Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry

  • Home
  • $100 Room Challenge
  • Contact Me
  • Essential Oils
    • Where to Buy Essential Oils | Find the Best Essential Oils for You
    • Essential Oil Recipes & Diffuser Blends
    • Essential Oil Must-Haves
    • Essential Oils: Safety
    • Understanding Common Essential Oil Terms
  • 8 Week Cleaning Challenge
  • Shop My Amazon
  • Fine Print
    • Advertising Disclosure
    • Cookie Policy & Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • Disclaimer

How to Make DIY Wax Melts At Home | Using Essential Oils

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. For more information, please visit our advertising disclosure.

Essential Oils

12 Jul

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

DIY Lavender and Rosemary Wax Melts
 

*Coffee more your style? Try the Peppermint Mocha version of this recipe at the end of this post*

Who doesn’t love their homes to smell warm and welcoming? Last year I shared a recipe for simmering potpourri, and it had all the scents of fall: cinnamon, clove, orange and vanilla. Now that it’s summer, warming my home with the stove-top does not sound very appealing, so I tried some DIY wax melts using lavender and rosemary. They turned out beautifully and smell amazing.

What You Need to Make DIY Wax Melts

Ingredients needed for DIY Wax Melts: dried lavender, dried rosemary, wax flakes, and essential oil
 

Affiliate links may be used. Please see our advertising disclosure for more information.

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.
  • *Lavender Essential Oil– You are welcome to switch up the essential oils to create whatever scent you want. As mentioned above, I have a Peppermint Mocha version of these wax melts below. Not sure where to buy essential oils? Check out this post.
  • *Rosemary Essential Oil
  • Dried Rosemary– Again, you can switch up your “add-ins” or omit them all together.
  • Dried Lavender

*I link to essential oil brands I believe provide high quality oils and are transparent with their testing (in other words, the company publicly provides GC/MS results). I also try to link to the essential oil that will give you the “biggest bang for your buck” (often times buying a 30ml bottle of oil means greater savings per ml than purchasing a 10ml bottle). I provide more information on where to buy essential oils so you can choose a brand you feel is right for you.

Supplies Needed to Make DIY Wax Melts

  • Microwave Safe Glass Measuring Cup
  • Silicone Mold– I used a mini muffin mold, but you can use candy molds as well, which allow for all kinds of fun shapes. 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 as you can throw it out when you’re done (vs having to pick wax off a spoon).

How to Make Wax Melts

Glass measuring cup filled with soy wax flakes which will be used to make homemade wax melts for a wax warmer
 

Start by filling a 2 cup glass measuring cup with approximately 1 1/2-2 cups of the soy wax flakes. (You can certainly go with less, just adjust the other ingredients accordingly). Microwave on high for 1 minute. Using a wooden craft stick, stir the contents. After the first minute, continue to microwave (on high) in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until all the wax melts.

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

Melted soy wax in a glass measuring cup with a wooden craft stick used for stirring
 

*Please be very, very careful. Use an oven mitt or hot pad when removing the measuring cup as both the handle and contents can get extremely hot.

Adding lavender essential oil to homemade wax melts
 

While the wax is still melted*, stir in the lavender and rosemary essential oils (or whatever essential oils you choose to use). I went with a total of 40 drops of the essential oils (30 drops of lavender and 10 of the rosemary). In truth, I wish I had added more drops to the wax as the scent isn’t as strong as I would have liked. Next time I’ll probably go with 50 drops of lavender and 20 drops of rosemary.  You can adjust the ratio depending on whether you prefer a stronger scent of one oil over the other.

*The ideal temperature to add essential oils to 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)

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

Melted soy wax in a mini muffin silicone mold which will be used for DIY Wax Melts one can use in a wax warmer
 

Sprinkle a little dried lavender and rosemary onto the tops and allow the wax to harden.

Sprinkling dried lavender and rosemary on top of melted wax to make DIY Wax Melts
 

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

Homemade wax melts using essential oils with dried lavender buds and rosemary
 

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, simply place 2 or 3 in a wax warmer and enjoy!

Just FYI… I recently discovered wax warmer liners! These liners help with easy clean up and allows you to easily switch between scents.

Peppermint Mocha Wax Melts

To make the Peppermint Mocha version of this wax melt recipe, simply change the essential oil to peppermint and add ground coffee instead of dried lavender and rosemary.

DIY Peppermint Mocha Wax Melts
 

Looking for more ways to add scent to your home? Try these ideas!

  • Simmering Potpourri
  • DIY Room Spray
  • Fall Diffuser Blends
  • Spring 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 the safety of paraffin wax, so I personally don’t use it, however, here is a link to a wax melt recipe using beeswax.

