What Are Wax Melts? Your Complete Guide to Wax Melts, Warmers & Fragrance

If you’ve stumbled here wondering what wax melts, wax burners, and warmers actually are — you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to enjoy wax melts safely and get the best scent experience.

What Are Wax Melts? Different Names, Same Great Idea

Wax melts (also called wax tarts, candle melts, soy wax melts, or candle tarts) are small blocks of scented wax. You don’t light them like candles—instead, you melt them in a warmer to release fragrance that fills your room with a lovely scent.

Types of Wax Used in Wax Melts: Soy Wax vs Paraffin Wax

Not all wax melts are made equal. The main difference lies in the wax base:

• Paraffin Wax: A cheaper by-product of the oil industry. Common but less eco-friendly.

• Soy Wax: A natural, sustainable wax made from soybeans. Eco-conscious and vegan-friendly.

At Made With a Smile, we use 100% soy wax because:

• It’s sustainably sourced and non-GM, perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

• Soy wax holds nearly double the fragrance oils of paraffin wax, so melts last longer and smell stronger.

• It doesn’t produce that “burnt candle” smell some paraffin melts have.

Why Fragrance Oils Matter: Quality Makes All the Difference

Cheap wax melts often use low-quality fragrance oils bought from middlemen. This means weak scents and short burn times. You may have seen deals like “20 wax melts for £3” — but these rarely last or smell great.

We source our fragrance oils directly from the manufacturer and use custom-formulated blends designed for strong, long-lasting scent. That’s why our melts aren’t the cheapest, but they offer excellent quality and value.

How to Use Wax Melts: Electric vs Tealight Warmers

Once you pick your wax melt, here’s how to enjoy it:

Electric Wax Warmers

These use a small light bulb to gently heat the wax, no open flame involved. They’re safer and often double as night lights. The fragrance release is gentler but lasts longer, making them great for smaller rooms or subtle scent.

Tealight Wax Warmers

These use a tealight candle to heat the wax, which melts it more thoroughly for a stronger scent throw. Ideal for larger rooms or kitchens needing a bolder fragrance. Porcelain warmers add a warm glow to your space.

Safety Tip: Never leave wax melts unattended whether in electric or tealight warmers. Always turn off or extinguish before leaving the room.

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Browse Our Wax Melts Collection

Ready to fill your home with beautiful fragrances? Check out our hand-poured Soy Wax Melts Collection — crafted with premium wax and fragrance oils for a lasting scent experience.