Can You Fragrance Wax Melts?

What Are Fragrance Wax Melts?

Fragrance wax melts are a type of scented wax product used to fragrance homes. They are made from wax that has been infused with fragrance oils. Unlike candles, wax melts do not require a wick or flame to release their scent. Instead, the wax melts are heated until they liquefy, allowing the fragrance to be emitted into the air (source).

Wax melts are placed in a melting vessel, which is then heated using a wax warmer, light bulb, or candle. As the wax warms and liquefies, the fragrance oils are released through evaporation. The wax itself does not burn or get used up. Once cooled and resolidified, the wax can be reused multiple times. This makes wax melts a reusable and economical way to scent your home compared to candles.

There are a few common types of wax used to make fragrance wax melts. Paraffin wax and soy wax are most popular. Paraffin wax melts quickly and evenly, while soy wax is natural and biodegradable. Blended waxes are also used to balance performance and eco-friendliness (source). The wax type impacts the melt quality, scent diffusion, and longevity of the wax melt.

Adding Fragrance Oils

Adding fragrance oils is key to giving wax melts their pleasant aroma. These oils allow you to achieve the scent you want for your wax melts.

Fragrance oils come in many types including floral, fruity, spicy, earthy, and more. Popular fragrances include lavender, vanilla, pumpkin spice, evergreen, and citrus. They usually contain synthetic ingredients rather than natural essential oils.

The standard recommendation is to use 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. However, some waxes may hold more or less fragrance. Start with 1 ounce per pound, then adjust to reach your desired scent intensity. Using too much fragrance oil can make the wax overly soft or prevent it from setting up properly.

Thoroughly mix the fragrance oil into the melted wax before pouring to distribute the scent evenly. Stir gently to avoid creating bubbles.

When adding multiple fragrance oils for a custom blend, make sure they are compatible scents that complement each other.

High quality fragrance oils from reputable suppliers will provide the best results. Research that the fragrance lasts well through the wax melting process.

Scent Throw

Scent throw refers to how strongly a fragrance oil’s aroma is dispersed into the air when heated in wax melts. It determines how well the fragrance will be noticed in a room (1). There are several factors that affect scent throw:

• Fragrance oil quality – Higher quality oils usually have better scent throw (1).
• Wax type – Some waxes like soy wax allow more fragrance oil to be absorbed so increase throw (2).
• Fragrance oil percentage – Using between 5-12% fragrance usually gives the best throw (1). Too little makes it weak, too much can be overpowering.
• Melting method – Using a wax warmer helps disperse the scent more than burning a tealight or candle (1).
• Room size – Larger rooms need more wax and fragrance to fill the space (1).

Tips to increase scent throw include using an ideal wax like soy, adding 6-8% fragrance oil, using a good wax warmer, and calculating the right amount of wax needed per room size (1, 2). Testing different fragrance oil brands can also help find those with stronger throw. Combining complementary scents in a blend helps the aroma travel farther too.

(1) https://www.theflamingcandle.com/how-can-i-get-a-strong-scent-throw/
(2) https://apothekeco.com/blogs/apotheke-journal/what-is-scent-throw

Melting the Wax

There are a few different methods you can use to melt fragrance wax melts:

Wax Warmer – This is the most common way to melt wax melts. Place the wax melt cubes in a ceramic wax warmer dish and turn on the device to gently heat the wax until melted. Wax warmers provide an even, low temperature to slowly melt the wax. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and don’t overheat the wax. Some people recommend keeping wax warmers on for no more than 4 hours at a time (1).

Candle Warmer – Candle warmers that are made for jar candles can also be used to melt wax melts. Place the wax in the metal dish and keep the warmer on a low setting. Monitor the wax closely since candle warmers can get hotter than traditional wax warmers (2).

Slow Cooker or Crockpot – A slow cooker or crockpot on the lowest setting can be used to melt wax. Place the wax melts in a heat-safe container first before putting in the slow cooker. Stir periodically and avoid overheating.

Stovetop – You can melt fragrance wax on the stove at a very low temperature (180°F or so). Use a double boiler method to gently warm the wax. Continuously stir and monitor the wax to avoid burning or overheating. This works best for small amounts of wax.

When melting wax, keep safety in mind. Don’t leave melting wax unattended, keep wax away from children and pets, place on a heat-resistant surface, and turn off warmers when not in use (1). With proper precautions, warming fragrance wax can fill your space with delightful scents!

(1) https://www.shearer-candles.com/en-us/blogs/blog/how-to-use-wax-melts-guide

(2) https://www.purcellandwoodcock.com/blog/how-to-use-wax-melts.html

Pouring the Wax

Once the wax is melted and the fragrance oil is incorporated, it’s time to pour the wax into molds. For best results, pour the wax when it has dropped to 135-165°F. If you pour it while it’s too hot, the fragrance may burn off. If you wait until it’s too cool, the wax may start to set up and make pouring difficult.

