Traveling With Wax Fragrance Cubes: Allowed Or Not?

Scented wax cubes are a popular way to make your home smell fresh. They are a simple, mess-free alternative to candles, especially if you have kids and pets running around, as they take away the worry of having an open flame in the house. They are wick and soot-free and are placed in a decorative warmer. A small bulb underneath the warmer heats the cubes to release the scent. Unlike candles, scented wax cubes don't drip, so the melted wax stays in the warmer. But can you take them with you when you travel internationally?

Wax melt safety

While wax melts are a safer alternative to candles, there are still some safety precautions to be aware of when using them. Here are some tips to ensure safe use of wax melts:

Choosing a Wax Warmer

Firstly, it is imperative to use a wax warmer or burner specifically designed for wax melts. Any other type of warmer can reach temperatures much higher than designed for wax melts, which will quickly burn out your scent and could be dangerous. Electric wax warmers, tea light candle warmers, and battery-operated warmers are all popular options.

Placement

Always use your wax warmer on a solid, stable, and flat surface. Avoid placing it near drafts or vents, and keep it away from flammable items such as curtains or papers. Ensure that the electrical cords and plugs of electric warmers are in good condition, with no frayed wires or dodgy-looking plugs.

Usage

Do not burn a wax melter for more than 4 hours at a time. Never leave a burning wax warmer unattended, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Be careful not to touch or move the warmer while it is lit or hot. Regular cleaning and maintenance are important—wipe down the warmer occasionally and clean out any leftover wax to prevent buildup.

Changing Wax Melts

Allow the wax to cool before removing it from the warmer. You can use the hot or cold method. For the hot method, use cotton balls to absorb the liquid wax, then wipe away any excess with a paper towel. For the cold method, turn the warmer on for a short time to loosen the wax, then apply light pressure to pop out the semi-solid wax. Never pour melted wax down drains.

Preventing Accidents and Hazards

Keep an eye on children and pets when the wax warmer is in use, and ensure they stay at a safe distance. Be careful when handling hot wax and warmers to avoid burns. If there is a spill or accident, let the wax cool before cleaning it up.

Wax melt warmers

There are a variety of wax melt warmer styles, including plug-in warmers, bulb warmers, and silicone dish warmers. They come in different designs, such as vintage, rustic, retro, or classic, and in various sizes, including mini, mid-size, and full-size.

To use a wax melt warmer, follow these steps:

• Find a wax melt warmer suitable for wax melts.
• Read the instructions and safety information that came with your warmer.
• Place a wax melt inside the warmer. For wax cubes, use approximately 1 oz, and for smaller melts, you can use 2-3 pieces depending on the desired fragrance intensity.
• Turn on the warmer. If using an electric warmer, plug it into an electrical outlet and turn it on.
• Enjoy the fragrance!
• When you are done, turn off the warmer and let the wax cool before removing it from the warmer.
• Reuse the scented wax cubes until the fragrance fades.

DIY wax cubes

Wax cubes are a great way to make your home smell fresh and inviting. They are also a safe alternative to candles, especially if you have children or pets. You can either buy them or make them yourself. Here's a simple guide on how to make your own scented wax cubes:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Wax (beeswax beads or soy wax)
• Coconut oil or other carrier oil (almond oil, etc.)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils of your choice
• Candle dye (optional)
• Heat-proof glass bowl
• Saucepan
• Large spoon
• Silicone ice cube tray or moulds
• Double boiler or wax melter
• Thermometer
• Pouring pitcher
• Scale

Method:

• Melt the wax: Add 1 inch of water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Place the wax and carrier oil in a heat-proof glass bowl and set it over the saucepan to create a double boiler. Stir the mixture as it melts. You can also use a wax melter or a pre-made wax melter kit.
• Add fragrance and colour (optional): Once the wax and oil are combined, remove them from the heat. Add 30-40 drops of essential oil and stir to combine. You can also add candle dye at this point if you want coloured wax cubes.
• Pour and set: Carefully pour the melted wax into your silicone moulds or ice cube trays. Allow the wax to cool and solidify.
• Pop out the wax cubes: Once solid, pop the wax cubes out of the moulds. You can now use them in your wax warmer!

Tips:

• You can reuse the wax cubes until the scent fades.
• Get creative with your scents by combining different essential oils.
• Always follow the safety instructions when using a wax warmer.
• Do not add water or oil to the wax cubes when using them in your warmer.

Health concerns of candles

While candles can make your home smell nice and create a cosy atmosphere, they can also have a negative impact on your health.

Allergies and respiratory issues

Scented candles, in particular, can trigger allergies and asthma. Symptoms can include watery eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose, and a dry or irritated throat. If you experience these symptoms when burning scented candles, it's best to stop using them.

Indoor air pollution

Burning candles releases pollutants, including black carbon, formaldehyde, particulate matter, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and nitrous oxide, which can contaminate indoor air. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants, especially in inadequately ventilated spaces, can be detrimental to health.

Cancer risk

Some of the chemicals released from burning candles are potentially carcinogenic. These include formaldehyde, benzene derivatives, and naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene, which are classified as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Other health issues

Other health complaints associated with exposure to scented candles include vertigo, headaches, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, chest tightness, and irritation of the eyes and throat.

Safer alternatives

To minimise potential health risks, opt for candles made from natural materials such as beeswax, soy wax, or coconut wax. These candles produce less soot and release fewer dangerous chemicals. Additionally, ensure your space is well-ventilated when burning candles, and avoid placing them in drafty areas.

Reusing wax melts

While some sources claim that wax melts cannot be reused once the scent is gone, others suggest that they can be reused as many times as you want until the fragrance dissipates. Here are some ways you can reuse your wax melts:

Reuse in a Wax Warmer

You can continuously heat your wax warmer and use the same melts for hours until the fragrance slowly fades and is gone. If you are using high-quality wax melts, you can receive about 12-18 hours of fragrance from just 2 cubes.

Make Your Own Candles

You can reuse old wax melts to make new candles. However, be cautious as the wax may be a blend not intended to be burned. The glass jar may also weaken and crack over multiple burns.

Fire Starters

You can use your old wax melts as fire starters for a fireplace, wood/charcoal grill, or campfire. For a charcoal grill, crumble the hardened wax over the charcoal. For a wood fire, you can make pine cone or egg carton firestarters by dipping pine cones or filling an egg carton with lint and then dipping or pouring hot wax on top.

Fix a Jammed Drawer

Rub old wax on the slide of a drawer that is hard to open and close to help it move more smoothly.

Create Cute Envelope Seals

Use the open flame method by heating the old wax over a candle flame and then melting it onto an envelope. Close the envelope with a seal stamp.

Repair Frayed Shoelaces

Drip melted wax onto the frayed tips of shoelaces and rub it between your fingers to seal the frays together.

Decorations and Furnishings

Melt and mold old wax melts into creative designs, unique decor pieces, or patterns on exterior surfaces like glass or plastic.

Make Small Spaces Smell Great

Place leftover wax inside a cloth and put it in your closet to diffuse the scent and make the space smell nice.

Frequently asked questions