What Are The Warning Instructions For Wax Melt?

Purpose of Wax Melts

The main purpose of wax melts is to provide fragrance and allow the scent to be released when the wax is melted (Thesatinscent.com, 2022). Unlike candles that require a flame, wax melts are heated gently to emit their fragrance without burning. This makes them a safer and more convenient alternative to candles or incense.

Wax melts are designed to melt slowly at low temperatures, usually with the heat of a wax warmer, light bulb, or tealight candle underneath. As the wax liquefies, the essential oils and fragrance oils blended within are released into the air to scent the surrounding area (Carolina Honeybees, 2023). The wax itself does not have a scent, it simply acts as a carrier for the oils.

Compared to burning candles, melting wax avoids production of smoke and soot. Wax melts allow fragrance diffusion without an open flame, making them an excellent option in homes with children or pets where safety is a priority. They provide ambiance and aromatherapy benefits without the fire hazard of candles or incense.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in wax melts are:

• Wax – This forms the base of wax melts. Common types used are soy, paraffin, or beeswax (https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/how-to-make-wax-melts/). Beeswax provides the best scent throw but paraffin wax melts give a longer lasting fragrance.

• Fragrance oils – These oils give wax melts their scent. Use 1-2 ounces of fragrance oil per 1 pound of wax (https://measuringflower.com/diy-allnatural-wax-melts/).

• Dyes – Adding a few drops of liquid dye or color blocks gives vibrant colors to wax melts.

• Adhesives – Some recipes call for adding a softening agent like coconut oil so the wax adheres together properly.

The wax type and exact ingredients impact the melt point, scent diffusion, appearance, and longevity of the wax melts.

Safe Usage

Wax melts should always be used under adult supervision for children (https://www.elevohome.com/wax-melt-safety). The melted wax can reach high temperatures and could cause burns if spilled or handled improperly by kids. Adult supervision is essential.

Only place wax melts in heat safe containers meant for warming wax, never directly on a heat source. Avoid open flames like candles, as wax melts are flammable. Use a dedicated wax warmer or melter to avoid potential fires.

Ensure proper ventilation when melting wax, as some individuals may be sensitive to the fragrance oils used. Keep wax warmers away from pets and small children to prevent accidental burns or ingestion of wax.

Carefully extinguish the melt warmer after use and store any remaining solid wax in a sealed container out of reach of children and pets (https://snugscent.co.uk/product-safety/wax-melt-safety/). Follow all manufacturer instructions for safe usage and disposal.

Melting Instructions

There are a few different methods for melting wax melts properly:

Wax Warmer

Wax warmers are specially designed appliances to melt wax melts. Place the wax melt cube(s) in the dish warmer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then turn on the device per the directions. The wax will melt slowly from the heat, normally taking 1-2 hours. Do not leave the wax warmer unattended and turn it off once the wax is melted.

Stovetop

You can melt wax melts in a metal container on the stove on low heat. Place the wax cubes in the container, then heat on low, stirring occasionally, until melted. Be very careful, as wax is flammable. Never heat wax over direct heat or flames. The stovetop method melts wax faster than a warmer, usually 10-20 minutes.

Microwave

Take care when microwaving wax, as it can get very hot. Microwave the wax melts at 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring between each session, until melted. This takes 1-2 minutes total. Use microwave-safe containers and do not microwave wax for too long, as it can combust.

When melting multiple fragrances, it’s best to keep them separated by fragrance type rather than mixing, which can muddle the scents. Melt each type of wax melt separately.

Source: https://www.purcellandwoodcock.com/blog/how-to-use-wax-melts.html

Usage Tips

When using wax melts, there are some tips to keep in mind to get the most enjoyment from them.

Consider the size of the room you plan to use the wax melts in. Larger cubes meant for bigger spaces may be too strong for a small confined area. For a small room, use smaller cube sizes or split a larger cube in half.

Test melt times to find how long different wax melt cubes last for you. Some may melt slower or faster compared to what the package states. Take notes to know how long certain cubes tend to last.

Feel free to mix different scented wax melts together. Combining complementary or contrasting scents can result in unique aroma blends. Mix and match to create your own signature scent.

For more wax melt usage tips, see Using Wax Melts – Wax Melts Info.

