By now you’ll know we’re big fans of a good scented candle. Diffusers have their spot in our homes too. But have you heard of a wax melt? Wax melts have started to replace the beloved scented candle as the cheaper and longer-lasting option when it comes to home fragrance. Let’s catch you up to speed…
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Close up macro of scented candle wax melting slowly. Getty Images.
What is a wax melt?
A wax melt is a small scented piece of wax that is placed in a burner and melted to release a fragrance, achieving the same purpose as a scented candle, diffusor, or essential oils in a burner.
Wax melts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents, and they’re made of natural ingredients like soy wax or beeswax.
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Why you should consider using wax melts
We love using wax melts as an alternative to traditional candles and diffusers. Here’s why you should consider making the switch, too.
Scented melting wax with candle. Getty Images.
Longer-lasting and safer than scented candles
Wax melts last longer than scented candles and they are much safer than open flames. The wax is gently heated in a burner, which releases a fragrant scent without the worry of fire hazards.
Wax melts in the lower price range can give off a scent for up to 8 hours, while high quality wax melts can fragrance the room for up to 18 hours.
Your options are endless
Wax melts come in a range of different fragrances, and you can mix and match them to create your perfect scent. From sweet and floral to fruity and spicy, there’s a wax melt for every mood and occasion. Scented candles, diffusers and quality intense can cost a pretty penny, and aren’t as versatile.
It isn’t as easy to whip your own scented candle at home, but playing around with wax melts is loads of fun and quite simple to do. We love coming up with our own fragrance combos using herbs from the garden and other essential oils.
A box of homemade wax melts is also the perfect gift for a friend. Keep reading for more about how to make your own wax melts.
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They’re not complicated to use
Unlike candles that come with rules for even-burning, wax melts couldn’t be simpler to use.
All you need to do is pop a wax melt into your burner and the space will be filled with your favourite scent in no time. You don’t need to worry about tunneling or knocking your diffuser over again (we’ve made that mistake already).
Affordable and planet friendly
Most importantly, wax melts are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Unlike candles, which you have to replace when they burn out (with the good ones costing over R400 bucks), wax melts can be reused multiple times, making them a more sustainable option. And because they’re made with natural ingredients, you can use wax melts without any worries of harming the environment.
Getty Images.
How to make your own wax melts
If you want to take your wax melt game to the next level, why not try making your own? Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 454 grams of soy wax flakes.
- 28 grams of fragrance oil.
- Wax melt mold, or silicone baking / ice tray.
- Double boiler (or make a bain-marie).
- Stirring utensil.
- Thermometer.
Instructions:
- Melt the soy wax flakes in a double boiler over medium heat until they reach a temperature of 79°C.
- Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool to 60°C.
- Add the fragrance oil to the wax and stir well. You can also add in bits of fresh herbs like rosemary or lavender in this step, if you so fancy.
- Pour the wax into your wax melt mold and let it cool and harden for at least an hour.
- Once the wax has hardened, remove the wax melts from your mold and store them in a cool, dry place.
NB: Be sure to use a thermometer to ensure that the wax is at the correct temperature before adding the fragrance oil, as adding it at too high of a temperature can cause the fragrance to evaporate too quickly.
Plus, you can even make wax melts from leftover bits of candle you have laying around the house:
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Trust us, once you’ve tried wax melts, you’ll never want to go back to anything else.
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Feature Image: Instagram / @wild_about_wax_co
