How to Use Wax Melts

How to Use Wax Melts
Written By
Kathy Adams
Kathy Adams
Published: Feb 27, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
3 minute read

Some warmers require wax melts or tarts of a specific size, so be sure to check the device before purchasing scented wax melts.

Things You Will Need

  • Wax tart warmer
  • Paper towels
  • Wax melts
  • Tealight candle (optional)
  • Lighter or match (optional)
  • Plastic knife

Flame-Powered Tart Warmers

  1. Inspect the bowl portion of the wax warmer and wipe it out with a paper towel to remove dust. Set the bowl atop the burner base, if the pieces are separate. If the bowl is cracked or has any holes in it, it is not safe, and the warmer should be replaced.

  2. Place a wax melt inside the bowl of the warmer. If the melts are small and the warmer's bowl is comparatively large, add another melt of the same fragrance.

  3. Light the wick of a tealight candle and place it in the warmer in the area beneath the bowl.

  4. Blow out the wick on the tealight candle when you are finished using the warmer.

Electric Tart Warmers

  1. Place a wax melt or tart in the bowl portion of a bowl-style electric warmer or slide a wax melt into the wax chamber of a tiny nightlight-style burner.The design varies based on brand, but some brands require melts specific to one style of warmer. Any warmer with a bowl on top fits a vast selection of wax melts.

  2. Plug the electric wax warmer into a wall outlet. Flip the switch on the warmer to turn it on; many of these feature a light bulb so it is easy to tell when the warmer is on.

  3. Turn the wax warmer off when you are finished using it and unplug it. If the bowl-style warmer is as small as a nightlight and rests against the outlet, allow the wax to harden before removing the device from the outlet to avoid spilling the wax. Remove hardened wax from the bowl once the wax cools by prying it out with a plastic knife, or leave it in the bowl if you wish to reuse it.

The Drip Cap

  • Wax melts offer fragrances similar to scented candles, without a wick and potentially without a flame.
  • Some warmers require wax melts or tarts of a specific size, so be sure to check the device before purchasing scented wax melts.
  • Place a wax melt inside the bowl of the warmer.

Photo Credits

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Brandi Lambert/Demand Media

Kathy Adams

Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among…

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