What Is Needed For Wax Melts?

Wax melts, also known as tart melts or wax tarts, are small pieces of scented wax that are melted to release fragrance. Unlike candles, wax melts do not have a wick and do not require a flame to release scent. They are designed to be placed in a tart burner or wax warmer which gently heats the wax, allowing the aroma to fill a room.

The history of wax melts is a bit unclear, but they seem to have emerged as an alternative to scented candles sometime in the 1990s. Their popularity rose as an easy, mess-free way to scent the home without an open flame. Wax melt warmers were soon developed as a safer, kid-friendly option compared to burning candles.

Today, wax melts remain a favorite for their convenience, variety of scents, and no-fuss use. They allow users to switch up fragrances easily and avoid issues like soot and smoke from burning candles. Their versatility and customization makes them a popular product for hobbyists and home fragrance enthusiasts.

Wax for Wax Melts

There are a few different types of wax that can be used to make wax melts. The most common options are paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax. Each type has its own characteristics that make it better for certain uses.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. It has a low melting point and is inexpensive, which makes it a popular choice. However, some people prefer to avoid paraffin for health and environmental reasons. Paraffin wax melts quickly and produces a strong scent throw. The drawback is that it can leave an oily residue as it melts.¹

Soy wax is made from soybeans. It’s a natural, renewable resource. Soy wax has a higher melting point than paraffin, so soy wax melts release fragrance more slowly. The scent throw may not be as strong. Soy wax is also prone to frosting. However, many people prefer soy because it’s a cleaner burn and considered more eco-friendly.²

Beeswax is all-natural wax made by honeybees. It has a pleasant, sweet honey scent. Beeswax has a very high melting point, so beads release scent slowly over several hours. The scent throw is more subtle. Beeswax is the most expensive option, but some prefer it for the natural source and aroma.³

Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are a key ingredient in making scented wax melts. They provide the scent that will be released when the wax melt is heated. Choosing the right fragrance oil is important for getting the desired aroma.

There are many types of fragrance oils to choose from, ranging from floral, fruity, bakery, spice, and more. When selecting a fragrance oil, consider the scent strength or intensity. Stronger oils will give more fragrance throw from the wax melt, meaning the scent will be stronger when melted. However, oils that are too strong can be overpowering. Finding the right balance is ideal. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for using each oil in wax melts.

The concentration of the fragrance oil also affects scent throw. Using a higher percentage of fragrance oil in the wax blend will make the melted wax smell stronger. A good starting point is using between 6-8% fragrance oil in the wax melt recipe. This can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Some popular fragrance oil options include:

• Lavender – calming floral scent (source)
• Vanilla – warm, bakery aroma (source)
• Cinnamon – spicy and soothing
• Citrus – uplifting fruity scents like lemon, orange, grapefruit
• Woodsy – outdoorsy scents like pine, cedar, sandalwood

Testing different fragrance oil options is the best way to find favorites that suit your scent preferences for wax melts.

Dyes and Colorants

Dyes and colorants are added to wax melts to give them beautiful, vibrant colors. The purpose of dyes is mainly for aesthetic reasons, to make the melts more visually appealing. But dyes can also be used to indicate a particular fragrance or scent (for example, blue for an ocean breeze fragrance).

There are two main types of dyes used for wax melts: liquid dyes and powder dyes. Liquid dyes dissolve easily into melted wax and allow you to gradually adjust the color intensity. Powder dyes need to be mixed thoroughly into the wax but produce very vivid, intense colors. Both liquid and powder dyes are safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

When working with any dye or colorant, it’s important to be mindful of safety. Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Store dyes securely out of reach of children and pets. Though dyes are largely non-toxic, it’s best to take precautions.

Wicks

Wicks serve a critical purpose in wax melts by drawing the melted wax up through capillary action, which helps keep the wax pool liquid and releases more fragrance. The wick also regulates the temperature of the melting wax and prevents the wax pool from overheating. Proper wick selection helps ensure even melting, full fragrance release, and no smoking or sooting issues.

There are a few main types of wicks used for wax melts:

• Cotton wicks – Made of braided cotton threads. Cotton burns cleanly but may need trimming.
• Wooden wicks – Made of wood or bamboo fibers. They crackle as they burn and don’t need trimming.
• Paper wicks – Made of thin cardboard/paper. Low cost but don’t last as many burns.
• Metal wicks – Made of zinc or tin alloys. Reusable and long-lasting but can get too hot.

The width of the wick also matters. Most wax melt wicks range from size #1 to #4. Larger wax melt pools need thicker wicks. When in doubt, it’s best to go with a smaller wick to avoid issues.

Wicks specifically manufactured for wax melts usually work best. Wooden or cotton wicks designed for votives or tea lights are good choices. Paper wicks may be more prone to clogging, while metal wicks can get overly hot for small wax melt containers. Testing different wick types and widths is recommended to get the best results.

Containers

Wax melts require a container or mold to hold the melted wax. There are several types of containers that can be used:

Plastic Clamshell Containers

Clamshell containers made of plastic are a popular choice for wax melts. They come in various cavity sizes like 4-cavity and 6-cavity, allowing you to make multiple melts at once. Plastic clamshells can be purchased affordably in bulk packages online (https://www.amazon.com/EUPNHY-Containers-8-Plastic-Molds-25-Clamshells/dp/B0922P17TN). Make sure any plastic containers are made from high-temperature plastics that can withstand the hot wax.

