What Is A Clamshell Wax Melt?

What Are Clamshell Wax Melts?

Clamshell wax melts are a type of wax melt used to scent and fragrance rooms in homes and offices. They are a popular candle alternative. Clamshell wax melts are small hardened wax cubes or blocks that are placed in wax warmers to melt and release fragrance. The wax itself does not have scent, but is infused with essential oils and fragrance for aroma. As the wax melts from the heat of the wax warmer, it releases its fragrance into the air. Wax melts are considered safer than burning candles as there is no open flame.

Clamshell wax melts get their name from their typical packaging – they are formed into cubes or blocks and placed into plastic clamshell containers to be sold. The clamshell containers protect the shape of the wax and make them easy to store and transport. When ready to use, you simply open the container, place a wax melt into your wax warmer, and enjoy the scent as it fills the room.

History of Clamshell Wax Melts

Clamshell wax melts are a relatively new invention in the home fragrance industry. They were first created in the early 2000s as an alternative to traditional wax tarts and wax melts. The idea for clamshell wax melts is often credited to the owners of the candle making supply company CandleScience. They wanted to create a convenient, portable way for crafters and hobbyists to enjoy scented wax without needing a tart burner or wax warmer.

The unique clamshell shape with its hinged lid made the melts easy to store, transport, and use. By simply opening the clamshell, the fragrance is released. The melts gained popularity through online craft marketplaces like Etsy in the mid-2000s. As more candle makers and hobbyists discovered how fun and simple they were to make and use, clamshell wax melts started gaining mainstream popularity. Today, many major fragrance and candle brands like Scentsy, Walmart, and Yankee Candle sell clamshell wax melts alongside their other home fragrance products. They have become a preferred method for odor elimination and home fragrance diffusing.

How Clamshell Wax Melts Work

Clamshell wax melts work by melting on top of a heated surface to release fragrance. Unlike traditional candles that require a wick and flame to melt wax and disperse fragrance, clamshell wax melts use radiant heat. They are heated on wax warmers, wax burners, or even light bulbs or hot plates.

When placed on a heated surface, the clamshell wax begins to slowly melt and pool in the shape of the heated area. As the wax melts, the fragrance oils mixed within the wax melt are vaporized and released into the air. This allows the fragrance to spread throughout the room without having to light a flame.

The wax itself acts as a catalyst for dispersing the fragrance oils. As the wax melts, more surface area is exposed, allowing more fragrance to be emitted. The wax also absorbs some of the fragrance oil, slowing down the rate at which the fragrance is released. This allows the wax melt to continue emitting fragrance over a long period of time.

Compared to burning candles, clamshell wax melts tend to provide stronger, longer lasting fragrance. There is no flame to potentially scorch the fragrance oils and the wax melts do not get blown around by airflow from the flame. The consistent, indirect heat allows for steady fragrance release.

Once the wax melt has fully melted and the fragrance has diminished, the wax can be discarded. The hard wax shell contains any remaining wax so there is no mess or cleanup required.

Types of Clamshell Wax Melts

Clamshell wax melts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials:

Different Shapes and Sizes: The most common shape is a standard round melt that fits into the individual cavities of a clamshell container. However, you can also find square, heart, star, and oval shaped melts. Sizes range from small mini melts that are 1 ounce or less, to large melts that are over 3 ounces.

Single Use vs Reusable Melts: Some clamshells are designed for single use, so you simply throw away the plastic container when the melts are gone. Other more durable, reusable clamshells allow you to pop the hardened wax out and replace it with new melts. The reusable ones are often made of thicker plastic.(1)

Variety of Wax Materials: While paraffin wax was once standard, most clamshell melts today use a blend of vegetable waxes like soy, palm, or coconut. The wax blend affects the melt point, fragrance load, and performance. Some melts also contain additives like essential oils. (2)

Clamshell Wax Melt Fragrance Options

Clamshell wax melts can be infused with a wide variety of fragrance options to create different scents. Most clamshell wax melts use fragrance oils, which are synthetic fragrance compounds blended to mimic natural scents like fruits, flowers, baked goods, etc. Some popular fragrance oil scent categories for wax melts include:

• Fruity – citrus, berry, tropical, etc.
• Floral – rose, lavender, jasmine, etc.
• Food/bakery – sugar cookies, pumpkin pie, etc.
• Seasonal – pine, pumpkin spice, etc.
• Woody/earth – sandalwood, cedarwood, etc.

Essential oils can also be used to scent wax melts. These are derived from natural plant sources like herbs, fruits and flowers. However, essential oils are often more expensive and can have shorter scent throw than fragrance oils. Many clamshell wax melt makers will use a blend of fragrance and essential oils. For example, adding some real orange essential oil to a synthetic orange fragrance oil. This helps enhance the naturalness of the scent.

Wax melt makers can get creative blending different fragrance oils and essential oils. For example, mixing a pine fragrance oil with clove and cinnamon essential oils to create a “Winter Forest” type scent. The options are endless when blending fragrance oils and essential oils for clamshell wax melts.

