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.

Irrespective of challenges faced by these Reddit users, crafting homemade wax melts is simple. To fill your space with fragrances you love, simply mix scents and experiment with colors while avoiding artificial chemicals.

When making wax melts, add decorative touches for uniqueness. Now, you may be wondering what the secret to making perfect wax melts. Silicone molds turn out to be that secret equipment that makes the process effortless. Let’s explore this article to fully learn how to make wax melts using quality molds.

Steps to Craft Homemade Wax Melts in Silicone Molds

  • Start the process by opting for soy wax or paraffin for scent throw and longevity.

  • Use double boilers or microwaves to melt this wax with occasional stirring.

  • Afterward, mix in essential oils for your desired scent and add dye.

  • 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. 

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

Prior to crafting wax melts, collect these must-have ingredients and equipment to get the job done. 

Key Ingredients for Homemade Wax Melts

  1. Wax Options 

Depending upon the type of wax, optimize the scent throw and melt burn time. 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.

  1. Additive Oils for Melts 

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.

  1. Dye or Mica Powder

To add more visual appeal, consider adding colors that match seasons or moods. Also, look to utilize liquid dyes to add colors without affecting texture. Alternatively, 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.

  1. Additives 

While learning how to make wax melts, 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

  1. Silicone Molds 

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

Moreover, 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, craft themed wax melts, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Double Boiler or Wax Melter 

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

Measuring Cups 

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

measuring cups for wax melt

Mixing Spoon or Stick

To distribute fragrance and dye evenly, stir the wax properly. For this, use wooden sticks or silicone spoons. However, you should utilize separate spoons for wax making to avoid mixing with food utensils.

Thermometer

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

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

Now, follow this detailed guide to create beautifully scented melts that are perfect for gifting.

Step 1. Pick the Right Material for Your Wax Melts

To make wax melts, select the best wax type for your needs. Make a choice from the following option while learning 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

Proceed to melt the ingredients properly for consistency. To do so, first fill your saucepan with around two inches of water and place this heatproof bowl inside. 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, use thermometers to meet the ideal melting range. Also, stir occasionally using mixing spoons or wooden sticks.

Step 3. Add Fragrance and Coloring to the Wax

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, 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

Next, 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

Afterward, get ready to pour your melt into the silicone molds. Upon placing your molds on heat-resistant surfaces, carefully pour the wax while leaving little spaces at the top.

pour the wax into mold

Simply tap molds gently on the counter to release any trapped air. To add some final touches while exploring how to make wax melts, 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.

Step 5. Remove Wax Melts from the Molds

Let the wax sit at room temperature for about three hours. Alternatively, 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

Cure wax melts for about two days before using them for the best fragrance throw.

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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 in the best manner. 

Tips to Store Homemade Wax Melts 

To prevent them from losing quality, follow these best storage practices. 

  1. Keep Wax Melts in an Airtight Container

Store melts in sealed containers like glass jars to avoid fragrance loss. Doing so will prevent wax from absorbing surrounding scents thanks to airtight boxes.

  1. Store in a Cool Place

Generally speaking, heat and sunlight can melt your wax melts. So, 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. 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. 

Proper Usage Techniques for Homemade Wax Melts

With the following points, using wax melts in the right way will become easier. 

Pick the Right Wax Warmer

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

chose good wax warmer

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.

Monitor the Burn Time

These melts don’t disappear like candles, as fragrance oils burn off while the wax remains. For the best results, use them for about two hours per session to prolong their lifespan.

Clean Your Wax Warmer Regularly

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

clean your wax warmer

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

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. 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. 

Possible Solutions

  • 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. 

Conclusion

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

We recommend you utilize silicone molds from PJ Bold, as they offer flexible solutions for your needs. So, buy these 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. 

 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, cool them at room temperature rather than placing them in the freezer.

 Why do my wax melts lose their scent after a few weeks?

Fragrance oils can evaporate over time to lose their scent. You will surely face this issue if wax melts are exposed to air. Therefore, store them in airtight containers in darker places to preserve their scent.

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