Are you thinking about switching to wax melts instead of candles? Well, you're making the right choice.
There are several reasons why you should choose wax melts over candles—we've talked all about it in our blog. But, we understand if you aren't entirely sold on wax melts just yet. Especially if it's the safety of the wax melters you're concerned about.
It's only right that you know whether the products you're buying are safe or not. Because although wax melters are the premier home fragrance choice, safety still comes first.
This is why we've gathered all the frequently asked questions about the safety of wax melts and melters to help you decide whether wax melts are the right choice for you. Read on until the end to learn how to stay safe with your wax melter!
What are wax melters?
First, what are wax melters?
Wax melters, also known as wax warmers, are alternatives to traditional burning candles. These decorative and functional devices are not to be mistaken for oil burners used to burn essential oils. Although, they do look quite similar.
These particular devices are also not to be confused with candle warmers or wax melters used to melt wax for hair removal.
Types of Wax Melters
There are two kinds of wax melters: tealight melters and electric wax warmers. Both tealight and electric warmers are made from either glass or ceramic.
Tealight wax melters still make use of an open flame. However, the electric wax melter is completely flameless and uses an incandescent light bulb instead.
What are wax melts?
Your wax melter is just half the equation - you also need to be familiar with wax melts, and if wax melts are safe or not.
Wax melts either come in cube or bead form. They are basically the same kind of wax used in candles. But instead of being placed in a glass and burnt with a wick, you place them on top of a wax warmer's dish where it is either heated using a tealight or electricity.
We actually wrote an entire guide on if wax melts are bad for you or not - so take a look to learn more. But, here is a quick breakdown of the article below:
Are wax melts safe to breathe?
One of the most common questions we get about wax melts is whether they are safe to breathe.
Similar to candle wax, wax tarts are either made from paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, or palm wax. Paraffin and soy wax are the two most commonly used wax for candles and wax melts. However, there is some controversy surrounding paraffin candles and wax melts.
Different Types of Wax Melts
Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, soy wax is made from soybeans, palm wax is taken from palm trees, and beeswax is taken from—you guessed it—beeswax.
If you aren't alarmed by the fact that paraffin wax is made from petroleum, you should be. Paraffin has become controversial recently, despite being the most commonly used wax for years.
Recent findings on paraffin wax reveal that they actually contain harmful chemicals such as benzene. This is a known human carcinogen, which means it causes cancer. When burned or melted, this compound leaks into the air.
So while you're inhaling the scent of your paraffin candle or wax melt, just know that you're inhaling harmful chemicals as well.
Palm and soy wax, on the other hand, are mainly composed of fatty acids and plant sterols. These two types, along with beeswax, don't contain any chemicals. When deciding if your wax warmers safe or not, the question really should be - what type of wax melt are you using?
Are wax warmers safe around pets and children?
As long as you use a wax melt made from soy wax and not paraffin, then yes. Now, you are well aware of how dangerous old fashioned paraffin wax is - so avoid it at all costs.
Wax melters themselves are generally safe around pets and children. The only time a wax melter would be dangerous is if one of your pets or kids were to knock them over.
Most wax warmers are made from ceramic or glass, so they can shatter. If one of your pets or kids happens to step onto one of the shards, it could cause cuts. Spilling melted wax can also be a problem. Melted wax is very hot and can cause burns if touched.
It's best to keep your wax warmers in a place where none of your fur babies or children can accidentally bump into them.
Is it safe to leave your wax warmer on all day?
No. It's never a good idea to leave anything that conducts heat on for too long. Tealight wax melters usually last for about four hours before extinguishing themselves. Electric wax melters can stay on for as long as 10 hours.
How long your electric wax melter can be left on really depends on the manufacturer, but in general, do not leave your wax warmer on all day or overnight. Although it is flameless it can still overheat.
The great thing about an electric wax melkter is that you can turn it off with just a switch of a button. So whenever you leave your warmer unattended, even if it is just to leave the room for a snack, you can easily turn it off and back on again.
Can a wax warmer catch on fire?
Tealight wax melters still use an open flame, so yes, they can catch on fire. The main reason why most people find tealight melters safer than candles is that the tealight is placed inside the wax warmer and under a dish. So if you were to place it, say, near a window where your curtains hang it's less likely to catch on fire.
But you should never be too complacent. We do not recommend placing your tealight or electric warmers near flammable objects or on top of flammable surfaces.
Each wax warmer comes with an instruction manual that tells you how long you can leave it on. You'll also find details on where you should place them in your home or office. As long as you follow the instructions you don't have to worry about your melter overheating or catching on fire.
Where can you get the best wax warmers?
Well, there you have it - wax melters are completely safe to use. That is, provided you've got a quality wax melt in it. And of course, you must remember to turn it off or blow out the tealight before leaving. Always be sure to keep the wax melter out of reach from children or pets, too.
Made up your mind about getting that new wax warmer? If you're looking for the best wax warmers online look no further than Devon Wick!
Brighten Up Your Home With A Wax Warmer From Devon Wick
Ceramic or glass, tealight or electric—whatever wax melter you're looking for, we've got it. Our collection of wax warmers is one of the biggest there is online—you're bound to find something that you love.
Our wax melt warmers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. We've got everything, from more minimalist designs to very extravagant and colorful ones too. With this many options, you're sure to find a wax melter that will blend perfectly into your home or office space.
Of course, you can't have a wax melter without the wax melts—good thing we've got hundreds of them!
Although it'd be tempting to keep your wax melter on all day long, we highly advise against this. If you keep them on for this long, you'll end up burning through them way faster than they should. Plus, you risk overheating which can be dangerous.
But don't worry we've got instructions on our website on how to properly use our wax warmers and wax melts. So make sure to read through it after you've checked out your new wax melting kit!