What Are Wax Melts and How Do You Use Them?

If you've never used wax melts before, you're in for a treat. They're one of the easiest ways to fill your home with beautiful fragrance — no flame, no fuss.

What Are Wax Melts?

Wax melts are small, scented pieces of wax designed to be warmed in a wax warmer. As the wax heats up, it releases fragrance into the air. Unlike candles, there's no wick and no open flame — just pure, long-lasting scent.

What Do You Need?

Just two things: wax melts and a wax warmer. Electric warmers are the most popular — simply plug in, add your wax, and enjoy. Tea light warmers work too if you prefer that look.

How to Use Wax Melts

1. Break off 1–2 cubes from your wax melt and place them in the dish of your warmer.
2. Turn on your warmer (or light your tea light).
3. Within minutes, your space will start to fill with fragrance.
4. When the scent fades, let the wax cool, pop it out, and swap in a new scent.

What Bulb Do You Need for Your Wax Warmer?

If your warmer uses a bulb, getting the right wattage makes a big difference for scent throw and safety.

• Standard tabletop warmers: A 25-watt incandescent or halogen candelabra bulb (E12 base) is the most common and works best for fully melting wax and releasing scent.
• Plug-in mini warmers: Use a 15-watt bulb — these smaller wall warmers need less heat.
• Specialty or large open-glass warmers: Some use 40-watt Edison bulbs.
• Avoid LED bulbs: LEDs don't generate enough heat to melt wax properly — always use incandescent or halogen.
• Colored bulbs: You can use 15, 20, or 25-watt colored bulbs to change the glow of your warmer without affecting scent.

⚠️ Safety tip: Always check the silver sticker on the base or cord of your warmer for the exact recommended wattage. Using the wrong wattage can cause overheating or a fire hazard.

How Long Do Wax Melts Last?

Each cube typically lasts 6–10 hours of scent throw depending on the fragrance load and your warmer's wattage. Higher wattage = stronger scent but shorter duration. Lower wattage = lighter scent that lasts longer. Our hand-poured soy blend wax melts are made with a high fragrance load for a strong, long-lasting scent at any wattage.

Ready to Try?

Not sure which scent to start with? Our Wax Melt Sample Box is the perfect way to try 10 hand-poured scented wax melts before committing to a full size. Find your new favorite home fragrance today.