Wax melts are a fun, safe, and versatile way to fill your space with delightful scents.

Unlike candles, they don’t require an open flame, making them a popular choice for homes with pets or children. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make beautiful, fragrant wax melts that are perfect for personal use or gifting.

You can pretty much use any wax, but you’ll get the best results using wax with good mold release and higher melt points, like:

• IGI 4625 (paraffin)
• Golden Wax 444 (soy)
• IGI 6006 (parasoy)

This guide uses the double boiler method because you can find everything you need in your kitchen.

Equipment

Look around your kitchen

• 4-cup measuring glass (to hold wax)
• Pot filled with water large enough to hold the measuring glass
• Stove top or hot plate (to heat the double boiler)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Kitchen scale
• Small glass or plastic cup (for measuring fragrance oil)
• Thermometer (IR or candy is fine)

Supplies

Look online or a local craft store

• Soy or paraffin wax (read about their differences)
• Fragrance or essential oil
• Oil-soluble candle dye (optional)
• Clamshell or silicone molds

Makes about 7 molds (or 42 wax cubes).

Instructions

1. Measure one pound (454 grams) of candle wax. Place in a glass measuring cup.
2. Fill a pot with water and place it over medium heat on a stove or hot plate to create a double boiler.
3. Put the measuring glass with the wax into the water and allow the wax to melt slowly. Stir occasionally until the wax reaches a temperature between 185°F (85°C) and 200°F (93°C).
4. While the wax is melting, measure one ounce (28 grams) of fragrance oil into a small disposable or glass cup. If you are blending multiple fragrances, ensure the total weight is about one ounce. Set aside.
5. Once the wax is fully melted and has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fragrance oil and any candle dye you wish to use. Continue stirring for two minutes after adding fragrance to ensure the fragrance and color are evenly distributed. Experiment with different amounts of dye to achieve your desired color.
6. Allow the wax to cool slightly until it reaches approximately 160°F (71°C) before pouring it into clamshell molds or silicone molds. Pour slowly and carefully to avoid spilling or forming air bubbles.
7. Allow wax melts to cure in the molds for at least 48 to 72 hours. This curing time helps the fragrance bind with the wax, ensuring a stronger scent throw. Unlike candles, wax melts do not require extensive curing, but waiting a few days enhances their performance.
8. Once the wax melts have fully cured, remove them from the molds and place one in a wax warmer. Enjoy the fragrance as it fills the room!

Pro Tips

1. Don’t be afraid to combine different fragrance oils. Wax melts make it easy to experiment with different scent combinations.
2. Fragrance oils work better than essential oils because they’re designed for higher temperatures and are usually more chemically stable.
3. Wax type makes a difference. Waxes with a low melt point may not hold up in storage or warm environments and be hard to work with.
4. Different wax warmers produce different results depending on the ideal melt pool temperature range for your wax melts scent throw.
5. Make sure to experiment with different wax molds! Wax melts are a great opportunity to be creative with shapes, colors, and sizes.

How long do wax melts last?

Most wax melts last between 3 hours and 3 days of normal use. The exact length usually depends on the temperature of the wax warmer and the ideal melt pool range for your wax melt’s fragrance. To make your wax melt last as long as possible, find a wax warmer that doesn’t run too hot or too cold.

How to change wax melts?

If the melted wax doesn’t come off the plate easily, turn the wax warmer on for a few minutes to warm the bottom of the wax. The warmed wax should come off easily with a plastic spoon or your fingers. Make sure you dispose the old wax melt in the garbage and never in the sink.

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Wax melts are an enjoyable and safe way to scent your space with endless customization options. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as gifts, this guide provides the foundational knowledge to get started. Happy melting!