
Wax melts can turn your home into a fragrant oasis, but they can be a costly affair, especially if you desire to use them regularly.
But what if I told you there were ways to make your wax melts last longer? You can save money and enjoy your wax melts for a more extended period of time with these tips:
How Long Do Wax Melts Last?
This is a tough question because it depends on how long you want them to last, the type of wax melts, the fragrance, and how you store them.
The average wax melt lasts between 6-8 hours. However, some brands boast that their wax melts can last up to 24 hours.
The time that wax melts varies depending on several factors, so you should consider them before determining how to make them last longer.
- The temperature at which you are heating the wax
- The type and quantity of fragrance oil you are using
- The size of the melts and if you are using a wick
- The type of wax you are using, ingredients, and if you are using a colorant
With all these factors in mind, there are still ways to make your wax melts last longer. So, let’s come to them.
7 Tips for Making Your Wax Melts Last Longer
Sometimes, your wax melts don’t last long enough as expected. And there can be reasons such as the fragrance not being strong enough or you haven’t used the correct type of wax burner.
If that’s the case, here are a few ways to make your wax melts last longer.
1- Use a Higher Quality Wax Melt
Different types of wax are available in the market, but not all are created equal. The better the quality of the wax, the longer it will last.
To start, purchase high-quality wax melts. Cheaper brands may not have as strong of a scent or may not last as long.
Some of the best brands for wax melts are Scentsy, Happy Wax, Yankee Candle, Bonita Candles, and Woodwick.
Scentsy Bars and Happy Wax Bears are my top favorite because they have a strong scent and last a long time.
When looking for the longest-lasting wax melts, it’s essential to consider a few factors when making a purchase.
The first is the type of wax that is used. Paraffin wax, soy wax, and beeswax are all excellent choices.
Each wax ingredient has its benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the one that is right for you is essential.
2- Use the Right Size Wax Melt
One important thing to consider when using wax melts is the size of the melt. If the melt is too small, it will burn up quickly and not last as long.
On the other hand, if the melt is too big, it will take a long time to melt completely, and you might get tired of the fragrance before it’s done.
Ideally, you should use a wax melt that is the size of a quarter. Or you can use one cube at a time. This will give you a good balance of melted wax and fragrance.
Brittles or whimsical shapes are also available and should be used according to the size of your burner.
3- Use a Lower Temperature
If you’re using a wax melt warmer, set the temperature to low. If the temperature is too high, the fragrance will be intense and strong – but the wax will melt too quickly.
It’s good to allow the wax to warm up slowly. This will help in releasing a milder scent that will last far longer.
So, it depends on you whether you want a strong fragrance for a short period or a milder scent that lingers.
4- Use Less Wax and Don’t Add Water
It’s tempting to want to fill your wax melt warmer with a lot of wax but resist the urge. More wax does not mean a more potent scent or a longer-lasting melt.
Using too much wax can cause the fragrance to be overwhelming and can shorten the lifespan of the wax.
Some people also think adding water to the wax will make it last longer, but this is not the case. Adding water can cause the wax to evaporate and lose its scent.
If you want your wax melts to have a stronger scent, instead add a few drops of fragrance oil to the wax. This will help the fragrance last longer.
5- Cover Your Wax Melt Warmer
If you’re using an electric wax melt warmer, make sure to cover it when you’re not using it. This will help keep the wax melts from evaporating and losing their scent.
Also, if you’re using a tea light to heat your wax melts, make sure to blow it out when you’re not using it. This will help the wax last longer.
Another thing to consider is keeping your wax melts away from drafts. A draft in the room will cause the wax to melt faster, and the fragrance will not be as strong.
6- Set the Timer at Home to Avoid Excessive Use
It may be tempting for you to leave your wax melt warmer all day, but it’s not necessary. It’s better to turn it off when you’re not in the room. This will help the wax last longer.
Suppose you’re worried about forgetting to turn off your wax melt warmer. Set a timer. This way, you can enjoy the fragrance for a few hours, and it will turn off automatically.
Many electric lamps and oil warmers come with an alarm, but you can use your phone or any other timer if your warmer doesn’t have an inbuilt alarm.
