Can I Put Wax Melts In A Pot On The Stove?
What Are Wax Melts?
Wax melts are scented pieces of wax that are heated to release fragrance. They are made of soy wax, paraffin wax, or a blend, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes including cubes, tarts, and clam shells (Everything You Need to Know About Wax Melts).
Unlike candles, wax melts do not have a wick. They are made to be melted in a wax warmer, ceramic burner, or electric lamp ring to emit aroma. Popular fragrances for wax melts include floral, fruit, bakery, spice, seasonal, and clean scents like linen or cotton (What are Wax Melts and How do I use Them?).
The main difference between candles and wax melts is that candles have a wick which is lit to release fragrance, while wax melts are heated indirectly. Wax melts are designed for aroma only, without an open flame. They are safer and easier to use than candles, producing room fragrance when warmed.
Can Wax Melts Be Heated on the Stove?
While it may seem convenient, heating wax melts on the stove is not recommended by manufacturers. Wax melt packages include warnings against stove-top heating due to the risks of overheating and fire.
When heated on the stove, wax can reach dangerously high temperatures very quickly. If left unattended even for a short period, the wax can overheat, ignite, and result in a stovetop or kitchen fire (Source). Wax can be flammable at high temperatures.
For these safety reasons, manufacturers of wax melts recommend only using a dedicated wax warmer, slow cooker, double boiler, or crockpot for melting wax. These methods allow for more controlled, even heating at lower temperatures. Slow cookers and crockpots are advised as safer options, as they avoid direct stovetop heat that can lead to rapid overheating.
In summary, heating wax melts on the stove is not suggested due to fire hazards. For best safety practices, use a specially designed wax warmer or slow, indirect heating methods for melting wax.
Recommended Ways to Melt Wax
There are a few recommended methods for safely and effectively melting wax melts:
Using a wax warmer
Wax warmers, also known as tart burners, are specifically designed for melting wax melts and tart candles. These warmers gently heat the wax to release its fragrance. Place a wax melt cube in the dish and turn on the warmer. As the wax heats up, it will slowly melt and fill the room with fragrance. Wax warmers allow you to safely melt wax without having to light a candle. Popular brands of wax warmers include Scentsy, Yankee Candle, and Walmart’s Mainstays.1
Microwave melting
An easy way to melt wax is in the microwave. Place wax cubes in a microwave-safe container and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted. Use care not to overheat the wax. Melting wax in the microwave takes just 1-2 minutes. Only melt a few cubes at a time to avoid overflow.2
Double boiler method
For a more gradual, even melting, you can use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and place a heat-safe bowl on top. Add wax cubes to the bowl. Heat the water to a simmer, melting the wax in the bowl above. Stir the wax occasionally as it melts. This is a gentle melting method that helps avoid scorching the wax. Remove the double boiler from heat once wax is melted.
Tips for Melting Wax
When melting wax, it’s important to take some safety precautions and follow best practices. Here are some tips for safely and effectively melting wax:
Use low heat. High heat can scorch wax and create smoke. Use the lowest setting on your stovetop and increase the temperature slowly as needed.
Stir frequently. Stirring helps the wax melt evenly and prevents hot spots that can burn the wax. Stir gently to avoid creating bubbles.
Melt in small batches. Don’t try to melt a large quantity of wax all at once. Melt 4-6 cubes at a time for best results.
Allow cooling before handling. Molten wax can cause serious burns if spilled. Let the wax cool until it becomes cloudy before pouring or handling.
Melt wax in a heavy pot or pan to retain heat evenly. Glass and metal containers work best. Avoid plastic which can warp or melt.
Watch wax closely and remove from heat once fully melted. Overheating can ignite the wax.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Melting wax produces fumes that can be irritating.
Take safety precautions like wearing oven mitts, long sleeves, and eye protection when melting wax.
Store melted wax in a covered, heat-safe container until you are ready to use it. Allow leftover melted wax to fully harden before remelting.
Choosing the Right Pot or Pan
When choosing a pot or pan to melt wax in, it’s recommended to use stainless steel or glass. Stainless steel conducts heat well and allows for even melting. Glass is also a good option as it is nonreactive. Avoid using aluminum pots and pans as wax can react with the metal over time. Nonstick coatings are also not ideal as they can break down at high temperatures.
Look for a pot or pan that is 1 to 2 quarts in size. This provides enough room to melt several wax melts or candles at once. A pot with taller sides is preferable to help prevent splashing when adding wax. Opt for a pot with a heavy base so the wax melts evenly. The pot should have a pour spout or lip to neatly pour out the melted wax.
According to Betterbee, a stainless steel bain-marie is an ideal candle making melting pot. The site Candle Making Supplies recommends a small wax melting pot for DIY candles that can be used with a double boiler method.
