How to Get the Most Out of Your Wax Melts

From the maker's bench

If you've ever wondered why your wax melts aren't throwing as much scent as you'd hoped, or how to know when it's time for a fresh scent - you're in the right place. As the maker behind Kitty Kisses, here's everything I tell my customers at the market.

🕯️ Choose the right burner

I personally use an electric burner - partly because the scent throw is consistent, and partly because one of my cats, Jinx, is apparently in a committed relationship with an open flame and I can't be trusted around tea lights with her around. Electric burners are a brilliant option if you have pets or little ones, and they give you more control over the heat.

Speaking of heat - this is really important. If your burner doesn't get hot enough, your wax simply won't melt properly and you won't get much scent at all. If you've been disappointed by a wax melt before, a weak burner is often the culprit rather than the wax itself!

🌸 Control the scent strength

One of the best things about wax melts is that you're in charge of how strong the fragrance is. Add more wax for a stronger scent, or use less for something more subtle. Just be careful not to overfill your burner dish - if the wax level is too high it can spill when it melts, which is as unpleasant as it sounds!

Our wax melts are made with a rapeseed and coconut wax blend, which gives a lovely, even scent throw without being overpowering.

⏱️ How long should a burn session be?

We recommend burning your wax melts for around 3 to 4 hours at a time, or until the fragrance has hit its peak - you'll know when the scent is filling the room just right! Giving your burner a rest between sessions also helps prolong the life of your wax.

♻️ Don't throw away your wax too soon

Here's something lots of people don't realise - you can keep reusing your wax until the scent is completely gone. Just because it's melted and resolidified doesn't mean it's done! Give it another burn and see if there's still fragrance left. You'll know it's time for a new scent when you melt it and can't smell anything. Wax itself doesn't evaporate, only the fragrance does.

✨ Three easy ways to clean your burner

This is the question I get asked most at markets! Here are my three favourite methods:

📦 Store your wax melts properly

Keep your melts in a cool, dark, dry place - sealed in their original packaging or an airtight container. Heat, light, and humidity can all degrade both the wax and the fragrance oils over time, so avoid windowsills and warm rooms. Store strong fragrances separately to prevent the scents from bleeding into each other.

⚠️ A note on safety

Always keep your wax burner out of reach of children and curious animals - we say this from experience with five very nosy cats who have absolutely no concept of personal boundaries. Keep burners on a stable, heat-safe surface away from anything flammable, and never leave them unattended.