7- Avoid Natural Anosmia and Avoid Using Your Wax Melts While Cooking
If you have a condition known as anosmia, it’s best to avoid using wax melts. Anosmia is the smell correct, and it can also develop naturally.
This means if you are smelling a particular smell for a long, your body and sense organs adapt to it, and you stop smelling it as it should.
This is why taking breaks in between while using wax melts is essential. Give a break for a few minutes every hour to give your nose a break and prevent anosmia.
Wax melts are also not ideal to use while cooking. The heat from the stove can cause the wax to melt too quickly, and the fragrance will be overwhelming.
However, the fragrance can interfere with your sense of taste and smell, making it difficult to enjoy your food.
So, if you’re cooking, it’s best to turn off your wax melt warmer and enjoy the meal without the fragrance.
Bonus Tip. Keep the Warmer Clean and Store Your Wax Melts Properly.
After you have used it, it’s essential to keep your wax melt warmer clean. If there is a build-up on the more generous, it can cause the wax to have a weaker scent.
To clean your wax melt warmer, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. You can use a cotton swab and Post-Wax Oil to clean any hard-to-reach areas.
When you’re not using your wax melts, make sure to store them properly.
Wax melts should be stored in a cool and dry place. If they are exposed to heat or sunlight, they will melt and lose their fragrance.
When not using them, store your wax melts in a covered container or bag (preferably in a dark location away from direct sunlight). This will help them last longer and retain their scent.

Do Wax Melts Lose Their Scent If Not Used for Long?
Wax melts usually last for around 30 hours once opened from their original seal package.
If you don’t use them within that time frame, the scent will start to fade or dissipate slowly. Some of the stronger ones (with a strong smell) can last for a few weeks before the scent completely gets eradicated.
So, if you want to keep the fragrance strong, it’s best to use them within a few weeks of opening the package.
Remember that the wax does not evaporate, so if you return to it after a while, the scent might be there but not as potent.
When kept in optimal conditions, the unopened and unused scented wax melts can last for years. Soy wax melts, for example, can last up to 2 years when stored properly.
Usually, wax melts do not come with expiry dates, and they do not expire as food items or medicines.
If, however, you want to make sure that your wax melts retain their scent and potency, it’s important to store them in a cool, dry place.
They should also be kept in an airtight container to prevent the fragrance from dissipating.
Can You Put Laundry Beads in Your Wax Warmer – Is it Safe?
I have seen many times people using laundry detergents, laundry beads, Arm and Hammer Scent Booster, and Unstopables using in their wax warmers.
I have even seen people use dryer sheets.
All these can be used in your wax warmer, but you should know a few things before using them.
- Laundry beads and Unstopables are designed to be used in the washing machine only.
- Putting them in your wax warmer will give off toxic chemicals and can go up in flames. They will also not last as long as a wax tart or candle.
- And the worst part, these products can even void the warranty on your wax warmer because they are often tough to clean off later.
If you still want to go ahead and try laundry beads in your wax warmer, put them in only a small amount.
Also, just be sure to put them on a low setting so they do not overheat and cause a fire. You don’t want your house to smell like a toxic laundry room.
If you are looking for something to make your home smell good safely, try using essential oils instead. You can add a few drops to a diffuser or even put them in a pot of boiling water on the stove.
The conclusion
Wax melts are an excellent way to enjoy your favorite fragrances without having to burn candles. They are easy to use and last for a long time.
But, what are the longest-lasting brands of wax melts? The answer may surprise you.
While some big-name brands last a long time, many indie and artisanal brands also have great staying power.
What’s their secret? It has to do with the quality of ingredients and attention to detail that goes into each melt.
If you want your melts to last as long as possible, be sure to buy from a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients.
And don’t forget to store them properly. With these tips in mind, your next batch of wax melts will last for weeks – or even months.
Meen Smith is a nurse by profession who loves writing online, spending time with her family and caring for the elderly. She has already worked as an associate editor on various moms, babies, home appliances, kitchen, and healthy living blogs. In her spare time, she also enjoys drawing, reading/writing kindle eBooks and improving her skills a bit.