Be the Goldilocks of using wax melts and get it "just right"

How to get your wax melts burning 'just right'...

There are many elements that contribute to a beautifully scented home when using soy wax melts. Understanding how these elements work together can truly elevate your experience.

Here’s what makes all the difference:

- The Wax Melt

- The Burner (Tealight or Electric)

- The Tealight

When it comes to the wax itself, we’ve got you covered. We use a unique, high-quality, sustainable soy wax (known as the carrier) that’s generously blended with luxury fragrance. Each melt is also delicately topped with dried botanicals, adding an extra touch of beauty and indulgence.

The Tealights

Your choice of tealight is incredibly important.

If the flame burns too hot, the wax can overheat and produce a less pleasant scent. You’ll also use up the fragrance far more quickly, which means a shorter scent throw and a much shorter burn time.

Too cool, and the wax won’t get hot enough to release the fragrance properly. This is why we refer to it as “scent throw” - it’s all about how well the fragrance disperses throughout the room.

So, how can you get it just right?

Start by only using 4-hour tealights. This is the quickest, safest and most effective way to ensure a consistent burn.

Even within that category, there are differences. Some 4-hour tealights have deeper aluminium casings than others. You’ll want the shallower ones (typically around 1.2cm deep), as they position the flame lower in the burner and reduce the risk of overheating the wax.

Top Tip: After testing a variety of tealight brands, we’ve found that Wilko, Sainsbury's and Dunelm offer some of the most consistent results. In contrast, Ikea tealights often burn inconsistently or not hot enough.

Of course, our own hand-poured soy tealights are the premium alternative — specifically designed to complement our melts perfectly — but it all depends on how far down the wax melt rabbit hole you want to go. You can browse them here.

It’s also really important to avoid deeper 6 or 8-hour tealights. Even if you’re only burning them for a short period, they typically contain much thicker wicks. These burn significantly hotter, and can not only burn off the fragrance of your wax melt in as little as 30 minutes, but also risk overheating your burner.

The Burner

The burner you use also plays a vital role.

If it’s too small (often the case with oil burners), the flame sits too close to the dish, causing the wax to overheat. If it’s too tall, the wax may not warm enough to throw the scent properly.

The material and thickness of the burner can also affect performance. Metal or glass dishes often retain and transfer heat differently compared to ceramic, which can lead to fluctuations in how the fragrance is released.

That’s why every burner we offer has been carefully tested with our own soy wax melts. If you have a few burners at home and aren’t enjoying the scent throw, try switching them around to compare. It might make all the difference. You can shop our selection of tried and tested burners here.

Using an Electric Burner?

One of the benefits of electric burners is their consistency. They heat your wax melt to the same temperature every time.

However, the wattage is key. Most electric burners range from 25W to 40W. Some customers find that 25W doesn’t provide as strong a scent throw, but this really comes down to personal preference.

A lower wattage will give a gentler, longer-lasting burn. A higher one will throw scent more quickly but may reduce longevity. It's all about finding the right balance for your space and preference.

A Final Note

We hope this guide helps you get the most from your wax melt rituals and makes each burn feel like a small moment of joy. When you understand the little details, the entire experience becomes that much more rewarding.

Thank you for choosing Glass & Wick. If you’re wondering how best to remove used wax from your burner, you can read our guide  here.

You can also view our full collection of soy wax melts here!