How to Make Homemade Wax Melts in Silicone Molds?

Close-up of melted wax in a jar, with a focus on making DIY wax melts using silicone molds.

Why settle for generic store wax melts when you can create your own personalized scents at home? Irrespective of common beliefs, crafting homemade wax melts is generally a simple way to fill your space with fragrances you love. As you get complete control over ingredients, you can mix scents and experiment with colors while avoiding artificial chemicals.

When making these affordable wax melts, crafters can even add decorative touches for uniqueness. Now, you may be wondering what’s the secret to making perfect wax melts. Silicone molds turn out to be that secret equipment that makes the process effortless. 

Steps to Make Homemade Wax Melts:

  • Start the process by opting for soy wax or paraffin based on your preference for scent throw and longevity.
  • Moving forward, simply use double boilers or microwaves in short bursts to melt this wax with occasional stirring.
  • Afterward, you need to mix in essential oils for your desired scent and add dye for innovative colors.
  • Now, carefully transfer this melt into your silicone molds while avoiding air bubbles.
  • Finally, let your wax melt to harden before gently popping them out of custom silicone molds for use. 

To make the most of your homemade wax melts, the key is choosing the right molds. Here's how you can easily make your silicone molds to add a unique, personalized touch.

Now that we have an overview, let’s dig deeper into this article to learn how to make wax melts using quality molds.

Part 1. Ingredients and Equipment for Making Wax Melts in Silicone Molds

Prior to crafting wax melts, you need to collect some must-have ingredients and equipment to get the job done. While making these melts, there should be no compromise on the quality of your wax and fragrances. Let's explore every infinity stone you need to gather in your gauntlet to accomplish your goal like Thanos.  

Key Ingredients for Homemade Wax Melts

Using quality ingredients will make some difference in how your wax melts look and smell. Now, open your notebook and start noting everything you need to learn how to make wax melts at your home. 

1- Wax Options 

Depending upon the type of wax, you can optimize the scent throw and burn time of your melt. Go through the following options to choose the best one for the better appearance of your wax melts.

Wax Options

Significance 

Soy Wax

As a natural option, this wax holds fragrance well to provide your melt with a creamy finish.

Beeswax

Being a more durable wax, it lasts longer with a subtle honey scent. 

Paraffin Wax

Containing synthetic additives, this affordable melt has an excellent scent throw. 

To maximize results, consider blending soy and paraffin wax for balancing scent throw and clean melting.

2- Additive Oils for Melts 

Considering its purpose, the scent of your wax melt stands out as the most important aspect. With the ingredients below, you can set the ambiance in your space.

additive oils for wax melt
  • Essential Oils: Thanks to their natural appeal, this type of oil is perfect for those who prefer chemical-free scents.
  • Fragrance Oils: Designed for wax melting, they offer stronger aromas with wider varieties of scents.

3- Dye or Mica Powder

To add more visual appeal, you can consider adding colors that match seasons or moods. For this purpose, look to utilize liquid dyes to add colors without affecting texture. Alternatively, you can even mix mica powder for shimmering effects. 

Caution: Crafters have to avoid overusing mica powder, as this ingredient will settle at the bottom and reduce scent throw.

4- Additives 

While learning how to make wax melts, we recommend you utilize decorative elements to elevate your overall outlook. With these additives, makers will be able to make melts prettier. 

  • Dried flowers
  • Herbs such as mint, rosemary, or thyme 
  • Glitter

Must-Have Equipment for Wax Melting and Molding

As mentioned, crafters need to have proper tools to improve the way they create wax melts. To make sure your wax melts come out perfectly, gather these materials first.

1- Silicone Molds 

Being the best option for creating wax melts, molds made from this material provide the utmost flexibility. Among all the options, PJ Bold silicone molds turn out to be the obvious choice for everyone due to their non-stick surface.

molds to shape wax melts

Apart from that, these molds are available in various sizes for customization. Importantly, such flexible molds can be cleaned effortlessly to help you avoid any hassle. 

Fun Tip: Benefiting from the custom molds from PJ Bold, you can craft themed wax melts, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Now that you know the benefits, let’s explore how to use silicone molds effectively to get the best results in your wax melt crafting.

2- Double Boiler or Wax Melter 

Thanks to this equipment, anyone can melt their wax in a safe and controlled way. To prevent the wax from overheating and losing its fragrance, double boilers use indirect heat. On the other hand, electric wax melters emerge as a great automatic alternative.

