Wondering if wax melts are better than candles? There are a few things you’ll need to consider. Here’s what you should know!
In a world of convenience, lighting up candles can be a daunting thing for some. The other alternative to have lovely warm scents around your house would be to use scented wax melts.
This guide looks into the benefits of wax melts, how they work, and the factors you should compare when choosing wax melts against other aromatherapy products.
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What are Wax Melts?
Wax melts, also known as wax tarts or wax cubes, are small, scented pieces of wax designed to be melted in a wax warmer to release their fragrance into the air. They come in a wide range of scents and colors, making them a popular choice for home fragrance enthusiasts.
How Wax Melts Work
Wax melts are designed to be melted slowly over time, releasing fragrance into the air as they heat up. They typically contain a blend of wax, fragrance oils, and sometimes dyes to create a desired scent and appearance.
Unlike traditional candles, wax melts do not have a wick and do not burn with an open flame. Instead, they rely on a heat source, usually an electric or tealight-powered wax warmer, to melt the wax and disperse the scent.
3 Features of Wax Melts
- Variety of Scents: Wax melts come in a wide array of fragrances for you to choose based on preferences and moods, ranging from floral and fruity to woody and spicy.
- Range of Colors and Shapes: Wax melts can be made in various colors and shapes, from simple cubes to unique designs, adding a decorative element.
- Customization: Many wax melts can be mixed and matched (melted together), allowing users to create their own unique fragrance combinations.
3 Benefits of Wax Melts
Wax melts offer several advantages over traditional candles, including:
- Long-Lasting Fragrance: Wax melts release fragrance continuously for hours, providing a longer-lasting scent compared to candles.
- No Open Flame: Since wax melts are melted using a wax warmer, there’s no open flame, making them a safer option, especially when indoors with children or pets.
- Easy to Use: Using wax melts is as simple as placing a wax melt into a wax warmer and turning it on, making them more convenient than candles for everyday use.
Variety and Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of wax melts is their variety and versatility. They come in a wide range of scents, and can be mixed and matched to create custom fragrance blends that you personally love.
Aromatherapy Benefits
Many wax melts are infused with essential oils, which offer various aromatherapy benefits – alike to scented candles. As an example, lavender-scented wax melts may promote relaxation and stress relief, while citrus-scented wax melts may boost energy and uplift the mood.
Eco-Friendly Options
For environmentally conscious consumers, there are eco-friendly wax melt options available. These may include soy wax melts, which are made from renewable soybeans and produce less soot and toxins than paraffin wax melts.
Best Wax to Use for Making Wax Melts
When choosing wax for making wax melts, consider the characteristics and benefits of each type.
Here are some of the best wax options to make wax melts:
- Soy Wax
- Beeswax
- Paraffin Wax
- Coconut Wax
- Palm Wax
- Blended Waxes
- Gel Wax
- Rapeseed Wax
- Apricot Wax
Choose the type of wax that best fits your preferences, budget, and desired qualities in your wax melts.
Soy Wax Melts
Soy wax melts are a popular choice for their natural origin and clean-burning properties. They release fragrance evenly and are considered safer for indoor air quality compared to paraffin-based melts.
Soy wax melts are often infused with essential oils or high-quality fragrance oils, providing a pleasant aroma without the soot or toxins associated with some candles.
Read: How much fragrance oil to add to soy wax?
Wax Melts vs Candles – Common Questions
Are Wax Melts Healthier Than Candles?
Wax melts and candles both release fragrance into the air, but their health impacts can differ. Wax melts are generally considered safer for indoor air quality because they do not produce soot or emit potentially harmful chemicals as candles can when burned.
However, the safety of wax melts depends on the ingredients used in their production. It’s essential to choose melts made from high-quality, non-toxic materials to avoid any adverse health effects associated with synthetic additives or contaminants.
Are Wax Melts Cheaper Than Candles?
Wax melts are often more cost-effective than candles when comparing fragrance duration and scent throw. A single wax melt can last several hours, whereas candles burn down more quickly, requiring replacement.
Additionally, wax melts typically cost less per ounce than candles of comparable quality. However, the overall cost-effectiveness depends on usage frequency and the specific brands or types chosen.
Can You Use Wax Melts to Make Candles?
You can repurpose wax melts to make candles by melting them down and pouring the liquid wax into candle molds or containers with wicks. This process allows you to recycle leftover wax melts or customize candle scents using pre-made melts.
However, ensure the melts are compatible with candle-making, considering factors like wax type, fragrance load, and melt point for optimal results.
