowly from the top down. Keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch.
Make sure to keep the wick centered in the wax tart. If the wick touches the side of the warmer, it can create an uneven melt pool. Gently move the tart or wick back to the center periodically.
According to source, using a lower temperature setting on your wax warmer can extend the life of your wax melt. The slower melt rate allows for more even melting and diffusion of fragrance.
When to Replace Wax Melts
Wax melts should be replaced when the fragrance starts to diminish or disappear. This is the primary sign that the wax is spent and no longer releasing fragrance effectively. Typically, wax melts will provide fragrance for 4-6 hours of burn time. But if you notice the smell is no longer strong or fills the room, it’s time to replace the wax melt with a new one.
Another sign that wax is depleted is residue buildup in the wax warmer. As the wax melts down, some residue remains in the dish or chamber. Excessive residue means the wax is not melting fully and efficiently. Additionally, you may see some black soot on the warmer device once the wax is completely burned up.
Lastly, if the wax melt does not fully liquefy and you’re left with hardened leftover wax, this is an indicator to insert a new wax melt. The key is to switch out the wax once fragrance fades and you’re left with residue – this signifies the wax is spent.
Overall, expect to replace wax melts approximately every 4-6 hours of usage, when fragrance diminishes, or when residue buildup is present. This ensures you’re getting the full fragrance potential from each wax melt.
What Happens to Remaining Wax?
When wax melts are heated in a warmer, the fragrance oils are released into the air through evaporation. However, the wax itself does not completely disappear. As the wax melts, some excess wax may absorb into the warmer dish, while other remnants evaporate over time. According to Devon Wick, remaining wax collects in the dish until the warmer is turned off and the wax resolidifies.[1]
The wax itself does not burn away or disappear. Rather, the fragrance dissipates as the wax liquefies. Leftover solid wax remains in the dish when the warmer is turned off. The wax can be reused multiple times until the fragrance oils are depleted and only plain wax remains.
While the wax does not disappear, most of it will eventually evaporate after repeated melting. However, some amount of wax residue will likely accumulate in your warmer dish over time. This buildup should be cleaned out periodically for optimal performance.
Cleaning Up Wax Residue
Over time, wax residue can build up in your wax warmer dish and the surfaces around it. This residue should be cleaned regularly for optimal performance of your wax warmer. Here are some tips for cleaning wax residue:
For the wax warmer dish itself, allow the remaining wax to harden completely before attempting to remove it. Once hardened, you can use a spoon, butter knife, or other utensil to scrape the wax out in one piece [1]. You can also place an ice cube on top of the wax for a few minutes which will make it even easier to pop out [2].
For surfaces around the wax warmer, use a paper towel to wipe up any splatters or drips while still warm. Once cooled and hardened, try gently scraping with a plastic spatula or credit card. You can also place a paper towel over the wax and iron it on a low setting to absorb the wax into the towel.
If any residual staining remains, mix a solution of baking soda and water into a paste. Gently scrub the paste onto the affected areas using a soft cloth or sponge. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow to fully dry. The baking soda will help lift remaining wax residue.
With regular cleaning, you can keep your wax warmer and surrounding surfaces looking their best while also maintaining performance.
Safety Precautions
When using wax melts, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is the most important step. Wax melt packaging includes information on proper usage and warnings that should always be followed.
For example, most manufacturers recommend not leaving wax melts unattended when burning. The melts should be checked regularly and never burned for more than 4 hours at a time. Leaving wax melts burning overnight or out of sight poses a potential fire hazard.
Wax melters and warmers also get very hot during use. Keeping them out of reach of children and pets can help prevent burns. Place the melter on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials like curtains or upholstery. Allow the wax warmer to fully cool before handling to avoid injury.
Proper use and close monitoring are key to safely enjoying wax melts. Following the guidelines ensures you can reap the benefits of these fragrant melts without risk. For more specific safety tips, always defer to the manufacturer’s recommendations listed on the product packaging.
Disposing of Used Wax Melts
Once your wax melts have fully melted and diffused their fragrance, you’ll need to properly dispose of the remaining wax residue. The easiest method is to simply allow the wax to fully harden in the wax warmer, then throw it away in your regular household trash.
You can also carefully remove the solid wax from the warmer and place it in an airtight container or plastic bag before tossing it out. This prevents any remaining scent from spreading in your garbage. According to Devon Wick, letting the wax harden allows it to “slide out in a single piece, without breaking.” Using a scraper can help remove wax residue without shattering the wax [1].
Some people choose to reuse or repurpose partially melted wax melts instead of throwing them away. You can store used melts in a drawer or cupboard to continue emitting fragrance. The wax can also be melted down and combined with new wax to make DIY melts or candles [2].
However, take care when handling used wax, as the wax and container may still be hot after melting. Allow all wax to fully harden before disposing to avoid burns. Never place used wax melts in your recycling bin, as the wax can contaminate recyclables.
Wax Melt Benefits
Wax melts offer a number of benefits that make them a popular home fragrance option. Some of the top advantages of using wax melts include:
Customizable Scents – One of the best things about wax melts is that they come in a huge variety of scents. You can find melts in floral, fruity, spicy, fresh, and other fragrance families. Plus, many brands offer sampler packs so you can try different scents and find your favorites. You’re not limited to the few scent options that a scented candle offers.
Eco-Friendly – Wax melts are considered a more eco-friendly option compared to candles. They don’t release any smoke or soot into the air when melted. The wax itself is reusable as long as you don’t let the whole thing melt away. And you don’t have to throw away the container when done like with a candle.
Cost-Effective – Using wax melts can be more cost-effective than burning scented candles continuously. Melts provide fragrance for a lower upfront cost. One melt cube can scent a room for hours at a time. You can turn them off and on as needed instead of having a candle burn constantly. Their reusable nature makes them an affordable choice.
Other benefits of wax melts include being pet and kid safe since they don’t have an open flame. Their portability and smaller size makes them easy to use in multiple rooms. And they melt slowly to emit aroma for a long duration. With so many pros to using wax melts, it’s no wonder why they are a popular fragrance option.
