Wax Warmer Use & Safety Guide

Getting the Most from Your Wax Melts — Safely

Our wax melts are designed to be used with an electric or tea-light wax warmer — not burned directly. This guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy your Scents Of Style melts safely and get the best scent throw every time.

Choosing the Right Wax Warmer

Not all wax warmers are the same. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Electric warmers — These use a bulb or heating plate to gently melt wax without an open flame. They are a great choice, especially in homes with children or pets.
  • Tea-light warmers — These use an unscented tea-light candle underneath a dish. Always use the correct-size tea light as specified by your warmer's manufacturer.
  • Dish size — Make sure your warmer dish is large enough to hold your chosen melt comfortably without overflowing.

When in doubt, follow your warmer manufacturer's guidance on wax quantity and compatible melt types.

Placement & Stable Surfaces

  • Always place your wax warmer on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • Keep it away from the edges of shelves or tables where it could be knocked over.
  • Do not place near curtains, soft furnishings, paper, or anything flammable.
  • Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the room — open a window slightly if you prefer.
  • Do not place directly in sunlight or near other heat sources.
  • Never leave a warmer unattended when in use — especially tea-light warmers.

Keeping Children & Pets Safe

  • Keep your warmer out of reach of children and pets at all times — both when in use and when cooling.
  • Melted wax is hot and can cause burns if touched or spilled.
  • Electric warmers can get warm to the touch; ensure they are positioned where curious hands and paws cannot reach them.
  • Never leave a tea-light warmer lit when children or pets are unsupervised in the room.
  • If you have concerns about a specific pet breed or health condition and wax melt use, please consult your vet for guidance.

Avoiding Common Hazards

  • Never use an open flame to melt wax shapes directly — they are not designed to be burned like a candle wick.
  • Only use your melts with a purpose-built wax warmer. Do not attempt to melt wax on a hob, in a microwave, or with any other appliance not designed for this purpose.
  • Do not overfill the warmer dish. A small amount of wax goes a long way.
  • If you notice excessive smoke, an unusual smell, or discolouration, remove the heat source and allow the wax to cool before investigating. A small amount of steam or vapour when wax first melts is normal.
  • If using a tea-light warmer, only use it for the duration recommended by your warmer's manufacturer — typically no more than 4 hours at a time.

A Note on Steam & Vapour

It's common to see a small amount of steam or light vapour rising from your warmer when the wax first begins to melt — this is normal and is simply moisture evaporating. It is not smoke. If you are seeing heavy smoke, turn off your warmer, allow it to cool, and check that you are using the correct wax quantity for your warmer and that the warmer is functioning as intended. Always follow your warmer manufacturer's instructions.

Cleaning Your Warmer

  • Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely before attempting to remove it.
  • The cotton wool ball method: While the wax is still slightly warm and liquid, drop one or two cotton wool balls into the dish. They will absorb the melted wax. Once cool, simply lift them out and discard.
  • The freeze method: Once cool, place your warmer dish in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. The wax will contract and pop out cleanly.
  • Wipe the dish with a dry cloth before adding a new melt.
  • Do not use water on a hot dish or warmer — allow it to cool fully first.

Storage

  • Store unused wax melts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colour and affect fragrance.
  • Keep melts in their original packaging where possible to preserve scent.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets during storage.

Got a Question About a Specific Product?

We love hearing from our customers! If you have a question about a specific Scents Of Style product, how to use it, or anything else, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us via our Contact page and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.