Storing Wax Melts

Properly storing your unused wax melts is important to maximize their shelf life and fragrance. Here are some tips for keeping your melts fresh:

Keep melts dry. Moisture can damage wax melts and cause them to lose their scent more quickly. Store melts in an airtight container or sealed bag. Add a desiccant pack to absorb excess moisture.

Avoid fragrance loss. Light, heat, and air exposure can all cause wax melts to lose their scent over time. Keep melts in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer. Refrigeration can also help prolong fragrance.

Store unused melts properly. Keep unused melts sealed in their original packaging or transfer to an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids work well. Only open melts when ready to use them.

Rotate stock. Use older wax melts first before opening new ones. Bring older melts to the front of your storage to remind you to use them.

Check expiration dates. Wax melts generally last 1-2 years, but check product labels for any expiration or best before dates listed.

Look for signs of wear. Discard any melts that have gotten wet, dried out, or otherwise look damaged.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your wax melts, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

Fixing poor scent throw:

• Make sure your warmer is clean – built up wax residue can prevent scents from being released properly.
• Use an appropriate warmer for the room size – smaller warmers may not heat the wax enough for large spaces.
• Try using multiple cubes in the warmer at once to increase scent.
• Stir the melted wax occasionally to better disperse the fragrance.

Melts not melting fully:

• Ensure your warmer is heating to the proper temperature (usually between 120-150°F).
• Do not overload the warmer – give wax cubes space to melt.
• Check that your warmer is working properly and producing enough heat.
• Consider using a warmer with adjustable temperature settings.

Soot issues:

• Make sure not to burn the wax for too long – turn off once fully melted.
• Use lower heat settings and monitor melting.
• Clean soot off the warmer regularly to prevent buildup.
• Try a different wax melt brand, as some have more soot than others.(Source)

Wax Melt Safety

When used properly, wax melts are generally safe. However, there are some precautions to take to avoid potential dangers such as burns, allergic reactions, and pet safety concerns.

Burns can occur if wax melts are heated improperly. According to AlwaysRosy.co.uk, “Never leave any burners unattended. Never place burners on a window, in a draught, on/near a radiator, or on wooden surfaces” (AlwaysRosy). Supervise wax melts when melting and allow them to fully pool before blowing out the flame.

Allergic reactions may happen if someone is sensitive to ingredients in wax melts. Fragrances, essential oils, and dyes can cause skin irritation or breathing issues for some. Test a small amount of wax melt first before using large quantities. Stop using immediately if any negative reactions occur.

Pets can be harmed by ingesting wax melt products. Keep wax melts out of reach of pets. Certain essential oils like cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, and pine can be toxic to cats and dogs if consumed (AlwaysRosy). Contact a veterinarian if melting wax is ingested.

Proper Disposal

When cleaning and disposing of wax melts, it’s very important to allow the melts to fully solidify before attempting to remove them. If wax is still melted or warm, it can spill and make a mess. According to this article, letting the wax cool into a solid piece allows it to easily slide out of the warmer.

Wax should never be poured down the drain, as it can clog pipes when it re-hardens. The best practice is to allow wax to fully harden, then wrap it in paper or put it in a trash bag before throwing it away. Some people reuse old candle wax by making fire starters with dryer lint or giving hardened wax to crafters.

Alternatives to Wax Melts

Wax melts are not the only option for scenting a room or home. Here are some popular alternatives to using wax melts:

Scented Candles

Scented candles are one of the most common alternatives to wax melts. Candles come in a huge variety of scents and styles. The flickering flame provides ambience as well as releasing fragrance into a room. Make sure to follow proper candle safety and never leave a burning candle unattended.

Essential Oil Diffusers

Essential oil diffusers gently disperse essential oils into the air to scent a space. Most use water and ultrasonic waves to evaporate and spread the oils. Diffusers allow you to switch between essential oil blends for different moods or purposes. They are very customizable and great for relaxation.

Potpourri

Potpourri is a traditional method of scenting a home using a blend of dried flowers, herbs, spices, essential oils, and natural ingredients. The ingredients release their aromas without heating or burning. Potpourri can provide gentle, natural fragrance to a room. Just be sure to replace it frequently as the scent fades.

Incense

Incense involves burning aromatic materials like wood, herbs, resins or oils to produce fragrant smoke. The smoke scent lingers in a space. Incense comes in various scents like sandalwood, vanilla and jasmine. Incense provides an ancient method of scenting and purifying indoor spaces when used properly.