Using wax melt bars is a simple and effective way to fill your home with fragrance. The basic process involves placing a portion of the wax melt into a specialized warmer that gently heats the wax, releasing its scent into the air without a flame, except for tealight burners.
Getting Started: What You Need
To begin enjoying your wax melts, you'll need two main things:
- Wax Melt Bars: These are typically sold in packages resembling chocolate bars, scored into individual cubes or sections.
- A Wax Melt Burner (Warmer): There are two common types:
- Tealight Burners: These use a small candle placed underneath the wax dish.
- Electric Burners: These plug into an outlet and use a light bulb or heating element to warm the wax.
The Simple Steps to Using Wax Melts
Based on how wax melts work, the process is straightforward:
- Choose Your Wax: Select the fragrance of wax melt you want to use. Break off one or two sections (cubes) from the bar, depending on the size of your burner dish and how strong you want the scent.
- Place the Wax: Simply place the chosen wax melt piece(s) in the dish of your burner. Ensure the dish is clean and dry before adding the wax.
- Activate the Burner: Then either place the lit tealight underneath [for a tealight burner], or if you have an electric burner, turn it on.
- Enjoy the Fragrance: As the burner slowly warms up, the wax melt will turn to liquid in the dish and its fragrance is released into the air. This process is flameless (for electric burners) and provides a consistent scent throw.
Tealight vs. Electric Burners
Understanding the two main types of burners can help you choose the best option for your needs:
| Feature | Tealight Burners | Electric Burners |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Source | Lit tealight candle | Light bulb or heating element |
| Flame | Yes (from the tealight) | No |
| Power | No electricity needed | Requires an electrical outlet |
| Temperature | Can vary based on tealight size | Consistent temperature |
| Safety | Requires careful supervision due to open flame | Generally considered safer, less supervision needed |
Tips for Optimal Wax Melting
- Start with one cube: If you're new to a particular wax melt or burner, start with one cube to see how strong the scent is. You can always add more if needed.
- Placement matters: Place your burner on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, children, pets, and flammable materials.
- Safety first: Never leave a lit tealight burner unattended. Ensure electric burners are turned off when not in use or before leaving the room for an extended period.
- Changing Scents: To switch fragrances, allow the wax to cool and solidify. You can then gently heat it for a minute or two to loosen it and slide the solid disc of wax out, or absorb the melted wax with cotton balls or paper towels (use caution as wax will be hot).
Using wax melts is a convenient and enjoyable way to add inviting aromas to your space. Simply warm the wax, and let the fragrance fill the room.
