Creating Wax Melts: Adding Fragrance For A Perfect Scent

Wax melts are an excellent alternative to scented candles. They are safer, as they don't have an open flame, and can be left unattended. They are also perfect for places where candles are not allowed. Making your own wax melts is easy and fun, and they make great gifts. You can use any type of wax, but soy wax is a popular choice due to its ease of use and clean-up. The process involves melting the wax, adding colour and fragrance, pouring the mixture into moulds, and allowing it to set. You can use a variety of moulds, such as silicone candy moulds or disposable clamshells, to create different shapes and sizes. The key steps are weighing the wax, melting it, adding colour and fragrance at the right temperatures, pouring the wax into moulds, and letting it set and cure.

Choosing the right wax

The type of wax you choose for your fragrance wax melts is important as different waxes melt at different temperatures and require varying methods to melt. The most common waxes used for wax melts are paraffin, soy, and beeswax.

Paraffin wax is a popular choice for wax melts as it is easy to work with and has a high melting point, making it less likely to solidify and create a mess during the crafting process. It is also suitable for creating translucent wax melts. However, paraffin wax can be challenging to clean up due to its sticky nature.

Soy wax, on the other hand, is a favourite among crafters because it is the easiest to work with and clean up. It has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, giving you more time to work with it before it starts to solidify. This is especially advantageous when creating small wax melts, as you will need to use an eye dropper to fill the moulds. Soy wax is also opaque, making it a good choice if you want to achieve darker or brighter colours in your wax melts.

Beeswax is another option, but it has a higher melting point than soy wax, so you will have less time to work with it before it starts to solidify. It also has a distinct natural scent, which may not be desirable if you want your fragrance oil to be the predominant scent.

When choosing the right wax for your fragrance wax melts, consider the melting point, ease of use, clean-up process, and the desired colour opacity. Soy wax is generally the most recommended option for beginners due to its user-friendliness and versatility. However, feel free to experiment with different waxes to find the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

Adding fragrance

For wax melts made with Golden Wax 494, the wax should be cooled to 70–75°C before adding the fragrance oil. Then, 16g of fragrance oil is added to 200g of wax. This mixture is then stirred continuously for around 90 seconds to ensure the fragrance oil is thoroughly mixed into the wax. The wax is then allowed to cool to around 60–70°C before being poured into moulds.

The amount of fragrance oil added depends on the amount of wax being used. For example, if you are melting 500g of wax, you can add 50ml of fragrance oil.

For wax melts made with EcoSoya CB-Advanced Wax, the wax and coconut oil mixture should be cooled to 65°C before adding the fragrance oil. Then, 20g of fragrance oil is added to 161g of wax and 69g of coconut oil. This mixture is then stirred continuously for around 90 seconds to ensure the fragrance oil is thoroughly mixed into the wax. The wax is then stirred again after adding dye and allowed to cool to 55–60°C before being poured into a jar.

For wax melts made with paraffin wax, the wax should be heated to 175–185°F before adding the fragrance oil. Then, 0.75 oz of fragrance oil is added to 8 oz of wax.

Using moulds

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area and Ingredients

Before you begin, it is important to prepare your work area and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This includes:

• A clean and spacious work area
• A heatproof cooking bowl or jug
• A stovetop or microwave
• A thermometer
• Silicone moulds in your desired shape and size
• Wax (soy wax, paraffin wax, or a blend)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils
• Colour liquid/chip dye (optional)

Step 2: Melt the Wax

Place your wax into the heatproof glass bowl or jug. If using a stovetop, pour water into a saucepan and heat until it is gently simmering. Place the bowl with the wax over the saucepan, ensuring it does not touch the water. Continuously stir the wax until it melts. Alternatively, if using a microwave, heat the wax in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as this can affect its appearance.

Step 3: Add Colour (Optional)

If you want to add colour to your wax melts, do so at this stage. Carefully add the desired amount of candle dye to the melted wax and stir gently until it is fully incorporated and evenly distributed. The amount of dye needed will depend on the desired colour intensity. Refer to the dye manufacturer's instructions for specific usage guidelines.