Silicone Molds

Flexible silicone molds are another option that make removing finished wax melts easy. They are available in fun shapes like flowers, hearts, leaves, etc. When selecting silicone, choose food-grade, heat-resistant silicone molds made specifically for candle making.

Glass Jars

Small glass jars and containers can also be repurposed to hold wax melts. Make sure any glass is heat-safe. Glass allows you to easily see the wax color and melt it in the container. However, removing finished melts can be tricky without damaging the glass.

No matter the container type, make sure it is rated for high temperatures and free of any moisture before pouring hot wax. Containers should be level and stable to prevent spills and burns. Allow plenty of headspace for the wax to pool when melted. Follow all safety precautions when handling hot wax!

Making Wax Melts

Making wax melts at home is easy with just a few basic supplies. Here is a step-by-step guide for making wax melts:

Supplies Needed:

• Wax – Use a wax with a low melting point like soy, paraffin, or a soy-paraffin blend. Make sure it’s formulated for wax melts. (https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/how-to-make-wax-melts/)
• Double boiler or makeshift double boiler – This allows you to safely melt the wax.
• Containers – Silicone molds or tart tins work well.
• Fragrance oil – Use .5-1 oz of fragrance oil per 1 lb of wax.
• Dye – Use liquid or block dyes formulated for candle making.
• Stir sticks – These help mix the wax, dyes, and fragrance.

Instructions:

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler until it reaches 185-200°F. Stir frequently as it melts.
2. Once melted, remove from heat. Mix in dye and fragrance as desired. Stir well to fully incorporate.
3. Carefully pour the wax into containers. Leave a little room at the top for the wax to shrink as it cools.
4. Allow wax melts to fully harden before removing from molds. This takes 6-12 hours.
5. Pop finished wax melts out of the molds. They are now ready to use!

Store wax melts in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. They should last 3-6 months if stored properly.

Storing and Using

Proper storage is crucial for maximizing the scent throw and longevity of your wax melts. The ideal storage conditions are in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from light and heat. Store wax melts between 65-75°F to help the fragrance oils retain their scent.

Using an airtight container like a glass jar https://suppliesforcandles.co.uk/candle-college/how-to-store-your-candles-and-wax-melts prevents moisture and air from degrading the quality. Glass also blocks light exposure to protect the colors. Avoid plastic containers that may absorb fragrance oils.

To use wax melts, place one cube or piece in your wax warmer dish. Let it fully melt to maximize fragrance diffusion. Avoid adding multiple cubes at once which can overwhelm the scent. Allow complete melting between adding new pieces. Position your warmer in a central spot for fragrance to spread. Clean your warmer dish regularly for optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

If your wax melts are not performing as expected, there are a few common issues that may arise. Troubleshooting can help identify and resolve any problems.

No or Weak Scent Throw

If your wax melt has little to no scent when melted, the issue is likely due to the fragrance oils. Some factors that can weaken scent throw include:

• Using poor quality or old fragrance oils
• Not adding enough fragrance oil
• Overheating the wax which diminishes scent

To fix, try using fresh high quality fragrance oils at the maximum recommended usage rate (typically 5-10%) and avoiding overheating the wax. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Wax Not Melting Properly

There are a few reasons why your wax may not be melting fully or at all:

• The wax blend is too hard for your warmer – try a softer blend
• The wax melt got too cold and needs reheating
• Your warmer is defective – check for issues like broken/faulty plugs

First inspect your warmer to make sure it’s functioning properly and providing adequate heat. If the warmer is fine, adjust the wax blend to one formulated to melt at your warmer’s temperature. Refer to wax specifications. Proper storing and reheating can also help wax melt more easily.

For more troubleshooting tips, see: https://www.roanokecreek.com/index.php/2023/10/05/why-your-wax-melts-arent-melting-troubleshooting-common-issues/

Creative Ideas and Tips

When making wax melts, get creative with fun containers, scent combinations, and gift-giving ideas. Some innovative containers to use include:

• Mini mason jars – Fill small mason jars with wax melts for a cute presentation. Decorate the lid with fabric, ribbon, or raffia for added flair.
• Silicone molds – Use silicone candy or ice cube molds to shape your wax into fun designs like hearts, stars, or flowers.
• Tea tins – Vintage tea tins make charming vintage-inspired containers for wax melts.

Combine interesting scents to create one-of-a-kind wax melt blends. Some ideas include:

• Fruity menthol – Mix fruity scents like strawberry or citrus with menthol for an invigorating aroma.
• Masculine blends – Combine rugged scents like pine, cedarwood, and rosemary for a masculine mix.
• Bakery scents – Melt together scents like sugar cookie, cinnamon, and vanilla for a tasty aroma.

Wax melts also make wonderful gifts. Consider presenting your homemade wax melts in a pretty gift basket or box. Add a bow or decorative embellishments to dress up your gift presentation.

For inspiration, see Creative Wax Melt Ideas in a Jar and Unique Wax Melt Ideas.