3- Measuring Cups 

Makers who love to maintain accuracy can utilize this tool when measuring ingredients. While learning how to make wax melts, you should utilize glass cups to withstand high temperatures.

measuring cups for wax melt

4- Mixing Spoon or Stick

When looking to distribute fragrance and dye evenly, you have to stir the wax. For this, experts recommend you use wooden sticks or silicone spoons. However, crafters need to use separate spoons for wax making to avoid mixing with food utensils.

5- Thermometer

With this equipment, crafters get to make sure wax reaches the correct temperature before adding fragrance oils. If you fail to do so, your wax may become overheated ruining the overall appearance and longevity. 

Once you have collected all the materials, move to the next section to explore the detailed guide for learning how to make wax melts.

Part 2. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Wax Melt Molds

After completing the checklist above, it is time to put everything into action to get your own wax melt. Follow this detailed guide to create beautifully scented melts that are perfect for personal use or gifting.

Step 1. Pick the Right Material for Your Wax Melts

To initiate the task of making wax melts, the first thing you need to do is select the best wax type for your needs. As this will affect the scent throw and texture, you need to make wiser choices while exploring how to make wax melts.

Wax Type 

Best For 

Soy Wax

Excellent scent throw

Beeswax

Long-lasting burn

Paraffin Wax

Holding fragrance for a longer time

Step 2. Melt the Wax Safely

Upon choosing the optimized wax for your needs, proceed to melt the ingredients properly for consistency. To do so optimally, first fill your saucepan with around two inches of water and place this heatproof bowl inside. While melting your wax, you need to keep the water at a gentle simmer to avoid overheating the wax.

wax melting using double boiler

Extra Tip: When using your microwave, melt after every 30 seconds to prevent overheating.

To maintain the temperature, we recommend you use thermometers to meet the ideal melting range. When melting this wax, you have to stir occasionally using mixing spoons or wooden sticks to stir the wax.

Step 3. Add Fragrance and Coloring to the Wax

Want to give your wax melts a signature scent and color? Explore this step to get everything right for the customization of your wax melt. 

Adding Fragrance Oils or Essential Oils

  • Once the wax reaches the set temperature of 170 to 185°F, turn off the heat before adding fragrance oil.
  • Now, you need to use around ten percent fragrance oil per weight of wax and mix for at least two minutes for even distribution. 

Adding Color to the Wax

Upon adding oils, add a small quantity of liquid dye to the melted wax and stir well. To properly adjust the shade, keep on dropping color until you reach your desired hue.

Step 4. Pour the Wax into Silicone Molds

Now that your wax gets scented and colored, get ready to pour your melt into the silicone molds. After placing your FDA-approved molds on heat-resistant surfaces, carefully pour the wax while leaving little spaces at the top to avoid spills.

pour the wax into mold

Moving forward, simply tap molds gently on the counter to release any trapped air. To add some final touches while exploring how to make wax melts, you can either sprinkle dried flowers or glitter.

Expert Recommendation: While pouring multiple layers of different colors, wait until the first layer sets partially before adding the next.

Once you're done pouring and your wax melts are set, it’s important to clean your silicone molds properly.

Step 5. Remove Wax Melts from the Molds

Upon pouring, you have to let the wax sit at room temperature for about three hours. Alternatively, we recommend you place the molds in the refrigerator for half an hour to fully harden the melt. Once the wax hardens, press the bottom of the mold to release the melts.

Pro Tip: Let your wax melts cure for about two days before using them for the best fragrance throw.

Do you want to store these newly-made wax melts for a longer duration? Go through some efficient tips for improved storage and usage. 

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Part 3. Best Ways to Store and Use Homemade Wax Melts

After learning how to make wax melts, proceed to explore simple ways to store and use them. On one hand, proper storage will help you retain their fragrance to the fullest. While using them correctly maximizes their scent throw and longevity. Let's explore the best ways to keep your wax melts fresh and get the most out of them in your home.

Tips to Store Homemade Wax Melts 

As discussed, storing wax melts helps maintain their scent for longer durations. To prevent them from losing quality, follow these best storage practices. 

1- Keep Wax Melts in an Airtight Container

When looking to preserve these melts, you need to store them in sealed containers like glass jars to avoid fragrance loss. Doing so will prevent wax from absorbing surrounding scents thanks to airtight boxes.

2- Store in a Cool Place

Generally speaking, heat and sunlight can melt your wax melts. To prevent them from losing their fragrance, keep them in storage boxes away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

store wax melt in dry place

3- Avoid Damp Areas

As moisture can affect the texture, it can cause wax melts to develop sticky appearances. In order to avoid such situations, simply keep them in dry places without high humidity.

