If you are trying to decide on the best way to add a little fragrance to your home or workspace, we have just the guide for you! Candles have been around forever and you can find millions of different brands and scents online or in-stores. Wax melts have been around for a while as well, but they are only becoming more and more popular each day. But, if you have only just become familiar with wax melts it's important to understand how different they are compared to candles.
First of all, what are wax melts? These are wickless scented pieces of wax that are usually in the shape of a cube.
But if they are wickless, how do you heat them up? To use wax melts, you will need a warmer that will slowly heat up your wax. This is a very different process compared to burning a candle and does affect the outcome of how scented your home can be.
Whether you are new to aromatherapy or an expert, this candle vs wax melts comparison can provide some insight on the best way to scent your home.
Are Wax Melts Different than Candle Wax?
Wax Melts are Flame-Free
The London Fire Brigade estimates over 200 fires in 2020 were caused by lit candles. The aroma of candles just isn't worth the risk of losing your valuables or your home. Luckily, with wax melts you can enjoy a nicely scented home without the worry of causing a fire.
They are a safer alternative to candles overall. With melts, you have two options: tea light or electric wax warmers. To not deal with an open flame, you can opt for an electric wax warmer. It just needs to be plugged in and turned on to start using your melts. Once you are done melting, all you need to do is turn it off or unplug it.
Soy Wax Melts are Soot-Free
The type of wax used in either a candle or a melt can affect your health. Some wax may contain paraffin, benzene, and other harmful chemicals. These are not believed to be safe for human consumption and unsafe for any pets that are around while the wax is burning.
Thankfully, brands like Devon Wick offer only soy-based wax melts. This is the safest type of wax to use, other than some plant-based ones, in any space that you want to add some fragrance.
Wax melts are soot-free! This means you can place your wax melter pretty much anywhere instead of having to worry about your ceiling and furniture close by. You also don't have to worry about the discoloration of your walls, ceiling, or curtains.
Not only is soot bad for the air, but it can be very bad for your health. For people with asthma, they can provoke asthma attacks and affect their lungs. Even if you don't have asthma, the soot produced from traditional candles can still aggravate your respiratory system. It's best to go with soy wax melts to prevent any of this irritation.
Wax Melts are Environmentally-Friendly
In addition to these melts being healthier than candles, they also are better for the environment. Usually, candles are packaged in glass jars which can take up to 1 million years for each one of them to break down. Considering how long it takes just one glass jar to decompose, scientists estimate that we may be living amongst these jars forever.
Some wax melt companies may use "clamshell" recyclable plastic as packaging. This still isn't a completely sustainable way to prepare wax melts. Devon Wick's luxury wax melts use eco-packaging that is glass and plastic-free. You can appreciate a strong fragrance and be conscious of your health and the environment with Devon Wick.
Wax Melts are Cheaper than Candles
To compare the costs of wax melts to candles, we have to look at the prices in comparison to the burn time. A basic 12-ounce candle can give you 60-84 hours of burn time, which means approximately 7-9 hours per ounce. While a good quality pack of wax melts can give you 60-90 hours, with 2 cubes lasting 12-18 hours.
With candles, you are also supposed to discontinue use once there is around 1/4 left of the wax. Wax melts can be used until the scent is completely gone. This means that you aren't wasting any bit of fragrance when using wax melts. Overall, wax melts end up being cheaper than candles if you factor this in.
Wax Melts Can Have a Longer Burn Time and More Fragrance Load
The composition of the candle or wax melt is the most important factor in determining how long it can burn. It all depends on the wax type and the amount of fragrance oil.
Candles require you to light the wick to burn the wax. The direct heat from burning the candle causes more fragrance to be released into the air at a fast pace.
Wax melts are heated up slowly by their warmers, which will release the scent steadily over time. Since it does take a bit longer for the fragrance to be released, it means that wax melts have more burn time than candles.
As for the fragrance load aspect of candles and wax melts, there is a big limitation on the amount of fragrance oil used in candles. Since scented candles require you to burn them using a wick, this affects how much fragrance goes into your candle. A typical candle can't hold more than 7% fragrance without causing issues.
Wax melts can hold more fragrance without any issue. That being said, if you prefer a fragrant house, wax melts are the way to go.
Control your Scent with Wax Melts
Candles can be a bit limiting, with how much scent you can get out of them. You just light the wick and let the candle do its thing. With wax melts, you can choose how much wax you want to burn which will determine how much scent you can enjoy at a time.
If you just want a light fragrance, you can use a cube or two to slowly release the melts' aroma over time. Or if you want more fragrance at a faster pace, you can cut a cube into pieces and use one piece to get all the fragrance out fast. It's your choice to decide how you want to add a scent to your room.
Wax Melts are More Convenient
You can't use regular candles wherever you want. There are usually rules in office spaces and student halls, that it must be a flame-free area. You also need to babysit the flame at all times to ensure nothing goes wrong. While we do suggest that you never leave a wax warmer unattended, it's not as much of a hazard as a lit candle.
With candles, you also have specific methods to burn them in the most efficient way. Often times companies suggest your first burn be at least 3 hours in order to ensure an even melt pool. Then you have to trim the wick and make sure you don't ever burn the candle for more than 4 hours. It's a lot of rules to keep in mind just to be able to have a freshly scented space.
With wax melts, you can decide how much wax to use, and how long you want to melt it. There is no set of rules you need to follow each time. This makes wax melts far more convenient than candles because you can use them wherever you want and however you want.
Are Wax Melts Worth It?
Wax melts are safer, healthier, more eco-friendly, cheaper, last longer, have more fragrance, and are more convenient than candles. They are definitely worth it!
If you are ready to try them out, it only makes sense to choose the best soy wax melts in the UK —Devon Wick. No other brand has the same quality of ingredients, longevity of fragrance, or great prices. It's a no-brainer to check out their wax melts today!