If you love candles and essential oils, then making wax melts is the next logical step.

Wax melt moulds allow you to create fun little trinkets that are filled with essential oils, so you can enjoy the fragrances and potential health benefits they have to offer.

Whether it’s a lavender scented melt to help you relax in bed before going to sleep or one that releases a citrus fragrance to give you a pick-me-up, there are lots of combinations to try out. Here we explain how to make wax melt moulds, telling you everything you need to know and more.

How to Make Wax Melts

Making wax melts doesn’t take long, and you only need a few simple ingredients to get started. Use the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need:

• 20-35 ml of essential oils (this can be one oil or a blend).
• 350g of wax (soy, ParaSoy or paraffin).
• Heatproof cooking bowl
• Saucepan
• Butter knife
• Silicone moulds
• Food thermometer
• Colour liquid/chip dye (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, follow the steps below to make your own wax melts:

1. Add 300ml of water to a saucepan and heat until it is gently simmering. A faster way of doing this is to boil the kettle and pour 300ml into the saucepan once it is ready.
2. Place the wax into a heatproof glass bowl that is large enough to cover the sides of the saucepan. Place it on top of the saucepan and the wax will slowly melt. Continue to stir to speed up the process (this is the easiest method for melting candle wax).
3. Clean the silicone mold if needed so there is no dust, dirt, or old wax in place.
4. Take the wax off the heat and wait for the wax to cool to 70–75 degrees Celsius.
5. Add any colouring (optional) and stir, before adding your chosen essential oil and mixing it into the wax.
6. Carefully pour the melted wax into your silicone mold. If it overflows, use a butter knife to level it off. Let the wax cool until it reaches around 60–70 degrees Celsius.
7. Leave your wax melt moulds to cool so they can solidify – which should take no longer than 2-3 hours. Do not put the moulds into the fridge as this could affect some food items you have stored there.

You can remove the wax melts from their moulds once they are ready, taking care not to break or damage them. Leave the melts to cure for a minimum of two weeks, so the fragrance can fully infuse with the wax, which will create a stronger and more consistent scent.

How to Use Wax Melts

If you want to know how to melt candle wax once the melt is ready, the process couldn’t be easier, as you only need an oil burner to help them release their fragrance. Simply place the wax melt (or melts, if you want a stronger fragrance) at the top of the oil burner and light the candle underneath. The heat from the flame will slowly start to melt the wax melt, releasing the scent into the air for you to enjoy.

How Long Do Wax Melts Last?

There is no fixed timed period for how long wax melts will last, as it depends on its size, wax quality and general airflow in the room. Generally, melting candle wax in a melt can last anywhere between 6-10 hours, depending on these factors.

If wax melts are stored properly, they can last up to 2 years before being burnt. Keep them in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and store them in a sealed container to reduce exposure to dirt and dust.

Do Wax Melts Lose Their Scent If They Are Not Used?

Whilst wax melts can last for up to 2 years before being burnt, we recommend that you use them within a 12-month period to get the best fragrance experience. The wax will last for longer, but like any fragranced product, the effectiveness of the scent can start to fade over time.

How Do I Change an Old Wax Melt?

Once your wax melt has finished burning, wait for it to cool in the burner before touching it. Then, use a spoon to remove the wax and any leftover pieces that may have fallen off. When you have removed most of the wax, use warm, soapy water to wash away any leftover residue. Leave the burner to dry, and then you can melt a new wax melt in the tray when you are ready.

There is no hidden secret to making wax melts, and it’s something you can easily do yourself, so you don’t have to spend money buying ready-made products to scent your home. And the more often you make them, the more of an expert you will become, and when you’re ready, you could even start to gift or even sell them. Always take care when handling hot wax and essential oils (due to their high concentration levels) and most of all, enjoy and relish the fragrances your wonderful new creations have to offer!