Beeswax Wax Melts Recipe via Carolina Honeybees

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 dosing and 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 dosing and 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

DIY Peppermint Mocha Wax Melts

Homemade Wax Melts

The following recipe shares a peppermint mocha version of homemade wax melts. Scroll on up for a rosemary lavender version as well.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½-2 Cups Soy Wax Flakes
  • Peppermint Essential Oil Feel free to change up the essential oil
  • Ground Coffee Beans

Supplies

  • Microwave Safe Glass Liquid Measuring Cup
  • Silicone Mold
  • Wooden Craft Stick

Instructions
 

  • Add 1 ½-2 Cups soy wax flakes to a microwave-safe glass liquid measuring cup and microwave on high for one minute. Stir. Continue to heat wax in 30 second intervals (stirring after each interval) until the wax has melted. Alternatively, you can use a double-boiler.
  • Once the wax has melted, add in your essential oil (ideally at 185°) and stir. The amount of essential oil used will depend on which essential oil you use and how strong you want the scent.
  • Pour your wax mixture into a silicone mold and sprinkle with ground coffee beans.
  • Allow the wax to harden and then pop the melts out of the mold.
  • Place the wax melts in a Ziploc bag for 7-10 days to allow them to cure.
  • To use, place 2-3 wax melts into a wax warmer and enjoy.
 

Love it? Pin it!

DIY Peppermint Mocha Wax Melts made with essential oil
 
Homemade Wax Melts: Lavender and Rosemary. You can easily make your own DIY Wax Melts with just a few simple ingredients. The best part is, you can change up the ingredients and scents to create an endless array of possibilities. Perfect for party favors or to use in your own home.
 
Easy to make DIY Wax Melts. This tutorial highlights rosemary lavender wax melts for spring and summer, along with a peppermint mocha version for fall and winter.
 
Homemade Wax Melts: Lavender and Rosemary. You can easily make your own DIY Wax Melts with just a few simple ingredients. The best part is, you can change up the ingredients and scents to create an endless array of possibilities. Perfect for party favors or to use in your own home.
 

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

11 Comments

« $100 Porch Makeover
Bathroom Sink Organization | Ideas from the Dollar Store »

Comments

  1. Vanessa says

    February 24, 2023 at 7:44 PM

    Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?

    Reply
  2. Suzanne says

    February 24, 2023 at 7:44 PM

    This looks so good! What a great gift to make for friends or to enjoy yourself!

    Reply
  3. Meleah Beddor says

    September 16, 2020 at 8:20 PM

    Hi! I’m enjoying following you and the content you put out:) I love the wax melts idea! I diffuse oils daily but fun to try a different way of getting the benefits of EO’s! Perfect hostess gifts too:) Do you recommend a specific wax warmer? Take care!

    Reply
  4. Krystal says

    December 16, 2019 at 11:15 AM

    Too much work. Diffusing is so much easier and quicker!

    Reply
  5. Pam Brouwer says

    April 16, 2019 at 2:49 PM

    Hi Erin !
    Can beeswax pellets be used ?

    Reply
    • MeShell Nadeau says

      July 16, 2021 at 3:55 PM

      Did you find out if bees wax could be used?

      Reply
  6. Sylvia Taylor says

    February 7, 2017 at 3:59 PM

    Where did u get the wax and oils from ? Also where did u get the lavender and is the rosemary.9

    Reply
    • Erin says

      February 8, 2017 at 9:39 AM

      You can find both the wax and the lavender on Amazon. Here are the links for both (affiliates):

      Wax: http://amzn.to/2lkysbT
      Lavender: http://amzn.to/2lkr28y

      I buy all my essential oils from Young Living, and you can read more about how to get oils through them here: https://www.lemonslavenderandlaundry.com/where-to-buy-essential-oils/

      The Rosemary I just bought at the grocery store 🙂

      Hope that helps.

      Reply
      • Pily says

        July 27, 2023 at 6:33 AM

        Nice! I love the smell! Good idea!!

        Reply
  7. stephanie @ this abundant life says

    July 13, 2016 at 8:24 AM

    Love it! These would make fantastic hostess gifts and sound so easy to make. I can’t wait to give them a try (once we get home). Keep up the good work!!!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      July 13, 2016 at 10:14 AM

      Love the idea of using these as hostess gifts! Enjoy the rest of your time abroad!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hi there! I'm Erin. Welcome to Lemons, Lavender & Laundry, where we believe that creating a clean home should be done as simply and naturally as possible. [Read More...]

Come Say Hi!

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Let’s Keep In Touch

Subscribe!

Search This Site

Browse By Category

Affiliate Statement & Your Privacy

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about earnings made from the affiliate links used on our site, please see our advertising disclosure.

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our updated privacy policy here.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
Save & Accept
Powered by CookieYes Logo