Wax Melt Guide: How to Use, Scent Duration & Room Strength
Get the most from your wax melts with practical advice on choosing a warmer, session length and fragrance strength.
Which burner should I use?
Use a burner or electric warmer specifically designed for wax melts. An oil burner is not automatically suitable: check the manufacturer's instructions. For tea light burners, use only the tea light size and type specified by the manufacturer. Electric warmers must also be used according to their instructions.
Place your warmer on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from draughts, flammable materials, children and pets. Do not leave it unattended. Never add water to wax melts or overfill the dish.
How long should I run my warmer?
There is no single session length that suits every warmer. Follow the manufacturer's maximum operating time and any instructions on the wax melt packaging. Switch off or extinguish the tea light when you have finished enjoying the fragrance, and allow the wax and warmer to cool completely before handling. Do not assume an electric warmer can safely run all day or overnight.
How long does the fragrance last?
Fragrance duration varies with the melt, amount used, warmer temperature and room conditions. A melt may provide fragrance over several sessions, but a fixed number of hours cannot be guaranteed. Wax remains in the dish even after its fragrance has faded.
When the fragrance is no longer noticeable during use, let everything cool and replace the wax following your warmer's cleaning instructions. Do not pour wax down the sink. Adding fresh wax to old wax will not restore the old wax's fragrance.
How strong should it smell in my room?
Expect a more noticeable fragrance in a smaller room than in a large or open-plan space. Airflow, open windows, ceiling height, warmer performance and your chosen fragrance can all affect scent strength. Allow the wax to melt and the fragrance to spread before judging it.
Your nose can become accustomed to a fragrance. Step out briefly and return before deciding it has faded. Start with the amount recommended on the packaging; more wax does not necessarily mean stronger fragrance, and you must never exceed the warmer's capacity. Keep normal ventilation and do not expect one warmer to fragrance an entire home.
How should I store wax melts?
Keep unused melts in their original closed packaging or a suitable sealed container, in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Follow any storage or best-before guidance on the packaging, and keep them away from children and pets.