Do Wax Melts Lose Their Scent If Not Used?

Do Unused Wax Melts Lose Their Scent Over Time?

The sweet, inviting scents of wax melts can instantly make any room smell great. But what if you stock up on tons of different wax melt cubes and don’t get around to using them all right away? Will they still have that wonderful fragrance even months later, or do unused wax melts lose their scent?

It’s a common question for wax melt lovers. After all, it would be disappointing if that beautiful, fresh fruity or floral scent you loved starts smelling weak or disappears entirely. Let’s take a closer look at whether unused wax melts lose potency, and what you can do to maintain the scents you love.

What Are Wax Melts?

Wax melts are a popular home fragrance product used to scent indoor spaces. They are made of scented wax and come in a variety of shapes and sizes such as cubes, tarts, and clam shells. The wax is infused with fragrant oils to give it a pleasant aroma when heated.

The main ingredients in wax melts are paraffin wax or soy wax, fragranced oils, and dye. The oils provide the scent while the wax acts as a binder to hold the shape of the melt. Dye is added for coloring. When the melts are heated, the waxliquefies and allows the scent molecules from the oils to be released into the air.

To use wax melts, you simply place one in a melted wax warmer or electric wax warmer. The heat source gentlywarms the wax to a liquid state so the aroma oils can evaporate into the room. You can also use a candle or stovetop to melt wax melts. As the wax melt liquifies, fragrance is emitted to scent and freshen indoor air.

Wax melts come in many forms such as cubes, tarts, clamshells, coins and more. Cubes are small square wax pieces while tarts have a rounded or triangular shape. Clamshell wax melts take the form of two thin pieces of wax joined together in a clam-like shape.

Do Unused Wax Melts Lose Scent?

There is some debate around whether unused wax melts lose their scent over time. Some users report noticing a significant decrease in fragrance intensity even if the wax melts have not been used. However, others claim they’ve stored unused wax melts for months or years without any noticeable reduction in scent strength.

There are several factors that may impact scent loss in unused wax melts:

• Exposure to air – When a wax melt is exposed to oxygen, the fragrance oils can oxidize and evaporate. This causes the scent to fade faster.
• Temperature fluctuations – Heat can accelerate evaporation of scent oils. Storing wax melts in an area with temperature extremes may hasten scent loss.
• Light exposure – Light, especially UV rays, can degrade fragrance oils. Storing wax melts in the dark helps preserve scent.
• Wax melt composition – Wax melts with a higher concentration of fragrance oils and minimal other fillers tend to retain scent better.
• Quality of fragrance – Some fragrances maintain their intensity better over time. Complex natural essential oil blends last longer than synthetic fragrances.

However, there are also reasons unused wax melts may retain their original scent strength:

• Minimal exposure to air in closed packaging prevents scent dissipation.
• Cool, dark storage inhibits evaporation and light degradation of oils.
• High fragrance load and minimal fillers lock in scent.
• Using high quality fragrance oils formulated for longevity.
• Shorter storage time frames before use.

In summary, with proper storage methods and conditions, it’s possible for unused wax melts to maintain their original scent strength. But fragrances can degrade over time, especially if exposed to heat, light, and oxygen. Performance varies based on wax melt composition, fragrance quality, and storage factors.

Reasons Scent Fades

There are a few key reasons why unused wax melts may lose their scent over time:

Natural fading – Like any fragrance, wax melt scents will naturally fade and evaporate over time, even if unused and stored properly. Essential oils and fragrance oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate into the air. This process happens slowly but steadily in an unused wax melt.

Exposure to air – When wax melts are left exposed to open air, the scent will fade more rapidly as the fragrant oils evaporate. Any time you open the container or move the melts, scent is released into the surrounding environment.

Absorption into wax – The wax itself will absorb some of the scent oil over time, leaving less available fragrance at the surface to be released. This absorption process quickens as the wax melt is exposed to air.

Impacts of light, heat, etc. – External elements like light, humidity, and heat can all accelerate the fading process. Direct sunlight, high temperatures, and moisture in the air interact with the fragrance oils, causing them to evaporate faster. Keeping melts stored properly can minimize these environmental impacts.

Maintaining Scent

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the scent of wax melts. Here are some tips for keeping unused wax melts smelling fresh for as long as possible:

Use sealable packaging: Store wax melts in airtight containers or bags. This prevents the scent from escaping and fading over time. Plastic containers or zipper bags work best.

Control temperature: Store wax melts in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. Temperature fluctuations can cause the scent to break down faster. Ideal storage temperature is around 70°F.