Are Wax Melts Safe to Breathe?
When used properly, wax melts are safe to breathe. They release fragrance as they melt, but unlike candles, they do not produce smoke or soot.
The safety largely depends on the quality of the wax and fragrance oils used. Opting for natural waxes like soy or beeswax, and fragrance oils formulated for wax melts, can minimize any potential respiratory irritation.
Just like candles, it’s advisable to use wax melts in well-ventilated areas and to avoid prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces.
Candles vs Wax Melts vs Diffuser
Choosing between candles, wax melts or diffuser depends on preferences for ambiance, safety concerns, and desired scent duration and strength.
Here’s a table comparing candles, wax melts, and diffusers across various factors:
| Factor | Candles | Wax Melts | Diffusers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Source | Open flame (wick) | Wax warmer (electric or tealight) | No heat for reed diffusers; electric for ultrasonic or nebulizing diffusers |
| Fragrance Release | Through burning the wick | Through melting the wax | Through diffusion of essential oils |
| Ambiance | Provides visual ambiance with a flame | No flame, just fragrance | No flame, just fragrance |
| Safety | Fire hazard; needs supervision | No open flame, safer; needs a heat source | No fire hazard; safe for continuous use |
| Ease of Use | Light the wick, trim regularly, supervise | Place in warmer, turn on, clean after use | Add diluted oil mixture, turn on for electric; set reeds in oil for reed diffusers |
| Fragrance Duration | Varies; typically hours | Long-lasting; can be remelted several times | Continuous until oil water mixture is depleted; varies by type |
| Cost | Varies; can be more expensive | Generally more cost-effective | Initial cost higher for electric; oils vary in price |
| Cleaning | Minimal; trim wick and discard when done | Clean out old wax from warmer | Clean diffuser regularly to avoid buildup |
| Customization | Limited to candle’s scent | Can mix different wax melts | Mix different essential oils |
| Eco-Friendliness | Depends on materials used | Depends on wax and packaging | Eco-friendly options available; no waste from burning |
| Portability | Portable but needs to be handled carefully | Portable but requires a warmer | Portable, especially reed diffusers |
| Intensity Control | Difficult to adjust fragrance intensity | Can add more or fewer wax melts | Easy to adjust oil amount or reed number |
These are a few considerations to help you choose the best method for home fragrance based on your preferences and needs.
Each product still requires some level of supervision and should not be used when no one is around to monitor.
Bottom Line
Wax melts offer different benefits over traditional candles, including long-lasting fragrance, safety, ease of use, and versatility.
As candle-makers, it’s strategic to create both and sell them for your business. Some may prefer candles, but there’s a new growing demand for wax melts – especially among those who don’t like lighting up candles.
If you’re a candle consumer, wax melts are a convenient and eco-friendly option for enhancing your living space!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Typically, wax melts last longer than candles when comparing the same amount of wax. Wax melts are designed to release their fragrance over an extended period, with each melt providing multiple hours of scent. Candles, while providing ambiance with their flame, burn the wax at a faster rate. The exact duration depends on the size and type of candle or wax melt used.
Wax melts lack the visual ambiance provided by candles since they do not have a flame. They require a wax warmer, which can be an additional expense and necessitates an electrical outlet. Additionally, cleaning out old wax from the warmer can be messy and time-consuming. Furthermore, some users might find the scent of wax melts too strong or overwhelming, especially in small spaces.
Burning candles and melting wax melts each have their advantages. Burning candles provide a cozy ambiance with their flickering flame and can also serve as decorative pieces. Melting wax using a wax warmer offers a safer, flame-free option with a typically stronger and longer-lasting scent. The choice depends on personal preference for ambiance, safety, and scent strength.
A wax warmer is generally considered better than a candle warmer because it is specifically designed to melt wax melts evenly and safely. Wax warmers often provide more consistent heat, resulting in a more uniform scent release. Candle warmers are usually designed to warm the entire candle, which can sometimes lead to uneven melting or a weaker scent throw.
Yes, wax melts and candles often use the same types of wax, such as paraffin, soy, or beeswax. The primary difference lies in their form and method of use. Wax melts are small, solid pieces of wax that release fragrance when melted in a warmer, while candles are formed around a wick and are burned to release their scent.
The point of wax melts is to provide a flame-free, convenient way to fragrance a room. Wax melts offer a strong and long-lasting scent without the need for a burning wick, making them safer for continuous use, especially in households with children or pets. They also allow for easy scent customization by mixing different melts to create unique fragrance combinations.
