There’s nothing quite like the feeling of lighting up a candle and letting its soothing aroma unwind the stress of a long day. But for the safety conscious, or those looking for some way to keep that fragrance going, you might be interested in something a little different.
Introducing the wax melt. In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about wax melts - so if that sounds like your jam, keep reading…
What are wax melts?
But first, what is a wax melt?
Well, as the name suggests, these scented pieces of wax come without a wick and rely on gentle heat to release their fragrance. These smaller sections of solid wax are typically fashioned from natural waxes such as soy or coconut, making them biodegradable and often vegan-friendly. For example, here at Essence of Harris, our wax melt bars are made with soy wax for a sustainable, clean burn.
Unlike candles, wax melt bars don’t need lighting. Instead, they are nestled into a dish atop a wax warmer or burner; then, a small tealight is placed beneath, and, as they heat up, the wax melts release their aroma to fill the room.
But why choose wax melts?
There are a range of reasons you may want to choose wax melt bars and burners, including:
- Unlike candles, tealight warmers keep the flame covered within their body, which keeps it out of reach and more protected from breezes.
- Instead of worrying if your candle is melting flat, you can simply place a cube on the top and let the gentle heat do the rest. This makes wax melts perfect for busy lifestyles or shared households.
- Whether you have a penchant for soft floral scents and zesty citrus blends, or you’re a sucker for rich wood and spice, there’s a melt for every moment.
- Wax melts can be used again and again until the fragrance oils are fully spent, with a total burn time of approximately 24 hours. When you’re ready for a new scent, it’s easy to lift out the cooled, hardened wax and refresh with a different bar.
How to find the perfect fragrance for your space
The right scent blend can make or break the vibes of a room, so getting it right is a big deal. With wax melts, you have far more control than with a candle. Here’s how to match the perfect fragrance for every room, mood and moment.
Relaxing retreat
When you want to unwind in a cosy nook with a good book, the Peony Whisper Wax Melt Bar is the one for you. Combining peony & jasmine, rose & freesia, and violet & amber, this trio unfolds wonderfully for a soft, delicate fragrance.
Peony and jasmine lead to create an air of luxury, followed by the gentle sweetness of rose and freesia for a playful, floral freshness. Finally, violet’s powdery nuance melds seamlessly into the warming glow of amber, cocooning your space in a comforting embrace.
Peony Whisper crafts a serene haven perfect for settling down and indulging in a moment of relaxation. Whether you’re lost in the pages of a novel or savouring a quiet moment with your thoughts, this blend turns your nook into a calming sanctuary.
Morning pick-me-up
For a sun-lit kitchen or breakfast nook, the vibrant blend of the Huisinis Wax Melt Bar brings a jolt of summer energy.
Pomelo and orange ignite the spark with zingy, citrus brilliance, instantly lifting the mood. Grapefruit and watermelon keep the vibe going with a juicy, hydrating sweetness, while rhubarb’s tart green snap keeps things lively. Patchouli’s earthy depth keeps the blend from feeling overly sweet, grounding the citrus-fruit in a subtle, sophisticated warmth.
If you’re looking for something to get you motivated in the morning, our Huisinis blend is the ideal companion.
Finding focus
When you need to transform your home office or study into a place of productivity, the Horgabost Wax Melt Bar is the perfect choice.
The crisp edge of Sicilian lemon helps to cut through mental fog, while eucalyptus brings a cool, menthol-tinged scent that sharpens concentration. Lemongrass and ginger root join forces to add a peppery warmth that helps to energise you without becoming a distraction. Finally, nutmeg and patchouli add a subtle spiciness and woody depth, creating a centred, focused atmosphere.
When deadlines loom, choose Horgabost for some extra oomph to get you across that finish line.
Soothing spa at home
If you’re looking for the warm embrace of a comforting blend, the Losgaintir Wax Melt Bar is the choice for you.
Bergamot and white tea provide a gentle citrus-green freshness, evoking the first sip of a warm cup of tea on a misty morning. Coconut and almond drift in, adding their creamy, nutty sweetness to cocoon you in comfort. Finally, vanilla’s smooth charm merges with amber’s honeyed warmth, rounding out the accord with the cosiest of finishes.
The result is a soothing, spa-inspired ambiance that lingers long after the steam has cleared. Bring the spa experience into your home with Losgaintir. Why not use this blend during a bath, paired with a little treat from our Bath & Body collection for the ultimate home spa vibe?
A touch of romance
As evening falls, the rich, indulgent blend of the Seilebost Wax Melt Bar sets the stage for a romantic rendezvous.
The scent of plum and pomegranate is bursting with a jam-like sweetness, while patchouli and rose introduces a heady floral-earthiness to balance it out. As the wax melts, cedarwood’s dry, pine-like clarity and musk’s soft, skin-warm scent finish the scent blend with an elegant twist.
Deeply sensual and sophisticated, Seilebost is perfect for conversation over wine, or a quiet moment beside the fire.
A trip to the country
If you want to blend the indoor and outdoor, our Adru Wax Melt Bar captures the thrill of stepping into the great outdoors from the comfort of your home.