Keep in dark location: Light can accelerate scent loss in wax melts. Store unused melts in a cupboard, drawer, or other dark space. Avoid leaving them out on counters or near windows.

Following proper storage methods like using sealable packaging, maintaining cooler temperatures, and keeping wax melts in a dark location will help preserve the scent. This allows you to enjoy unused wax melts to the fullest whenever you get around to melting them.

Signs of Faded Scent

There are a few clear signs that indicate when wax melts have lost potency and are no longer emitting a strong fragrance:

Appearance – The wax will likely appear dried out and brittle, with visible cracks and fissures on the surface. The color may also fade over time.

Texture – Faded wax melts will feel harder and less malleable when touched. The wax will not melt as readily when heated.

Smell – Most importantly, the aroma will become very faint or undetectable. You’ll have to bring the wax right up to your nose to pick up even a trace of the original fragrance.

Testing the wax melt by warming it up will quickly reveal any lack of scent. If the wax is not emitting a noticeable fragrance within a few minutes of heating, the oils have likely dissipated and the product is past its prime.

Pay attention to these characteristics to determine if your unused wax melts have lost their original vibrant scent over time. Loss of aroma is the surest sign that the wax and oils have degraded and the melts should be replaced.

Reviving Faded Wax Melts

If your wax melts have lost their scent over time, there are a few tricks you can try to revive and refresh the fragrance:

Heating – Place the wax melt in a wax warmer or low oven (200°F) for a few minutes until it re-melts. This helps refresh the scent by releasing the essential oils again. Allow it to cool and solidify before using.

Mixing – Combine the faded wax melt with a brand new, strongly scented melt to give it a scent boost. Use a ratio of 1 part new wax to 2-3 parts faded wax.

Adding oils – Add a few drops of essential oil to the wax melt, like lavender, vanilla, citrus, etc. Mix well to distribute the oil evenly. Adding a compatible oil can bring back some scent.

If a wax melt remains unscented after trying these revival methods, it’s usually time to discard it. Wax melts that are very old may have lost their aroma completely. When in doubt, trust your nose – if you can’t smell anything, it’s unlikely anyone else will either.

Maximizing Longevity

To get the most duration from your wax melts’ scent, follow these tips:

When purchasing wax melts, look for options advertised as having long-lasting or strong fragrance oils. These are typically more concentrated and will provide scent for longer compared to standard oils. Brands focused on quality ingredients tend to offer better longevity.

Be sure to let the wax fully pool and liquefy on the first burn. This allows the fragrance oil to fully permeate the melted wax and ensures maximum hot throw and scent release on future burns. Avoid blowing out the melt too soon.

Allow each wax melt to form a complete pool before extinguishing it. The more thoroughly the wax can melt and the fragrance disperse on each burn, the longer the scent will last over many uses. Never extinguish a wax melt that still has unmelted wax around the edges.

Storing for Extended Periods

If you need to store unused wax melts for an extended period of time before using them, follow these tips to help maximize scent longevity:

Vacuum sealing wax melts is one of the best ways to preserve the scent over months or years of storage. The airtight seal prevents the fragranced oils from dissipating into the air. You can use a food saver appliance or vacuum seal bags to individually seal wax cubes or full packages.

Freezing or refrigerating wax melts can also help slow scent loss during long-term storage. The cool temperatures keep the fragrance oils stable for longer. Make sure wax melts are tightly sealed before freezing. Allow to come fully to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.

In general, store wax melts in a cool, dark place for best results. Avoid storage areas that experience large temperature fluctuations or direct light exposure. Keep wax tightly sealed in original packaging or airtight containers to minimize air exposure.

With proper storage methods, the scent in unused wax melts can last for many months or even years before fading. But make sure to occasionally inspect your stock and use up any melts where you notice the fragrance diminishing over time.

Conclusion

In summary, unused wax melts can lose potency and fade in scent over time. The main factors that cause scent loss are exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture. Storing wax melts properly by sealing them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place is the best way to maintain fragrance. Checking wax melts occasionally for signs of faded scent like lack of aroma or color change can help you identify when they need replacing. While faded wax melts can sometimes be revived by microwaving, freezing, or combining with fresh wax, they will eventually lose effectiveness. Following proper storage and handling practices allows you to maximize the longevity of wax melts, keeping them strongly scented for many months or even years before opening.

To conclude, while wax melt scents aren’t permanent and will diminish if not used after an extended period, you can take steps to prolong their potency. With the right care, most wax melts should retain a noticeable fragrance for at least 6-12 months when sealed and stored properly before first use. Handle them carefully, check for fading, and replace as needed for the best performance.