How to Use Wax Melts: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide (2025)

Wax melts are a fantastic way to fill your home with beautiful, long-lasting fragrance without the need for an open flame. However, if you’re not using them correctly, you might be wasting wax and missing out on their full potential.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using wax melts effectively—from choosing the right warmer to maximizing scent throw and making your melts last longer.

Why Use Wax Melts?

Before diving into how to make them last, let’s quickly recap why wax melts are so popular:

✅ Safer than candles – No open flame, making them ideal for homes with kids or pets.
✅ Stronger fragrance – Wax melts often have a more concentrated scent than candles.
✅ Longer-lasting – A single wax melt can provide fragrance for hours (or even days with proper use).
✅ Customizable – Mix and match scents to create your perfect aroma.

Now, let’s get into the best practices for making your wax melts last as long as possible.

1. Choose the Right Wax Warmer

The type of wax warmer you use plays a huge role in how long your melts last. There are two main types:

A. Electric Wax Warmers

• Use a heating plate to slowly melt the wax.
• Provide consistent, adjustable heat.
• Best for longer-lasting fragrance since they don’t get as hot as tea light warmers.

B. Tea Light Wax Warmers

• Use a small candle flame to heat the wax.
• Can get hotter, which may burn off fragrance faster.
• More traditional and cozy, but may require more frequent wax changes.

Pro Tip: If you want your melts to last longer, an electric warmer with a low-heat setting is the best choice.

2. Use the Right Amount of Wax

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using too much wax at once. Here’s how to do it right:

• For small warmers: Use 1-2 small wax cubes (about 1 tsp total).
• For larger warmers: Use 2-3 cubes (up to 1 tbsp).

Why? Overfilling your warmer can cause the fragrance oils to burn off too quickly, reducing scent longevity.

3. Control the Heat for Longer-Lasting Scent

Higher heat = faster evaporation = shorter scent life. To maximize your wax melts:

• Electric warmers: Use the lowest effective setting (just enough to melt the wax).
• Tea light warmers: Opt for smaller tea lights or burn them for shorter periods.

Bonus Tip: If your wax isn’t releasing much scent, try slightly increasing the heat for 10-15 minutes, then lowering it again.

4. Extend the Life of Your Wax by Resetting It

Did you know you can reuse wax melts multiple times before they lose their scent? Here’s how:

1. Turn off the warmer once the scent fades (after 8-12 hours).
2. Let the wax cool and harden completely.
3. Pop out the wax (if possible) and store it in an airtight container.
4. Reuse it next time—most wax melts can be reheated 2-4 times before losing potency.

Pro Trick: If the wax is stuck, place the warmer in the fridge for a few minutes—it should shrink and release easily.

5. Store Unused Wax Melts Properly

To keep your wax melts fresh before use:

• Keep them sealed in their original packaging or an airtight container.
• Store in a cool, dark place (heat and sunlight can degrade fragrance oils).
• Avoid humidity (moisture can affect wax quality).

Proper storage ensures your melts stay potent until you’re ready to use them.

6. Clean Your Warmer Regularly

Residue from old wax can trap scents and reduce performance. To keep your warmer working efficiently:

1. Let the wax cool completely.
2. Wipe out excess wax with a paper towel.
3. For deeper cleaning, use rubbing alcohol or warm, soapy water.

A clean warmer ensures maximum fragrance release every time.

7. Mix Scents Strategically

Want to make your wax melts last even longer? Try layering scents:

• First burn: Use a strong, bold fragrance (like vanilla or cinnamon).
• Second burn: Add a lighter scent (like lavender or citrus) to refresh the wax.

This technique helps extend the life of your melts while keeping the aroma interesting.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Longer-Lasting Wax Melts!

By following these tips, you can double or even triple the lifespan of your wax melts while enjoying a stronger, more consistent fragrance.

Quick Recap:

✔ Use an electric warmer on low heat for best results.
✔ Don’t overfill—1-2 wax melt cubes or one of our MiniPots are usually enough.
✔ Reuse wax 2-4 times before replacing.
✔ Store melts properly to preserve freshness.
✔ Clean your warmer regularly for optimal performance.

✔ For general candle fire safety check the London Fire Brigade safety page.

Now that you know how to make wax melts last longer, you can enjoy your favorite scents without constantly replacing them. Happy melting!