Wax melts are one of the easiest ways to fill a room with fragrance, but if you have never used a warmer before it is fair to wonder where to start. The good news is that it takes about a minute to set up. This guide walks you through it step by step, with a few tips to get the best scent from every melt.
What you need
You need three things: an electric warmer, a wax melt, and a stable heat-safe surface. Our plug-in wax and oil warmer is a compact option, and the Noor electric warmer is a more decorative choice for a living room or hallway. Because they are electric, there is no naked flame, which many people prefer to a tealight burner.
Step by step
- Place the warmer on a flat, stable, heat-safe surface, away from curtains, paper and anything that could tip it over. Follow the instructions supplied with your warmer for how to connect it.
- Add the wax. Break off a section of a wax melt and place it in the dish. Start with a small amount: most people need less than they expect, and you can always add more.
- Switch on and give it a few minutes. As the wax softens and turns to liquid, the fragrance begins to fill the room.
- Enjoy the scent for as long as you like, then switch off and unplug.
Safety basics
A few common-sense habits make wax warmers safe and pleasant to use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, never leave a warmer running unattended, keep it out of reach of children and pets, and do not move it while the wax is hot. Let everything cool fully before you handle or clean the dish.
How to change scents
When the scent fades, the wax has done its job. Once the dish is cool and the wax has set, you can lift the used wax out. If it is stubborn, placing the dish in the freezer for a short while can help it pop out. Wipe the dish clean with a tissue and add a new melt. Cleaning between scents stops fragrances from mixing.
Getting the strongest scent
- Position matters. A spot with a little airflow, such as a hallway or open-plan living area, helps fragrance travel through the room.
- Do not overfill. A smaller piece of wax often smells better than a large one, and it is easier to manage.
- Try a sampler. The Discovery Box lets you try several scents before you commit to a favourite.
Wax melts or reed diffusers?
Wax melts give you a fast, strong burst of fragrance when you want it. If you would rather have a constant, low-effort scent, a reed diffuser may suit you better. We compare the two in reed diffusers vs wax melts, and explain how wax melts compare with candles in wax melts vs candles.
Ready to start? Explore our electric wax warmers and wax melts from £6, handcrafted in London.