Step 4: Add Fragrance

Once the wax has melted and any colour has been added, remove it from the heat source and allow it to cool slightly. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance is 60-75°C. Add your chosen essential oil or fragrance oil, and stir continuously for about 90 seconds to ensure it is thoroughly mixed into the wax. For a stronger scent, you can use a higher percentage of essential oil in relation to the wax.

Step 5: Pour the Wax into Moulds

Once the wax has reached the desired temperature (around 60-70°C), slowly and carefully pour it into your silicone moulds. Be careful not to overfill them. Leave some room at the top to top up any sinkholes, which will help create a uniform surface.

Step 6: Allow the Wax to Cool and Harden

Let the wax cool and harden completely before removing it from the moulds. This typically takes around 2-4 hours. Do not place the moulds in the fridge, as this can cause the wax to crack. Instead, leave them in a cool, dry place, and consider covering the moulds to protect them from dust.

Step 7: Cure the Wax Melts

After the wax has hardened, your creations will need to cure. Curing allows the essential oil and colouring to spread evenly and settle within the wax. Store the wax melts in a cool, dark, and dry place for at least a couple of weeks. This process ensures that the fragrance fully infuses with the wax, resulting in a stronger and more consistent scent when used.

Step 8: Remove from Moulds and Enjoy

Once the wax melts have fully cured, carefully remove them from the moulds. Your scented creations are now ready to use! Place one or more wax melts in a wax warmer or oil burner, light the candle underneath, and enjoy the fragrance as the heat slowly melts the wax.

The double-boiler method

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Firstly, you will need a double boiler. You can buy one or make your own using a large pot, a rack, and a melting pot or heat-safe glass bowl. If you are making your own, ensure the glass bowl fits snugly into the pot, with enough space for steam to escape. You will also need a heat source, such as a stove or hot plate.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather your wax and fragrance oil or essential oil. You can use any type of wax and fragrance oil, including essential oils. Measure out the desired amount of each—typically, you will need more wax than oil. For a single candle, you can use 12.86 oz (365 grams) of wax and 0.90 oz (26 grams) of fragrance or essential oil.

Step 3: Set Up Your Double Boiler

Fill the pot with water, placing it about three-quarters full. Place the pot on your heat source and turn it on, bringing the water to a boil. While you are waiting for the water to boil, you can add your wax to the melting pot or glass bowl.

Step 4: Melt the Wax

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the melting pot or glass bowl containing the wax into the pot of boiling water. The boiling water will heat the wax, melting it. Stir the wax occasionally to encourage even melting and ensure that all the wax melts at the same rate. Remove the wax from the heat once it has reached a temperature of 185°F–190°F (85°C–88°C).

Step 5: Add Fragrance and Colour (Optional)

While the wax is still hot (around 185°F), add your measured amount of fragrance oil to the mix. If you wish to add colour to your wax melts, you can do so now. Use oil-soluble dye or colour blocks, following the supplier's instructions for the correct amount. Stir the mixture well for about two minutes to ensure the fragrance oil and colour are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Pour and Set

Now, carefully pour the melted wax mixture into your desired moulds or containers. Allow the wax to cool and set. Once it has hardened, your fragrance wax melts are ready to use!

Using the double-boiler method is a safe and easy way to make fragrance wax melts at home. It allows you to control the temperature and ensure even melting without overheating or scorching the wax. With this method, you can create beautifully scented wax melts to fragrance your home.

Curing and storing

While curing, keep your wax melts in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. This will help to preserve the scent and keep the melts fresh. You can also package them in cello bags if you plan on giving them as gifts. If you're selling your wax melts, make sure to include CLP-compliant labels that specify the fragrance and any relevant warnings.

After curing, store your wax melts in a cool, dry place, such as a cupboard. Again, ensure they are in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag to maintain their scent and freshness. If you're using silicone moulds, you can also store the melts in these, but be aware that the wax may be more difficult to remove.

When you're ready to use your wax melts, simply take them out of storage and follow the instructions for your electric wax warmer or burner. Place a liner in the melting cup, add a few wax melts, and enjoy the fragrance as they melt!

Frequently asked questions