Whenever you’re looking to add a little ambiance to your home, one of the first things you’ll likely consider is what type of candle to use. But did you know that there’s another option? Wax melts can provide all the same benefits as candles, and some even prefer wax melts over candles.
What’s the difference between candles and wax melts? Wax melts are wickless scented wax that you will need to melt using a candle warmer, so it’s flame-free and soot-free. Since they are flame-free, they are more convenient than candles and can be used in dorm rooms and homes with small children and pets.
Are wax melts right for you? Let’s take a look at the differences between candles and wax melts below.
What Are Wax Melts?
Wax melts are a new way to enjoy your favorite home fragrances.
Wax melts are wickless scented wax that is melted in a wax warmer. As the warmer heats up, the wax will melt and release the fragrance into the air – the same way a scented candle does.
Wax melts come in a variety of fragrances, so you’re sure to find one that you’ll love. You can also mix and match different fragrances to create your own unique scent. Plus, wax melts are a great way to enjoy your favorite fragrances without having to worry about an open flame.
Candles Vs. Wax Melts
Having learned about wax melts, let’s take a look at how they may be different from scented candles.
Wick Vs. No Wick
Scented candles come with wicks, which you will need to burn to melt the wax and release the fragrance.
Of course, there are all kinds of risks that come with having an open flame in your home, which is why scented candles always need to be monitored, and why they are often not suitable for homes with active toddlers and active pets.
On the other hand, wax melts are wickless, and you will need to use them using a candle warmer. A candle warmer heats the wax using a 15-watt light underneath the wax. The light is hot enough to melt the wax without the risk of burning your hands or causing a fire.
The disadvantage of a wax melt is that you need to buy a warmer along with the wax cubes, and you will need electricity to operate the warmer.
Soot
Burning candles can release soot, especially if you keep the candles too close to a wall or a piece of furniture. The soot will collect on the surface and cause discolorations, which can look unsightly. Soot can also affect your health, especially if you have a sensitive nose.
Fortunately, since wax melts are flame-free, soot won’t be a problem. The wax melts are contained in the warmer, and only the fragrance will be released into the air. If you have asthma or a sensitive respiratory system, then wax melts are definitely the better way to go.
Burn Time
Candles come with expected burn time, depending on how big the candle is. The real burn time is usually much shorter than indicated because the flame has a high heat that can quickly burn the wax and release the fragrance.
However, since wax melts are melted at a lower heat and there’s no open flame involved, the burning rate is much slower. The wax will still be able to release the fragrance as it melts, but the burn time will be longer than burning a traditional candle.
Fragrance Load
Did you know that scented candles cannot include more than 7% fragrance oil? That’s because if you try to add more, the wax won’t be able to burn and evaporate properly, creating all kinds of problems when you try to burn it.
Since wax melts don’t involve using open flames, they don’t really have this issue. This is why wax melts can pack so much fragrance in such a tiny package, but they are still as powerful as a big scented candle!
With wax melt, you are also not limited by what you have. You can mix and combine a few different melts together to create a personalized fragrance that you like.
Price
Since wax melts pack more fragrance and have a longer burn time, you can bet that they are actually much cheaper than scented candles.
Although initially, you will have to invest in a warmer along with the wax melts, the cost will still be cheaper because wax melts can last five times longer than a candle of the same weight. This means the cheaper option is definitely wax melts.
Convenience
Because candles require the use of an open flame, it is actually quite limiting in terms of where you can use them.
If you live in a dorm room or an apartment that doesn’t allow open flames, or if you live in a house with children and pets, then using candles is definitely not safe.
Even if you can use candles, you will have to monitor the flames at all times to ensure that it doesn’t catch on your curtains or sofa. This makes burning candles actually quite stressful.
With wax melts, you don’t have to worry about any of these issues. Since there’s no flame involved, you can use it in all of these situations without worrying about safety.
Upkeep
There is a lot of upkeep that comes with burning a candle. We’ve all heard the advice that the first time you burn a scented candle, you need to burn until the entire surface of the wax is completely melted so that subsequent burns will be even.
You’ll also need to occasionally trim the wick and clean the surface of the candle because if the candlewick is too long or if the surface is dirty, the candle will pop when it burns.
Compared to candles, wax melts are quite stress-free. The only upkeep that you need to worry about is replacing the bulb in the warmer when it goes out, but this only happens every 3 – 6 months.
Although wax melts don’t require a lot of upkeep, they will still perform very consistently every time.
Toxins
Unfortunately, the wax used in both candles and wax melts is packed with harmful chemicals like paraffin and benzene. When the wax is melted, harmful toxins can be released into the air, causing irritations in your nose and even damaging your lungs and nervous system.
If you want to avoid these harmful chemicals, then it’s best to opt for options that use vegan wax, like soy wax or rice bran wax. These types of waxes will still perform well, but they will have fewer harmful chemicals that can damage your health.
Environmental Impacts
The packaging for both of these products is also worth considering when it comes to environmental impacts.
Scented candles are usually poured into glass containers and jars that can be cleaned and reused or recycled when suitable. You can even reuse glass jars to make your own candles at home, which is quite convenient.
In comparison, wax melts are not sold in containers, so they are often packaged in plastic, which may or may not be recyclable. If this is important to you, make sure to look for wax melts that have sustainable packaging to prevent harm to the environment.
Pros And Cons Of Candles Vs. Wax Melts
If you need a quick guide to compare and contrast between candles and wax melts, check out this chart below.
| Candles | Wax Melts | |
| Burn Time Per Oz | 7 – 9 hours | 35+ hours |
| Burning Method | Flame | Warmer |
| Safety | Fire hazard | Safe |
| Soot | Yes | No |
| Fragrance Load | Less than 7% of the candle | No limit |
| Electricity Required | No | Yes |
| Price | Expensive | Less expensive |
| Customizable? | No | Yes |
Scented candles can create a certain mood or atmosphere in a room. Whether you’re looking to relax after a long day or add a romantic touch to your bedroom, the right candle can make all the difference.
However, candles require regular maintenance and can be quite dangerous, especially if you can’t keep an eye on them. Candles are also quite expensive, and they burn up very quickly, releasing soot and toxins in the process.
In comparison, wax melts are a great alternative that offers all the benefits of scented candles without any hassle. Unlike candles, wax melts do not require an open flame, and they will not leave behind any dangerous soot.
Plus, you can easily control and customize the scent by combining and customizing the melts you use. The warmer used for wax melts can even work as mood lighting to add ambiance to your home.
The only disadvantage to wax melts is that they require the use of electricity, so they are not as mobile as candles. However, if you have a designated spot in your home for them, then they can be quite convenient.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy your favorite scents, wax melts are definitely the superior option compared to candles.
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