Wickless candles and wax melts are fantastic ways to infuse your home with delightful aromas without the flame. These products are super easy to make and serve as perfect gifts or products for your candle business. Whether you’re new to the world of candle making or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through creating your own homemade wax melts and wickless candles.
Understanding Wickless Candles and Their Benefits
Wickless candles, as the name suggests, are candles that melt without a wick. These are typically used in conjunction with a wax warmer, which gently heats the wax without an open flame. People prefer wickless candles for several reasons: they are safer around children and pets, they do not produce soot, and they can be used in places where open flames may be prohibited, such as offices or dorm rooms.
To use a wickless candle, simply place it on the warmer and let the heat release the fragrance. This method is great for continuous scent distribution without monitoring a burning candle.
Crafting Stronger-Scented Wax Melts
Selecting the Right Wax and Fragrance Oils
The choice of wax and fragrance oils is critical to making your homemade wax melts recipe stronger. Paraffin wax is often preferred for wax melts due to its ability to hold a higher percentage of fragrance oil. However, for those looking for a more natural alternative, soy wax is a great choice, though it may hold scents more subtly.
When choosing fragrance oils, opt for high-quality, concentrated oils designed for candle making. The general rule of thumb is to use about 10% fragrance oil by weight. However, you can experiment with up to 12% if you find the scent isn't strong enough, but be mindful as too much oil can affect the texture of the wax.
Perfecting the Pouring Process
Temperature plays a key role in how well the fragrance binds and sets within the wax. Heat your wax to the recommended temperature by the manufacturer, usually around 185°F (85°C). Add your fragrance oil once the wax reaches this temperature, stirring consistently for approximately 2 minutes to ensure an even distribution.
Pour the wax into molds at about 160°F (71°C). Pouring at a too-high temperature can cause the fragrance to evaporate, while too low can result in an uneven set.
Curing Your Wax Melts
Curing is often an overlooked step in the wax melt-making process. After pouring your melts, allow them to cure in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for about 48 hours. This waiting period helps the scent oils fully bond to the wax, intensifying the fragrance when used.
Tips and Tricks for Wax Melt and Wickless Candle Making
- Accuracy is Key: Always use a digital scale to measure your wax and fragrance oils to ensure consistency in your wax melt recipe.
- Test Your Scents: Since different scents and oils can react differently with various types of wax, it’s wise to make small test batches to ensure the scent throws effectively before going into full production.
- Keep It Clean: Ensure all equipment is clean and dry before starting. Residues or water droplets can affect the final product's quality.
- Innovative Molding: Don’t be afraid to get creative with molds. Silicone molds come in various shapes and designs, allowing you to customize the look of your wax melts or wickless candles.
- Temperature Monitoring: Keep a reliable thermometer handy to check the temperature of your wax throughout the process. This will help in achieving the best results.
Step-By-Step Recipe
INFORMATION- Difficulty: Beginner
- Yield: 8.5 oz or 4 x Tart Clamshells
TIMING- Prep Time / Clean Up: 15 Minutes
- Perform Time: 1 Hour
- Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
SUPPLIESINGREDIENTSDIRECTIONS
Step 1Heat beeswax to 185°F/85°C. (Do NOT exceed 200°F/93°C as this may discolor and/or burn your wax.) One important thing to note about working with beeswax is that it can become flammable if overheated. That is why a double boiler and not a direct stove top or microwave melting is important.
Step 2Add coconut oil and stir until just melted.
Step 3Add your selected
Fragrance Oil and stir to re-melt any wax that has solidified because of the addition of room-temperature fragrance. Remove from heat. (Add fragrances with higher flash points at 185°F/85°C and fragrances with lower flash points at 160°F/71°C.)
Step 4Once the fragrance is mixed thoroughly pour into glass container(s) or tart clamshells.
Step 5If you desire a smooth top, re-melt the top using a heat gun. Be very careful near the plastic edges. The plastic will melt if you get the heat gun too close, or if you hold the heat gun in one place too long.
You can make more if you like! This recipe makes 8.5 oz in total. (The photo below is a double batch).
Allow to solidify at room temperature and cure for 24-48 hours and enjoy!
TO USEPlace a glass container on an electric warming plate or a few tarts in a tart warmer. Enjoy the beautiful scent! When not in use, simply seal the container to seal in the fragrance. Reheat when you wish.
Helpful Tips
To figure out the amount of wax base needed, fill your glass container with water to the desired level and then weight the water. This recipe is 25% coconut oil and 75% beeswax. If you need 5 oz. total, just multiply by 25% and 75% to get 1.25 oz. coconut oil and 3.75 oz. beeswax. To figure out the amount of fragrance, simply multiply 6% by 5 oz. to get 0.3 oz.