Clamshell Wax Melt Safety

When using clamshell wax melts, it’s important to follow safety precautions to avoid injury. Here are some tips for safe usage and storage:

Properly use and monitor your wax warmer. Read all instructions and never leave a wax melt burning unattended. Keep your warmer on a stable, nonflammable surface away from flammable materials.

Take care to avoid wax burns. The melted wax can reach temperatures up to 185°F. Allow wax and warmers to fully cool before handling and make sure to keep away from children and pets.

Store clamshells safely. Keep unused wax melts out of reach of children and pets, as the wax could be a choking hazard. Store in a cool, dry area away from extreme temperatures.

Use safely around kids and pets. Place warmers up high, out of reach of kids and pets who could knock over the warmer or get burned. Never leave wax melting unattended around children or pets.

Properly dispose of wax. Allow melted wax to fully harden before disposing to avoid spills. Follow local regulations on disposal.

Be cautious of allergies or sensitivities. Discontinue use if you experience any irritation or negative effects from the wax melt fragrances.

With proper precautions, clamshell wax melts can be safely enjoyed. But always use care when burning wax around the home.

Benefits of Using Clamshell Wax Melts

Clamshell wax melts have several advantages over traditional candles. One key benefit is the ability to create a pleasant ambiance and relaxing atmosphere more easily than candles. Since wax melts slowly release fragrance when warmed, the scent tends to linger longer and more consistently than burning a candle. This allows you to fill a room with your favorite aroma for hours.

Wax melts are also significantly more cost-effective and longer-lasting than most candles. A few wax melts can scent a room for weeks, while a candle may only last several hours before needing to be replaced. Given their extended fragrance life, wax melts provide excellent value for money.

Additionally, with no open flame, wax melts are safer than candles, especially if you have children or pets. They carry a lower risk of spills, burns, or accidental fires. You also avoid the smoke and soot that comes from burning candles. This makes wax melts an ideal option for those concerned about safety and indoor air quality.

For those reasons, clamshell wax melts offer noticeable advantages over traditional scented candles in terms of ambiance, relaxation, cost-effectiveness, longevity, and safety. Their slow-release fragrance and flameless design make them a convenient and practical choice for scenting any home or workspace.[1]

Drawbacks of Clamshell Wax Melts

While clamshell wax melts have many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well. One issue some users report is mess from the oils in wax melts.

As the wax melts, oils may seep out and drip down the warmer or pool on the surface below. This can create a greasy film that requires cleaning. Using cotton pads or plates under the warmer can help absorb excess oils.

Another drawback for some is that wax melt fragrances are not always natural. Many contain synthetic fragrance oils rather than essential oils. Those looking for a more natural home fragrance option may want to seek out wax melts made with essential oils.

Lastly, the need for a wax warmer device is a potential downside. Warmers must be purchased separately and require electricity to operate. Some styles also pose risks like burns if touched when hot. The ongoing cost of wax melt refills should be considered as well.

Popular Brands of Clamshell Wax Melts

Some of the most popular clamshell wax melt brands on the market today include:

Yankee Candle – One of the largest and most well-known brands producing clamshell wax melts. Yankee Candle offers a wide variety of fragrances and seasonal scents. Their clamshells usually contain 6-8 cubes per pack and cost around $1-2 per clamshell.

CandleScience – A popular supplier of DIY candle and wax melt making materials. They offer blank clamshells in a variety of cavity counts that makers can fill with their own wax and fragrances. Their clamshells range from $0.20-0.60 each.

Scentsy – A major direct sales brand. Scentsy is known for their warmers and wax bars, but they also offer clamshell wax melt packs in exclusive fragrances. Their clamshells contain 6 cubes and cost around $5 each.

Walmart – Walmart offers a range of store brand wax melt clamshells from brands like Mainstays and Better Homes & Gardens. These are very affordable, usually less than $1 per pack.

Some factors like fragrance options, pricing, and packaging often differ between brands. But most major wax melt brands today offer quality clamshells at reasonable prices. Testing different brands can help find the perfect scents and wax melt experience.

How to Make Your Own Clamshell Wax Melts

Making your own clamshell wax melts at home is easy and rewarding. Here are some tips for creating your own DIY clamshell wax melts:

Start with a DIY clamshell wax melt recipe. You’ll need wax, fragrance oil, and dye chips if you want colored wax melts. Popular waxes for clamshell melts are soy wax and paraffin wax. Make sure to use wax with a low melting point so the melts pool out nicely (CandleScience).

Next, prepare your clamshell molds. Silicone molds are reusable and easy to work with. Metal molds conduct heat more evenly. Make sure molds are cleaned before pouring wax (Terre de Bougies).

Melt wax slowly to the temperature specified in your recipe, usually 150-170°F. Add fragrance at the recommended temperature, normally 175-185°F. Stir thoroughly to bind fragrance to wax. Add dye chips if desired when wax is clear of debris.

Carefully pour just below the rim of each clamshell cavity. Allow to cool completely before removing from molds. Trim wicks if needed. Package melts for gifting or place in burner to fill room with fragrance.