Safety Precautions
Using wax melts involves handling hot wax, so it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips for staying safe while melting and using wax:
Work in a well-ventilated area. Melting wax releases VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so you’ll want good airflow. Open windows or do it outside if possible.
Avoid scented wax if sensitive. The strong scents, especially artificial fragrances, can irritate airways for some. Opt for mild or unscented wax if you experience this.
Keep away from pets and kids. Pets may be tempted to lick any spilled wax, which can be dangerous if swallowed. Small children also shouldn’t handle hot wax due to burn risks.
Make sure your wax melter or pot/pan is on a heat-safe surface. Place it on a counter or trivet, not directly on a table that could scorch.
Never leave melting wax unattended. Stay nearby to monitor the process and remove from heat when fully melted.
Allow wax to fully cool before handling. Molten wax can cause serious burns if spilled or splashed on skin.
Store cooled leftover wax properly. Keep in an airtight container away from heat sources or sunlight to avoid re-melting.
Take care not to slip on spills. Hardened wax can create slippery spots on floors. Clean up any messes immediately.
Have a fire extinguisher handy just in case, especially if melting a large volume of wax. Be prepared for potential flare ups.
Storing Leftover Melted Wax
After you are done using melted wax for your craft or home fragrance project, you may have some wax leftover. Instead of throwing it away, that wax can be saved and reused. Here are some tips for properly storing leftover melted wax:
Let the wax harden completely before storing. Don’t try to pour liquid wax into a storage container as it may leak or be messy. Allow the wax to fully cool and harden first. The wax should be solid all the way through with no liquid in the center.1
Use proper storage containers. Good choices are silicone molds, muffin tins, ice cube trays, or glass jars. Avoid plastic containers as the wax may stain them. The storage container should have a tight fitting lid.2
Leftover wax can have a long shelf life if stored properly. Keep the closed container in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Stored this way, the wax should remain usable for many months or even years.
Creative Uses for Melted Wax
One of the best ways to use up leftover melted wax from wax melts is to make new wax melts. To do this, simply pour the leftover melted wax into silicone molds, add fragrance if desired, and allow it to harden. This gives the wax a new life and allows you to enjoy it again in melted form.
Another creative way to reuse melted wax is to make new candles. You can pour the wax into containers of your choice, add wicks, and optional additives like fragrance or dye. This transforms leftover wax into beautiful new candles you can burn and enjoy.
Melted wax also works great for various DIY projects. You can use it to seal envelopes instead of licking them, or pour a thin layer over artwork to give them a glossy coated finish. It can also be used to waterproof matches or make firestarters by dipping cardboard in melted wax. The possibilities are endless when getting creative with leftover melted wax!
Frequently Asked Questions
Wax melts are an easy way to scent your home, but many people have questions about how to properly use them. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about melting wax:
What are wax melts made of?
Wax melts are typically made from soy wax, paraffin wax, or a blend of the two. They contain fragrance oils and dyes to give them scent and color. Some also contain essential oils.
How do you melt wax melts?
The most common way to melt wax melts is using a wax warmer or wax melt burner. These gently heat the wax to release the fragrance. You can also melt wax in the microwave in short 30 second bursts, stirring in between. Or put the wax in a glass or metal container and melt over low heat on the stove. Source
How long do wax melts last when melting?
Most wax melts will provide fragrance for 4-6 hours when melted in a wax warmer. The exact timing depends on the wax quality, melt size, and wax temperature. Warmer temps will make the scent stronger but fade faster.
Why isn’t my wax melting?
If your wax isn’t melting properly, check that your wax warmer is plugged in and turned on. Ensure the dish isn’t overfilled with too much wax. Try a lower melt to oil ratio. You may need a new warmer if yours isn’t getting hot enough.
Is the wax reusable after melting?
Yes, any leftover solid wax can be reused. Allow it to fully harden again before remelting. The fragrance may fade over time with reuse.
Are wax melts safe for pets?
Wax melts are generally considered safe for pets as long as they don’t directly ingest the wax. However, certain fragrances may irritate pets so it’s best to keep waxes out of reach. Source
Summary and Key Takeaways
In summary, melting wax in a pot on the stove is possible but requires caution. It’s generally safer to use a double boiler, candle warmer, or slow cooker to gently melt wax without scorching it. Take precautions like low heat, constant watching, and proper equipment. Store leftover melted wax in airtight containers away from heat sources. Get creative repurposing melted wax for wax melts, candles, or sealing envelopes. The key takeaways are:
- Use indirect heating methods like a double boiler for controlled, gentle melting.
- Take safety precautions like low heat, stirring, and monitoring the wax.
- Let melted wax cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Get creative reusing melted wax for new melts, candles, beauty products, or sealing crafts.
With proper care and equipment, melting wax can be done safely. Just be sure to use gentle heating methods and exercise caution when working with hot wax.