Things to Remember: If your wax melts develop frosty appearances, it won’t affect their performance. 

4- Cure Wax Melts for Stronger Scent Throw

Before using your melts, let them sit for at least two days to allow the fragrance to bind fully with the wax. For even stronger scents, we recommend you cure them for around two weeks in sealed containers.

To ensure your wax melts stay fresh, you can take inspiration from our homemade chocolate recipe, where we discuss similar tips for preserving quality.

Proper Usage Techniques for Homemade Wax Melts

Upon storing your wax melts properly, you may also want to know the best tips to utilize them. With the following points, using wax melts in the right way will become easier. 

1- Pick the Right Wax Warmer

When using electric warmers, you can provide consistent heat to melts for longer scent diffusion. On the other hand, tea light ones will heat up faster, so they will evaporate the scent quicker.

chose good wax warmer

2- Use the Correct Amount of Wax Melt

For optimal usage, simply break off only two melts before placing them in the warmer dish. Using too many of these melts at once can overflow the dish to cause wax spills.

3- Monitor the Burn Time

These melts don’t disappear like candles, as fragrance oils burn off while the wax remains. To get the best results, we suggest using your wax melts for about two hours per session to prolong their lifespan.

Pro Tip: Once the waxes no longer smell, remove them from the wax warmer and replace them with fresher melts.

4- Clean Your Wax Warmer Regularly

When the fragrance is gone, allow the waxes to harden completely before removing them. You can even utilize spoons or cotton balls to soak up melted wax for easy cleanup.

clean your wax warmer

While applying all these tips on learning how to make wax melts, you may face some trouble. To get everything right, take guidance from the following troubleshooting tips. 

Part 4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Wax Melts at Home 

Even though making wax melts is fun, beginners often run into some usual mistakes that can affect the final results. All of these small errors can impact scent throw and overall performance. To create perfect homemade wax melts, take lessons from these common mistakes. 

Mistake 1. Adding Fragrance at Wrong Temperatures

While exploring how to make wax melts, you may add fragrance oil when the wax is too hot or cold. Such mistakes can lead to weak fragrance throws and uneven scent distribution.

Possible Solutions

  • Always remember to use thermometers to monitor the wax temperature.
  • Stir fragrances into the wax for at least two minutes to ensure even mixing.

Mistake 2. Using Incorrect Quantity of Fragrance Oil

Upon adding too much fragrance oil, your wax will become oily to prevent proper hardening. On the other hand, small quantities of such additives may not fill the room with fragrance.

Possible Solution

Always add the recommended fragrance load based on your wax type, as follows. 

Wax Type 

Fragrance Oil Per Weight

Soy Wax 

6 to 10%

Beeswax

3 to 6%

Paraffin Wax 

5 to 8%

Mistake 3. Not Letting Wax Melts Cure Before Use

When you use wax melts too soon after making them, the fragrance may not be fully set. Due to this reason, you will experience weaker scent throws when warmed.

Possible Solutions

  • We suggest you cure your wax melts for about two days to avoid this issue. 
  • For best results, let your melts sit for over one week and store them in a dark place. 

To melt your wax smoothly, you can get helpful tips from the How to Melt Chocolate guide, where we discuss techniques that will also help you with melting wax.

Conclusion

As you have seen throughout this article, crafting homemade wax melts is a rewarding experience. Thanks to this process, you get to personalize scents and experiment with colors without breaking the bank. While learning how to make wax melts, you have to choose the right wax and equipment to get the job done. 

For this, we recommend you utilize FDA-approved molds from PJ Bold, as they offer flexible solutions for your needs. With their easy-to-clean design, you can easily make any type of wax melt without making a mess. So, buy the best molds from their official store and experiment with unique scent combinations. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I Reuse Old Candle Wax to Make Wax Melts?

Yes, you can melt down any old candle wax and repurpose its material into wax melts. While doing so, remove any old wicks and debris to avoid an unattractive appearance. Apart from that, we suggest you add fresh fragrance oil to boost the scent if needed.

To learn more about working with wax, check out our guide on 'How to Make Candles at Home' for additional tips.

How Do I Prevent My Wax Melts from Cracking?

When such waxes are cooled too quickly, they get prone to cracking. To avoid this problem, crafters need to cool them at room temperature rather than placing them in the freezer.

Why Do My Wax Melts Lose Their Scent After a Few Weeks?

As we know, fragrance oils can evaporate over time to lose their scent. You will surely face this issue if wax melts are exposed to air. In order to prevent this from happening, store them in airtight containers in darker places to preserve their scent.

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