How to Use Wax Melts [With and Without Burner]

Wax melts may look like tiny little blocks, cubes, or pretty designs of scented wax—but don’t let their size fool you. These small pieces pack a powerful punch when it comes to filling your space with fragrance.

Pop them into an aroma oil or wax warmer, and within minutes, your room feels calm, inviting, and beautifully fragrant. It’s like setting the tone for your day, or winding down your evening, with just a simple little cube of wax.

But here’s the thing: I know a lot of people wonder – how exactly should you use wax melts? Do you always need a burner? Can you melt them without one? And what makes them so different from candles?

That’s exactly what I’ll walk you through in this blog post—step by step. By the end, you’ll not only know how to use wax melts (with or without a burner), but you might just find yourself falling in love with them the way I did.

Using a Burner for Wax Melts

If you’re just starting out with wax melts, using a burner is hands down the easiest—and often the most affordable—way to enjoy them. Simply pop your favorite melt into a tea light or electric warmer, and within minutes, your space will be filled with fragrance.

But before you jump in, let’s go over a few simple things that will make your experience both safe and enjoyable.

Step 1. Choose the right burner

There are plenty of options out there—classic ceramic tea light burners, sleek electric warmers, even decorative styles that double as home décor. Take a moment to find one that suits your space and your lifestyle. (Personally, I love electric warmers for the no-fuss factor.)

Step 2. Follow the instructions

Every burner is a little different, so it’s worth reading the guidelines that come with yours. This ensures you’re melting your wax safely while getting the best scent throw possible.

Step 3. How to use wax melts on a burner

• Place your chosen wax melt into the bowl of the burner. Whether you prefer soy, paraffin, or blends, you’ll find endless options—brands like Febreze and Farm Raised Candles have some fantastic (and surprisingly affordable) varieties online.
• If you’re using an electric warmer, switch it on (starting with the lowest setting is best).
• If you’re using a tea light burner, place a lit tea light underneath the bowl.
• Allow the wax to fully melt and release its fragrance. Take your time with it—don’t add more wax until the first portion has melted down nicely.

Step 4. Adjusting the strength of your fragrance

If you want a stronger scent, add a little more wax. And to make it intense, simply mix in some unscented wax melts to balance it out.

Step 5. Wrapping up safely

When you’re done, turn off your electric oil warmer or blow out your tea light. Let the wax cool and harden before removing it. Once solid, it’s easy to dispose of in the trash.

And that’s it—super simple, wonderfully effective. Once you try it, you’ll see why so many people (myself included) find this little ritual both relaxing and addictive.

How many wax melts should you use?

This will generally depend on the size of the room you’re trying to fragrance.

For a small space, such as a bathroom, only one wax cube melt will do the job. For a medium-sized room, it’s good not to use more than one at a time if you are using wax cubes. But for a large room, such as a living room or bedroom, you should use more wax melts to freshen up the room.

I use Happy Wax natural scented wax melt bears (2-3 bears at a time). But wax tarts and bars are also a good choice for large rooms. You can use them depending on the desired fragrance intensity you like to have in a room.

Using Scented Wax Melts Without a Burner

Let’s assume you were given some Scentsy wax melts as a gift or as a sample to try from someone. And although they are affordable, you don’t want to spend money on a ceramic oil warmer or an electric burner.

Well, in that case, there are still plenty of ways that you can enjoy the fragrance of wax melts.

1- Stove Method

One way to melt scented wax without a warmer is to place the pieces of your wax melts in a small stainless steel bowl.

Just grab a small stainless steel bowl, drop in your wax melts, and nestle it inside a slightly bigger pot filled with water. Heat it gently on your stovetop (or hot plate if you’re feeling fancy).

As the steam does its thing, the wax melts down and releases that gorgeous fragrance.

Bonus hack: Once it’s melted, carry the little bowl to your room and let it work its magic from the corner while you study, work, or drift off to sleep.

2- Microwave Method

Another exciting way to use complex wax melts without a burner is to place them in an oven.

Just preheat it to 250°F, pop your wax melts into an oven-safe dish, and let the magic happen. Before you know it, you’ll have a room that smells like heaven baked fresh.

But here’s the deal: wax isn’t a “set it and forget it” recipe. It melts fast, and if you get distracted, it can lead to a mini fire hazard. So, keep an eye on it, treat it like your favorite soufflé, and pull it out as soon as it’s fully melted.

3- DIY Wax Burner Method with a Mason Jar

Making a homemade wax warmer is easier than you think. With just a mason jar, a tea light, and a shallow dish, you can DIY your very own wax warmer—cheap, easy, and oddly satisfying.

Here’s the hack: pop the tea candle at the bottom of the jar, balance your dish on top, and let it do its magic.

Drop in a few wax beads (or melts) and suddenly your room smells like you hired an expensive aromatherapist.

Want to level it up? Add a couple of drops of essential oil and boom—your home feels Pinterest-worthy in minutes.

4- Get a Strong Scent from the Cold Throw Method

Many people also recommend using the “cold throw” method for using candle wax melts without an oil burner or a warmer.

This is simply a method of placing the old or new wax melts in a well-ventilated room and allowing the fragrance to waft through the air.

In simple terms:

• Cold throw = the scent you smell straight from the wax (at room temperature).
• Hot throw = the scent you smell once it’s melted or burning.

