How to Make Wax Melts | To Use In A Wax Warmer

Did you know you can make your own wax melts for your wax warmer? Today I’m sharing an easy DIY on how to make wax melts using simple, all-natural ingredients.

 

Who doesn’t love their homes to smell warm and welcoming? I have shared recipes for DIY room spray, salt diffusers, and simmering potpourri (one for fall and one for spring). This is just another way to freshen your home with natural ingredients. I love turning on the wax warmer in our bathroom prior to guests arriving so there’s a pleasant scent in there.

What You Need to Make DIY Wax Melts

 

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Ingredients Needed to Make Wax Melts at Home

• Soy Wax Flakes– There are other wax options available, like paraffin and beeswax, but honestly, I had a lot of soy wax flakes leftover after making my DIY Coffee Candle, so that’s what I’m using in this recipe.
• Essential Oil– You are welcome to scent your wax melts with any essential oil you choose. Today, I’m going with a peppermint mocha version (for a more winter vibe) so I’ll be using peppermint essential oil. I’ve also done a Rosemary & Lavender version for the warmer months. If you need help finding the best places to buy essential oils, I have a guide that helps you choose the best essential oil brand for you! (I don’t sell essential oils, so this is meant to help you decide for yourself.)
• Add Ins– You can switch up your “add-ins” or omit them all together. I love adding a little something to add scent, and make them look prettier. For the peppermint mocha wax melts, I added fresh coffee grounds. (When I made the Rosemary & Lavender version, I added dried rosemary and lavender buds.)

Supplies Needed to Make DIY Wax Melts

• Microwave Safe Glass Measuring Cup
• Silicone Mold– I often use a mini muffin mold, but you can use candy molds as well, which allow for all kinds of fun shapes. Today, I went with a snowflake mold, since winter is on the way. Just make sure they’re silicone as this makes it easier to pop the wax melts out once they harden.
• Wooden Craft Stick– I highly recommend using a wooden craft stick for stirring your wax so you can throw it out when you’re done (vs having to pick wax off a spoon).

How to Make Wax Melts

The following recipe makes about 20 small (1 1/2 inch) wax melts.

Start by filling a 2 cup glass measuring cup with 2 cups of soy wax flakes. (You can certainly go with less, just adjust the other ingredients accordingly).

 

Please be very, very careful with this next step. Use an oven mitt or hot pad when removing the measuring cup from the microwave as the handle and contents can get extremely hot.

Microwave on high for 1 minute, the, using a wooden craft stick, stir the contents. After the first minute, continue to microwave (on high) in 30 second increments (stirring in between each increment) until all the wax has melted. This took a total of 2 1/2 minutes for me; just to give you an idea on timing.

You can also do this step using a double boiler set.

 

While the wax is still melted, stir in the essential oil(s) of your choosing. Since peppermint essential oil has such a strong scent, I added a total of 50 drops to the melted wax. If you are using an essential oil with a milder scent, you may need to add more. When combining oils, you can adjust the ratio depending on whether you prefer a stronger scent of one oil over the other.

If you want to get technical, the ideal temperature to add essential oil to melted soy wax is 185°. This allows the essential oil to fully bind with the wax and give the strongest throw (scent to fill a room). (Source) I will be honest, I add it shortly after the wax has melted and don’t check the temperature (but maybe I should).

 

Once the essential oil is stirred into your wax, carefully pour the mixture into your silicone mold.

 

If desired, sprinkle a little something on top of the melted wax before it hardens. In my case, I added fresh coffee grounds.

 

Once the wax has completely hardened, pop the wax melts out of the mold.

 

For the strongest scent, it is recommended that you allow the wax melts to cure by placing them in a Ziploc bag for 7-10 days prior to using.

 

When you are ready to use your DIY Wax Melts, place 2 or 3 in a wax warmer and enjoy!

 

I recently discovered wax warmer liners! These silicone liners help with easy clean up as you can simply pop the hardened wax out once cooled. This also allows you to easily switch out the scents you melt.

We think you might also love these ideas!

Simmering Potpourri | DIY Room Spray | Fall Diffuser Blends

 

Common Questions About Homemade Wax Melts

Are There Benefits to Using Wax Melts Instead of Candles?

Yes! Wax melts tend to be a safer alternative to candles because there is no open flame. Most wax warmers use electricity to warm the wax. If you happen to live in an apartment or dorm where candles are not allowed, wax warmers allow you to have that “candle scent” without actually having to burn a candle.

Do I Have to Use Soy Wax to Make Wax Melts?

No. There are other waxes you can use to make wax melts. As mentioned above, I made a homemade candle using soy wax flakes and had a ton of flakes leftover; that’s why I used soy wax. I have seen others use beeswax or paraffin wax. I haven’t heard the greatest things about paraffin wax, so I personally wouldn’t use it, however, it is an option.

Can I Use Fragrance Oils Instead of Essential Oils to Make Wax Melts?

You certainly can. I like to use essential oils because I know I am not adding any additional chemicals to the air in my home, but there are fragrance oils specifically designed for candle-making. If you choose to go with fragrance oils, be sure to follow the directions on the oils for proper use.

Can I Add Color to Wax Melts?

Yes. Again, I like to go as natural as possible so I have never added dye to my wax melts, but there are dyes made specifically to color wax for candle-making. Make sure you buy dye that can be used for the specific wax you are using and follow the instructions for proper use.

Where Can I Buy A Wax Warmer?

You can find wax warmers at many retail stores. I have seen them at Target and Kohls. Amazon (of course) also has a plethora to choose from as well. I linked a couple below.

White Ceramic Wax Warmer | Black Forest Wax Warmer | Metal “Farmhouse Style” Wax Warmer

 

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This post was originally published at Clean and Scentsible on June 10, 2016.