What are Wax Melts and why do people LOVE them?
When I first learned what Wax Melts were, I was a penny-pinching post-grad on the hunt for a cheaper alternative to candles. I wanted something to fill my new apartment with lovely scents, and not go broke in the process! I tried essential oils and incense at first, but I found myself missing candles despite their high cost. Perhaps it was something about the coziness of their flickering flame, or the variety of scents they could produce - like pumpkin spice latte, for example. If only they were cheaper!
Enter Wax Melts. They are little dollops of scented wax - often formed into shapes, like our moon-shaped wax melts for example. The wax melts are then melted in "wax warmers" to release fragrance into the air without the need for a flame.
But wait, aren't wax warmers like $25 a pop? How then, are they more affordable?
Wax Melts Cost Less
Perhaps, one of the biggest reasons people love wax melts is their affordability compared to candles! You do have to buy a wax warmer upfront, but once you make the switch to wax melts you'll find that you're paying less in the long-run. When you buy a candle you're also buying the glass jar, lid, and wicks! But wax melts are just that - wax and fragrance! Plus, since wax melts aren't "burned" like candle wax, less wax is required for them to work, making them more economical. Even your shipping costs are reduced because they weigh less than candles!
Still not convinced? Let's crunch the numbers. If you buy a candle that burns for 35+ hours, it might cost $20, but, if you get a 2oz box of wax melts - you'll have roughly the same amount of "smell time" for just $10 - that's half the price!
So, in that case, there are two options. You can get three candles for $60 - or, switch to wax melts, and invest in a $25 wax warmer and get three 2oz wax melt boxes for $30, for a total of $55. So if you get at least three wax melts with your burner, your wax warmer will have paid for itself! But who stops at just three wax melts? Overtime, you'll get more wax melts and save more money in the long-run after making the switch!
Wax Melts are Simple To Use
To activate the wax melt, simply place it in a wax warmer and turn it on. Wax warmers can be electric or powered by a tea light candle. Whether using a hot lightbulb or hot flame - the effect is the same. The wax warmer heats up the shallow ceramic bowl where the wax melt is placed, making the wax melt and release fragrance into the air.
Unlike a candle, there is no need to worry about a flame if you have an electric wax warmer. One average-sized wax melt lasts roughly 6-8 hours and you'll know when the wax melt is spent because you won't smell any more fragrance in the air.
To replace your wax melt, simply dump the hot wax into a trash can. You can use a paper towel to soak up the wax and clean any remaining wax in the bowl. There are other methods that are arguably simpler, but this is the most common.
Wax Melts are Safer
Wax Melts are a great option if you have pets or children and you don't want to worry about them catching fire or causing a fire!
It's true - some wax warmers require a flame, such as tea light wax warmers - but if you want to go flameless, there are many electric wax warmers to choose from. Simply plug into the wall and the warmth of a lightbulb will heat the ceramic dish holding your wax melts. There are even some wax warmers with timers on them, so you can set it and forget it!
Wax Melts are Cleaner for Your Air
If you get an electric wax warmer, there is no flame, so your air will be cleaner. Even the cleanest, most non-toxic candles (like ours!) produce some smoke - especially noticeable when you blow the candle out! Simply put, where there is fire - there is smoke. However, since electric wax warmers avoid the combustion process completely, there is literally zero smoke resulting in cleaner air for you and your family.
Wax Warmers are Cozy
Wax warmers are comforting home decor pieces that can provide a similar warmth and coziness as a candle. Many wax warmers give off a warm glowing light from either a tea light or lightbulb. Some of my favorite designs have the light shine through little holes in the ceramic like twinkling stars, or there are some vintage-style warmers that look like old-timey lanterns and use aesthetic Edison bulbs. There's something for everyone!
Wax Melts = More Scent Control
Some people have sensitive noses are prefer more subtle scents - others want super strong scents because their noses are more decorative than functional. Whichever camp you find yourself in, wax melts give you more control over how much scent you want in the air. One wax melt for a subtle scent, two for a medium scent, and three for a strong scent!
This level of control can also be handy for scenting various sized rooms in your house. For a bathroom, one wax melt in a small outlet-style warmer will do. But for a big living room, you can up the strength to 2-3 wax melts in a large wax warmer. It's up to you!
Mix and Match 'Em!
If you're feeling creative, wax melts are unique in that you can mix scents and experiment with creating your own blends! For example, why not try adding Basic Witch wax melts with Pumpkin Creme Brulee wax melts for an even more pumpkin-powered coffee scent!
Or if you're just starting out with wax melts, and want to stay on the safe side, I recommend trying our best-selling Practical Magic wax melts - a soothing, grounding rosemary and lavender based scent with hints of salty sea air.
Try Wax Melts Today!
In conclusion, there really is no harm in giving wax melts a try. The initial investment of a wax warmer is pretty small in the long-run - especially if you get one used, or get a small outlet-style warmer to start! Even if you get a large wax warmer, it will eventually pay for itself the more you use wax melts instead of candles. If you end up loving wax melts as much as we do - you'll find the benefits speak for themselves: more money saved, less stress, cleaner air, and more control!
Your Neighborhood Candle Witch,
Ellen
Moon Wax
Photo by Mindaugas Norvilas on Unsplash