Wild nettle’s green, dewy scent melds with bergamot’s bright citrus, offering a fresh, early-morning allure. Black peppercorn and oakmoss bring some much needed earthiness, for a rich, masculine scent. Sandalwood and musk lend a soft, creamy finish, wrapping you in a subtle warmth that feels both welcoming and intriguingly wild.
Adru is the perfect scent of the island, and is ideal for greeting guests or easing into a weekend of countryside adventures.
Making the most of your wax melt bars
Between our superb scents, you’re sure to find your favourite within our collection. But, how can you make the most of each wax melt bar? We’ve got some tips to help…
Room size, position, and ventilation
One important thing to remember is that fragrance intensity is influenced by room dimensions and airflow.
In smaller spaces, like bathrooms, or snug reading corners, a couple of wax melt cubes are ideal to provide a wealth of fragrance to your space. In larger living rooms or open-plan kitchens, you may want to consider using two cubes each in a couple of strategically placed burners to get that scent to travel further.
In larger layouts, try placing warmers near seating areas, or by entrances, to create a harmonious scent trail that ties the place together.
Good ventilation also matters. A brisk draught through a corridor or across a patio door can disperse fragrance rapidly. If you’re dealing with persistent breezes, position your wax melt away from direct airflow.
Essential oils vs. fragrance oils
Essential oils are extracted directly from plants using processes like steam distillation or cold pressing, and are beloved for their purity and natural therapeutic benefits. The gentle heat of a wax burner preserves these oils’ active compounds, allowing you to enjoy the genuine scent from these ingredients.
Fragrance oils are made using a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients (and clever technology) to create unique blends you couldn’t get anywhere else. These are perfect for home use, particularly because fragrance oils have a great scent throw. The scent throw is how well a fragrance can spread throughout a space; in fragrance oils, the combination of essential and synthetic oils means you can get the best of both scent and throw. They’re also a great option if you’re allergic or sensitive to essential oils, so you can still get that comforting burst of fragrance in your space.
Essential wax melt accessories
Before you can enjoy the delightful fragrance of your wax melts, you need an external heat source.
Unlike candles, wax melts use a wax warmer or tealight burner. This little device transforms the solid wax cube into a pool of melted wax, which releases the scent, and allows the oils to diffuse evenly. Some warmers even feature removable dishes and cool-touch handles, making refills and cleaning straightforward.
There are a number of different types of warmers you can use:
Tealight burners
Tealight burners rely on an unscented tealight candle beneath a shallow dish. These burners are often the most attractive, affordable option and easy to source.
If a tealight burner sounds like your cup of tea, here at Essence of Harris, we have a sublime Wax Melt Burner for you. Chic and elegant, our burner is a luxurious option that suits any decorating style.
Electric tabletop warmers
Operating via a small bulb or heating element, electric warmers offer a flameless experience. They maintain a steady temperature, allowing wax melts to pool evenly. The design makes it simple to switch on and off at the flick of a button, and leave running.
Plug-in warmers
Suitable for snug spaces, plug-in warmers fit directly into a wall socket. Their compact footprint means you save on surface space, though they sometimes emit a gentler heat than tabletop models.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re still on the fence about using wax melts, or have more questions about them, don’t worry! We’ve put together an FAQ section to ease your mind.
Are wax melts safer than candles?
Generally, yes. Electric and plug-in warmers offer a flameless solution, while tealight burners keep flames small and contained. Bear in mind that hot wax can still cause burns, so treat all warmers with the same caution you would a candle.
How long do wax melts last?
At Essence of Harris, our wax melts typically last for approximately 24 hours, depending on factors such as warmer type, and ambient temperature.
Do wax melts evaporate?
No. The wax itself remains solid or liquid, but only the fragrance oils evaporate into the air. As the scent compounds disperse, the wax pool will gradually become paler and firmer.
Are wax melts toxic to pets?
Some fragrance oils can irritate or harm pets if ingested. Essence of Harris prioritises natural soy wax and, wherever possible, natural fragrance oils.
To protect curious cats, dogs or other pets, keep warmers out of reach, allow for good ventilation and watch for signs of distress such as sneezing or restlessness.
Do I need to clean my warmer between different scents?
While you don’t have to, we would definitely recommend it. Residual wax and lingering fragrance oils can interfere with new scent profiles; so, after each use, allow the dish to cool, then wipe out leftover wax with a paper towel.
Enhance your home with wax melts
At Essence of Harris, our fragrances are carefully designed to make the most out of each space. Each scent is inspired by the wild, natural beauty of our island home, and they are designed to bring a bit of that magic into yours.
Explore our full collection of Wax Melts, or explore our Classic Collection to find your favourite. Or, explore the Essence of Harris blog for loads of advice, buying guides, and inspiration.
And, if you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Harris, make some time to fully immerse yourself in the full Essence of Harris experience. Our store in Tarbert, and our expert team, will guide you through the scent experience, and help you create a candle that truly reflects your favourite scents.
Want to learn more? We think you’ll love… Transforming Your Home with Scent Layering | Understanding our Scent Collection: A Home Fragrance Guide | Is Soy Wax Good for Candles?