You can use a variety of molds for wax melts. Silicone molds are the most common choice as they allow for easy release of the finished melts. You can find all kinds of fun shapes like hearts, stars, seashells, etc. Other options include polycarbonate plastic molds, aluminum tins, or even ice cube trays. Make sure whatever mold you choose is heat resistant up to at least 170°F.

Once you’ve poured the wax into the molds, let them set up at room temperature until completely hard. This usually takes 1-2 hours. Don’t put them in the fridge or freezer to speed up the cooling process as this can cause frosting or sweating on the melts. Be patient and allow them to harden fully before attempting to remove from the molds.

Storing Wax Melts

Proper storage is important for preserving the scent and quality of wax melts. The ideal storage conditions include a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Storing wax melts in the wrong environment can cause the fragrance oils to evaporate quicker, resulting in diminished scent throw.

Wax melts should be kept in an airtight container like the original packaging or a sealed plastic bag or box. Air tight containers prevent the fragrance from escaping and mixing with other scents. Popular storage options are resealable plastic bags, plastic containers, or even glass jars. The container should be clean and free of other competing scents. Metal tins are not recommended as they can react with the wax melts.

Refrigeration can also help maintain scent. Storing wax melts in the refrigerator allows the fragrance oils to stay cooler, slowing down evaporation. Just make sure not to store them in the freezer as this can cause condensation when removing them. Let refrigerated wax melts come fully to room temperature before lighting to avoid wet wax issues.

With proper storage methods like sealing in airtight containers and refrigeration, wax melt scents can retain their fragrance for many months, sometimes up to a year. Avoiding heat, light, and air exposure will keep wax melts smelling fresh and new. Follow these guidelines so you can continue enjoying your favorite scents.

Using Wax Melts

When using wax melts, it’s important to consider how long they will last and whether to use one melt versus layering multiple melts. According to Shearer Candles, the longevity of a wax melt depends on the size of the room and strength of the fragrance oil. Typically, one cube in an average size room will provide fragrance for 4-6 hours. For a longer lasting scent, you can layer 2-3 cubes in your wax warmer.

Placement is also key for getting the most out of your wax melts. It’s best to situate your wax warmer centrally in the space you want to scent, and away from drafts or ventilation that can direct fragrance away. You’ll usually want to keep it at normal room temperature. Positioning the warmer higher in the room can help the fragrance disperse. Experiment with different spots to find what works best for distributing scent in your particular space.

Troubleshooting

When making fragrance wax melts, you may run into issues with scent throw or sooting. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems:

To fix scent throw issues, first check that you added the right amount of fragrance oil. Most recipes call for 1 ounce of fragrance per 1 pound of wax. Adding too much oil can cause the wax to sweat or get an oily surface, reducing scent throw. Try reducing the fragrance oil to the recommended level.

Second, make sure you added the fragrance oil at the right temperature – generally between 185-190F. Adding oil at temps that are too low can prevent proper binding and lead to poor scent throw. Always add at the temperature specified in your recipe.

To prevent sooting, avoid adding more than the recommended amount of fragrance. Oils with higher vanillin content are also more prone to sooting issues. Stay within usage rates and test oils known to soot in small batches first. Properly curing the wax melts for 1-2 weeks also helps prevent sooting when burning.

Check that wax melts are fully melted during use. Poor melt pool or wax left unmelted can lead to more sooting. Ensure your wax warmer or burner provides adequate heat. Trim wicks to 1⁄4” length to reduce sooting in melts with wicks.

Popular Fragrances

Some of the most popular fragrances for wax melts include:

Fruit scents like lemon, apple, and strawberry are perennial favorites. They evoke freshness and their sweet yet tart aromas are universally appealing. Citrus scents like lemon and grapefruit are especially popular during the summer.

Bakery and food fragrances like vanilla, sugar cookie, and cake scents are comforting year-round picks. Pumpkin spice and apple pie scents peak during autumn.

Floral fragrances like lavender, rose, and jasmine tend to be most popular in spring and summer. Lavender is known for its relaxing properties.

Holiday scents like pine, peppermint, and cinnamon are hugely popular from late fall through winter. These evoke the smells of the season.

Clean and fresh fragrances like linen, laundry, and ocean breezes are invigorating scents that work for any season.

Masculine scents like tobacco, leather, and cedar also have a loyal following thoughout the year.

Making Custom Blends

One of the best parts of making your own wax melts is having the freedom to create custom fragrance blends. When mixing different fragrance oils, start with a ratio of 1:1 and adjust to your preferences. According to fragrance oil blending guides like the fragrance wheel, blending complementary fragrances like lavender and vanilla or pine and cinnamon creates nice aroma combinations. Avoid blending more than 5 fragrances at once, as the scents can become muddled.

When making custom blends, keep notes on the specific oils and ratios you used so you can recreate successful mixes. Label your fragrance blends with creative names that evoke the scent profile, like “Spiced Apple Pie” or “Rainforest Escape.” Proper labeling prevents confusion and makes your homemade wax melts even more fun to use.