Have you ended up in possession of wax melts as a gift or otherwise, but don’t have a burner? Or perhaps your wax burner broke. You could even want to put some leftover candle wax to use.
Well, there could be more to such situations. Finding decent alternatives or learning how to use wax melts without burners could be helpful.
The good news is that there are a few incredible DIY options that can work as a burner for your wax melts. We list a few DIY wax warmer ideas here to make it possible to use wax melts without purchasing a burner.
But first, let’s have a look at what wax melts are and the relevance of a burner.
Using Wax Melts And Wax Warmers – The DIY Considerations
Simply put, wax melts are wickless blocks of scented wax. They can be in any shape or be made from a variety of wax types. They’re known by a variety of names, including wax tarts, wax cubes, and others.
As these wax blocks get heated through a wax melter, the wax melts to release the fragrance oils or essential oils, thus providing fragrance.
Wax tarts come in a variety of designs, including tiny scoopies, cubes, or larger and more elaborate figures. You could also put remnants of a scented candle into a wax warmer.
The job of the wax warmer (or wax melter) is to heat the tarts enough for them to melt and release the fragrance. Wax melters use a variety of ways to achieve this function. Two popular methods to do this are by using electricity, or by using a flame from something like a tea light or candle.
Temperature management is an important part of any wax warmer. We want them to generate enough heat to melt the wax and release the fragrance. But they shouldn’t get so hot that the wax scorches or reaches its flash point.
These remain the key considerations as we approach the topic of a DIY wax warmer. The smart way is to play it safe. It’s best to use sturdy materials that can handle the heat. Any wax warmer should also be able to hold the molten wax from the wax tarts.
With this in mind, let’s look at a few DIY wax warmer options that can work.
7 DIY Wax Warmers That Are Easy And Convenient
We list the top chosen DIY wax warmers that are simple and easy to use or build at home. Let’s take a look.
1. Microwave The Wax Melts
The first DIY on the list is using a microwave as a wax burner. Your microwave isn’t just there in your home to heat food. You can use it as a great alternative to a wax warmer to melt wax cubes. All you have to assemble is a micro-safe bowl and wax melts. And follow the simple steps.
- Place wax melts in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Put the bowl in a microwave.
- Turn the microwave on for 20-30 seconds.
- Repeat the process until your wax melts are in the thick liquid form.
- Once you get the right consistency, take the bowl out carefully as it can be too hot. Wear gloves as a safety measure.
- Place the bowl in your favorite location at home.
- The fragrance from wax melts spreads around the home.
- Once the wax solidifies, you can repeat the process, until the fragrance is gone.
Using the microwave gives you instant results. It’s quick and you can use it as many times until the wax loses scent. But remember to keep a few safety points in mind.
A Word Of Caution When Using Microwaves For Wax Melts!
A microwave oven can heat the wax to beyond its flash point, where the wax can catch fire. This is why, rather than heating the wax for a few minutes, it’s better to heat it for a few seconds.
Once the wax melts and turns to liquid, there is no need to continue heating it. Never overheat the wax melts. Overly hot wax is not better at releasing the fragrance than wax at the right temperature.
There are several risks to consider if you get the wax too hot. Boiling liquid (molten wax) can splatter inside the microwave. The bowl can develop cracks or burst. Wax is flammable and can catch fire when overheated.
The flash point of paraffin wax, for example, is over 350°F and often around 390°F (199°C). Although, this can vary depending on the fragrance or dyes used in the wax melts.
As you might notice, there’s quite a lot of room to heat or melt the wax safely. One just needs to be careful and avoid overheating the wax.
As an aside, I should add that wax fires are like grease fires. Do not put water on a wax fire. The better way is to use a fire extinguisher or smother the flame. The best way is to not overheat the wax!
What’s the hurry to go beyond the ideal temperature? Keep it slow and enjoy a safer scented ambiance.
2. Mason Jar With Tealight: Burn Wax Melts In An Aesthetic Fashion
Using a mason jar and some creativity can make for an aesthetic way to burn wax melts. Mason jars are quite a common sight on our kitchen shelves for storing all kinds of condiments, eatables, and more.
Mason jar can be effectively turned into an alternative for a wax burner.
Here’s what you need to make it work: A mason jar, a shallow dish, tealight candle, scented wax melts, and a lighter or a match stick. The lighter or match stick should be long enough to reach the base of the jar, where the tealight will be placed.
- Put the tealight candle inside the mason jar and light it.
- Place the shallow dish at the mouth of the jar.
- Make sure that the dish doesn’t smother the opening completely (otherwise the candle will extinguish).
- Place two-three wax melts in the dish (depending on size).
- The heat generated from the tealight candle gradually warms the wax melts.
- The molten wax releases the scent locked inside tarts.
Usually a tealight candle self-extinguishes after 3 to 4 hours. So this gives enough time for the wax blocks to melt and emit a lingering aroma.
3. Hot Plate Method: A Super Quick Way To Melt Your Wax Cubes
This is another quick alternative to a burner to melt wax cubes. And if you have a hot plate in your kitchen, you can try using it to melt wax cubes. It’s an easy, quick, and flame-free way.
Set up the hot plate, get a bowl that is compatible with the hot plate, and wax melts. And get going with the process.
- Place wax melts into the bowl and put it on the hot plate.
- Keep the temperature on a medium (or low) setting as it prevents overheating of the wax.
- Turn off the plate as soon as you see the wax turning into honey-like consistency.
- Cover your hands with gloves or oven mitts before you lift the bowl as it may be too hot.
