New to wax melts or just want to get the most out of yours? We've pulled together the answers to our most asked questions right here. From choosing the right burner to swapping scents like a pro, we've got you covered.
What is a wax melt?
A wax melt is beautifully scented wax with no wick, designed to be gently warmed in a burner to release fragrance. Unlike a candle, there's no flame directly touching the wax. At Ma Melts, our melts are made with a signature blend of Coconut & Rapeseed wax for a clean, even melt and a strong, long lasting scent throw.
What kind of burner do I need?
Most wax melt burners fall into two types:
- Tealight burners - use an unscented tealight candle underneath to gently warm the dish above. These are the most common type and work brilliantly with our melts.
- Electric burners - plug in and heat the dish without an open flame. Great if you prefer a flame free option.
Either type works well with Ma Melts.
The key is that the dish gets warm enough to melt the wax without overheating it, which is why we always recommend a burner with a dish depth of at least 2-3 cm to give the wax room to pool properly.
👉 Browse our burners to find one that suits your style.
How do I use a wax melt safely?
Using wax melts is simple, but a few good habits will keep things safe and enjoyable:
- Always place your burner on a stable, heatproof surface - away from draughts, curtains, or anything flammable.
- Keep the burner out of reach of children.
- Never leave a lit tealight unattended and always let the wax cool completely before moving the burner.
- Use unscented tealights so they don't compete with your chosen fragrance.
- Burn for around 3-4 hours at a time - this keeps the scent strong and prevents the fragrance oils from burning off too quickly.
How much wax should I use?
Less is more! 1-2 cubes (or one snap from a snapbar) is the sweet spot for most rooms. Using more wax doesn't make the scent stronger, it just means you'll go through it faster. Start with one piece and add another if you want a bigger scent throw.
👉 Shop individual snapbars to try new scents without committing to a full pack.
How do I change the scent?
When you're ready for a new fragrance, you have two easy options:
- The cotton wool method: While the wax is still liquid (warm), drop a couple of cotton wool balls into the dish to absorb the melted wax. Remove them carefully, give the dish a wipe, and pop in your next scent.
- The freeze method: Let the wax cool and set completely. Place the whole burner dish in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. The wax will contract slightly and pop out cleanly.
Either way, avoid pouring liquid wax down the sink - it can solidify and block your drains.
How do I clean wax residue from my burner?
Once the wax is removed using one of the methods above, any remaining residue can usually be wiped away with a dry cloth or piece of kitchen roll while the dish is still slightly warm. For stubborn marks, a small amount of washing up liquid on a cloth works well once the dish has fully cooled. Avoid abrasive cloths or scouring pads on glazed ceramic burners.
How strong will the scent be?
Scent strength depends on a few things: the size of your room, how warm your burner runs, and how long you've been in the space (our noses adjust quickly - what smells incredible to a visitor might not be as noticeable to you after a while!).
For the best scent throw:
- Use 1-2 cubes in an average sized room.
- Make sure your burner is running at the right temperature - too hot and the fragrance burns off fast; too cool and it won't fully release.
- Keep doors closed to let the scent build up in the room.
- Swap the wax when the scent starts to fade, even if there's still wax left in the dish, the fragrance oils will have done their job.
How do I store my wax melts?
Keep your melts cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Heat and UV light can affect the fragrance oils before you've even had a chance to enjoy them. A cupboard or drawer works perfectly.
Still have questions?
We're always happy to help. Drop us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. 💛