It’s an excellent option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of melting the wax.

Why Isn’t My Wax Melting in the Warmer?

If your wax is just sitting there, stubborn and solid, don’t worry—it’s not you, it’s (probably) the warmer. Here are the usual suspects:

a. Temperature Trouble – Many warmers have a dial to adjust heat. If it’s set too low, your wax won’t budge. Some electric warmers also depend on the right bulb wattage—too weak, and you’ll be waiting forever for that melt.

b. Shallow Bowl Blues – If your warmer’s dish is too shallow or oddly shaped, the heat won’t reach the wax evenly. Result? A very underwhelming melt.

c. Wax-Warmer Mismatch – Not all wax is created equal. Some blends are made for specific types of warmers. Always check the instructions—your wax may just be in the wrong home.

d. The Broken Element Mystery – If all else fails, your warmer’s heating element might simply be out of action. No heat = no melt. Time to troubleshoot or replace.

In short: a little detective work usually solves the problem, and once fixed, you’ll be back to enjoying that cozy fragrance throw in no time.

Can You Reuse Wax Melts that Have Been Burnt?

Yes, you can—and it’s easier than you think. Just re-melt the used wax and pour it into a new mold (ice cube trays or silicone molds work great).

To bring the scent back to life, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil while it’s melted, and voilà—your wax feels brand new.

Here’s another trick: you don’t always have to remold. Simply place the old melted wax back in your warmer and use a fan to circulate the fragrance around the room. If the cubes you used had a strong scent to begin with, this hack works surprisingly well.

Not only does this save money, but it’s also eco-friendly—think of it as giving your wax a second (and very fragrant) chance at life.

A few other uses of wax melts that don’t hold any scent also include:

• Make your furniture polish.
• Waterproofing shoes, boots, and their frayed shoelaces.
• Fixing the zippers on jeans, tents, and bags to make them work again.
• Lubricating the squeaky door hinges or drawers in your kitchen to make them glide smoothly.
• Relieving the pain of bee stings and mosquito bites by applying a small amount of melted wax to the affected area.

A Few Disadvantages of Using Wax Melts – Things to Keep in Mind

Wax melts are amazing little fragrance boosters, but (like everything in life) they’re not perfect.

So, before you stock up, here are a few drawbacks worth knowing:

1- They Can Get Messy – Snapping apart wax melts isn’t always neat—tiny bits can fly off and land on your table, clothes, or even that one spot you’ll notice only when guests arrive.

2- Clean-Up Isn’t Fun – Spilled wax = greasy residue. And trust me, it clings to surfaces like it pays rent. Cleaning it up can take a bit of elbow grease.

3- Shorter Life Than Candles – Wax melts usually don’t last as long as a good candle. If you’re a fragrance addict, you may find yourself replacing them more often.

4- Not Always Pet-Friendly – Some wax melts contain ingredients that can be harmful if pets lick or nibble them. So, if you’ve got curious cats or dogs, keep the melts well out of reach.

5- Fragrance Strength Can Vary – While some melts pack a punch, others can feel a little underwhelming. If you’re chasing a “fill-the-whole-house” vibe, you might not always get it.

Related FAQs

Why choose wax melts over candles?

Unlike candles, wax melts don’t need a wick or flame. Instead, they’re gently warmed, releasing waves of fragrance that quietly transform the whole atmosphere. Personally, I love this about them—it feels safer, longer-lasting, and (dare I say) a little more luxurious than striking a match.

Most wax melts are made from blends of paraffin, soy, or beeswax, giving them that smooth, creamy finish.

And the real charm? The endless variety. From calming, spa-like scents that help you unwind, to cozy, festive aromas that make your space feel instantly welcoming—there’s truly a wax melt for every mood and season.

Do wax melts evaporate and disappear?

Not exactly. The fragrance oil is what evaporates—that’s the scent you enjoy. The wax itself doesn’t disappear; it just hardens again once it cools down. Eventually, when the fragrance is gone, you’ll need to swap it out for fresh wax.

That said, there are a few brands of wax melts that are formulated to completely evaporate while releasing fragrance—meaning you won’t have leftover wax sitting in your warmer. These are usually made with special blends of wax and fragrance oils designed to burn off more cleanly.

Of course, this varies by brand, so it’s always good to check the label or product description. Most traditional wax melts, however, will still leave behind that unscented wax “puddle” once the fragrance oil is gone.

 What else can I use in my wax warmer besides wax?

If you don’t have wax melts handy, your warmer can still come to the rescue. You can try a few drops of essential oil mixed with water for a natural scent boost, or use liquid potpourri for a steady fragrance release.

Some even swear by adding a little diluted fabric softener to spread that fresh-laundry aroma around the room—though it’s best to use this trick sparingly since warmers aren’t really designed for it.

That said, while these alternatives work in a pinch, wax melts remain the safest, cleanest, and most reliable option for everyday use.

The conclusion

Overall, wax melts are a wonderful way to enjoy your favorite fragrances without striking a match, making them a safer alternative to candles.

The best part is you’re not limited to just one method; there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy them, whether you’re using a traditional warmer, an oil burner, or even trying out a few DIY hacks.

Experimenting can be fun, but always remember that safety comes first. Follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll get all the cozy fragrance without any unwanted mishaps.