- Place the bowl at your chosen spot and bask in its aroma.
- Repeat the process when the wax solidifies.
Though pretty safe as a method, it can be hazardous if you do not monitor the temperature and overheat the wax. It comes with almost identical safety hazards like using a microwave for melting wax cubes.
4. Buy Wax Melts With A Strong Cold Throw
Do you know you can get your chosen fragrance from the wax melts without heating them? Yes, you heard it right. This is the simplest DIY on how to use wax melts without burner.
Wax melts with a strong cold throw emit a strong scent when you unwrap them. Cold throw refers to the scent given off by wax cubes on their own without being melted. Once you unwrap them, they release fragrances on their own.
You don’t have to assemble items to get your job done. Simply put your wax melts in a bowl and place it at your chosen spot. You will gradually smell the aroma all over your place.
Once you feel the scent is spread around, wrap the melts and store them in a dark cool place.
These can be reused several times.
Wax melts with a robust cold throw is a great way to use air freshener in your car. Just put a wax melt in a small bowl and keep it in a coffee holder. The scent permeates within a few seconds in your car.
5. Turn An Empty Aluminum Can Into A Wax Warmer
If you want to try your hand at something that involves creativity, this DIY wax warmer is meant for you. The good thing is it doesn’t require anything that is expensive and is not time-consuming.
You get most of the stuff at home. Assemble the following items: An empty aluminum can, a knife, a tealight candle, wax melts, and a lighter or a match stick.
Follow the steps below and make your DIY wax warmer:
- Use a knife to make a large hole in the can enough to accommodate a tealight candle.
- Cut the can from the top to the bottom.
- Make a circle of holes at the top of the can to let the hot air out.
- Flip the can with the base on the top.
- Place the tealight candle in the hole and light it.
- Cut your wax melts with a knife into small pieces so that they fit well on the top of the can.
- Place the wax melt pieces on the top.
6. Use An Oil Diffuser At Home?
Oil burners or diffusers are designed to heat essential oils and extract their benefits. The hot oil releases the locked scent that gives health benefits when inhaled.
And if you have been using an oil burner for aromatherapy then the good news is you can use it as a way to melt wax tarts too. You don’t have to invest separately in a wax warmer. But an oil burner can serve a dual purpose: To heat essential oils and melt wax cubes. Isn’t that great!
And using wax melts with an oil burner is very simple. All the steps are similar to when using to heat essential oils. Except for the slight change of the scent carrier. We enumerate the steps below:
- Place wax melts on the ceramic plate.
- Light the tealight candle underneath with a match stick or a lighter.
- Don’t put out the candle until you see a thick honey-like liquid.
- Enjoy your favorite scent for hours.
Here just be watchful of a burning candle. Especially if you have children and pets around. The molten wax may inflict serious burn injuries and can be a fire hazard.
7. A Stove With A Double Boiler Setup
Candlemakers, wax melt makers, or people who work with wax often use the double boiler method to safely melt wax. The same method can be useful when you intend to use wax melts without a burner.
To do this, you’ll need a large pan or pot and a smaller pan or pot that can sit inside the larger pot. The smaller pot can as easily be a bowl in which you place the wax melts.
Here’s how to use this:
- Take the large pot and fill it with water to about half its volume.
- Switch on the stove and put the pot on it.
- As the water starts to boil, place the smaller pot or bowl in the water.
- Reduce the heat of the stove, so that the water stays hot but stops boiling or bubbling.
- Put a couple of wax melts in the bowl.
- The wax will melt and release its fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Wax Melts On A Oil Burner?
Yes, you can use an oil burner to melt your wax cubes. But do read the manufacturer’s guidelines on the packaging of the oil burner. Look for the specifics. Does it specify the usage for essential oil alone or does it include wax melts too? Choosing the right option can make things easy.
How Many Wax Melts Do You Put In A Warmer?
Usually, if we take the standard size of the wax melts, then two are sufficient to diffuse the scent for a considerably longer period. If you have a wax cube of a larger size, break it into two pieces. You can also try using scoopies.
What Can You Use Instead Of A Wax Melter?
If you don’t have a wax melter, don’t lose heart. There are simple alternatives that can let you burn wax melts without a wax melter. We have discussed seven DIY hacks in our article that guide you in learning how to use scented wax cubes without a warmer. Read them and pick the one you like.
But do go through the steps and precautionary guidelines mentioned alongside.
Can I Melt Scented Wax On The Stove?
Yes, you can melt scented wax on the stove. You may call it a double boiler method too. It is a very safe and trusted method to melt candle wax. This method utilizes two bowls of different sizes, where the smaller bowl can easily sit inside the larger bowl.
Fill the larger bowl with water and bring it to a boil. Now, reduce the heat and place the smaller bowl inside. Add wax melts (or wax tarts) to this smaller bowl, and watch as they melt and release their fragrance.
Give A Quick Boost Of Scent To Your Home By Using The Top DIY Tips
Don’t let not having a wax warmer stop you from using wax melts. It is not the only way to derive the desired scent around you. There are popular and easy alternatives you can think of using at home. And this article is a guide on how to use wax melts without a burner.
The seven DIY hacks are simple alternatives that help you in overcoming the stumbling block of not having a burner. You can choose any one of them that you like. And become a wax melt pro by making your room smell like a million pounds.
You can also come up with more creative ideas and use them. There is no limit to sharing ideas on how to use scented wax cubes without a warmer. That’s great as long as they do not pose any safety hazards.