Wax melts are small pieces of scented wax designed to be gently heated in a wax burner to release fragrance into a room. Unlike candles, they do not have a wick and do not burn - instead, the wax is warmed until the fragrance evaporates into the air.
A wax melt is considered “finished” once the fragrance has fully evaporated, even though the wax itself remains.
What exactly is a wax melt?
In simple terms, a wax melt is a wickless candle.
Like a candle, it’s made from wax that has been loaded with fragrance oil so it produces a scent when heated. The key difference is that a wax melt cannot melt itself - it needs an external heat source.
This is why wax melts are used with:
- a tealight burner, or
- an electric wax burner
Without that heat source, the wax stays solid and releases no scent - ok, it'll have some cold throw but you won't really be able to smell it across the room.
How do wax melts work?
Wax melts work by allowing fragrance to evaporate.
When heat is applied:
- The wax melts
- The fragrance oil warms
- The fragrance evaporates into the air
Once the burner is switched off or the tealight goes out, the wax hardens again. Each time the wax is melted, a little more fragrance evaporates until eventually there is no scent left.
At that point, you’re left with unscented wax.
Do wax melts burn or evaporate?
Wax melts do NOT burn, they melt. Hence the name I suppose.
The wax itself melts and solidifies repeatedly, much like water freezing and thawing. Only the fragrance evaporates - the wax does not disappear in the way candle wax does.
This is why wax melts can be reused multiple times until the scent is gone.
How are wax melts different from candles?
The main difference is how the wax is heated.
Candles:
- Use a wick
- Burn wax as fuel
- Gradually lose wax over time
Wax melts:
- Have no wick
- Are heated externally
- Keep the wax intact even after the scent is gone
Some people prefer candles for their simplicity. Others prefer wax melts because they allow more control over scent strength by adjusting heat or adding more wax.
What types of wax melts are there?
Wax melts can be made from several types of wax, including:
- Paraffin
- Soy
- Beeswax
- Coconut
- Rapeseed
- Blended waxes
Each has different properties, and no single wax is “perfect” for everyone. We personally use 100% soy wax, but other options are widely available.
How long do wax melts last?
There’s no single answer, as several factors affect longevity, including:
- Burner temperature
- Room size
- Fragrance load
- Individual scent sensitivity
Higher heat causes fragrance to evaporate more quickly. Larger rooms disperse scent faster. And scent perception varies from person to person.
If you're struggle to smell your wax melts then we actually have a post about that!
As a guide, our wax melts typically last around 20–28 hours per Teddy Pot, though this can vary either side.
How do you use wax melts safely?
Using wax melts safely is straightforward if you follow basic precautions:
- Use appropriate burners
- Never leave lit tea lights unattended
- Avoid oversized or long-burn tea lights
- Keep burners away from pets and children - we have a post all about "are wax melts safe around pets and children"
- Do not add water or other substances to the wax
- Avoid running electric burners continuously
Following standard fire safety guidance is usually sufficient.
Why do some wax melts smell stronger than others?
The biggest factor in wax melt strength is fragrance oil quality and percentage.
Low-quality oils or low fragrance loads generally result in weak scent throw. We use a 10% fragrance load - the legal limit in most cases - across our wax melts.
That said, scent perception is subjective. Some fragrances that people love may barely register for others. Noses vary.
Are wax melts right for you?
Wax melts are simply one way to fragrance your home.
If you enjoy changing scents, controlling fragrance strength, or avoiding open-flame wax burning, wax melts can be a great option. Like candles, diffusers, or room sprays, they all serve the same purpose: adding fragrance to your space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reuse wax melts?
Yes. Wax melts can be reused multiple times until the fragrance has fully evaporated. Once the scent is gone, the wax itself will still melt but will no longer release fragrance.
Do wax melts smell stronger than candles?
In many cases, yes. Wax melts can produce a stronger scent throw because they often contain a higher fragrance load and are heated without using the wax as fuel.
Do wax melts burn or create smoke?
No. Wax melts do not burn and do not create smoke when used correctly - although you may see the FRAGRANCE being released.
Do wax melts go off over time?
Wax melts do not expire in the traditional sense, but fragrance can weaken over long periods if stored incorrectly. Keeping them cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight helps preserve scent strength.
