Preserving the Fragrance: A Guide to Wax Melt Storage and Care.

You've eagerly awaited the arrival of your new wax melts, and now that they're here, it's time to bask in the delightful scents. But what about the leftover wax melts? Storing them properly is key to preserving their fragrant life. In this guide, we'll explore tips and tricks to ensure your unused wax melts remain as fresh and aromatic as the day you got them.

Understanding Wax Melts

Wax melts, in various forms such as cubes, bars, or tarts, are fragrant wonders composed of infused wax. It's vital to grasp what wax melts are and how they function to ensure their proper care. These delightful creations can be crafted from diverse wax types, including soy wax, paraffin wax, or even gel. At Mendwick, we have a preference for soy wax, as it delivers a clean and delightful burn.

Wax melts are versatile aromatic products designed to release captivating scents when warmed. Understanding their composition and operation is crucial for ensuring they maintain their quality and fragrance over time.

• Wax Melts Composition: Wax melts consist of wax infused with fragrance oils. This amalgamation forms the basis of their delightful aromas.
• The Role of Wax: The type of wax used can vary, and it plays a pivotal role in determining the quality of the burn and scent diffusion. Soy wax, in particular, is favoured for its clean-burning attributes and the way it gracefully disperses fragrances.

The Impact of Proper Storage

Storing your wax melts correctly is the secret to extending the life of an opened wax melt. However, improper storage may lead to the heartbreak of discovering your favourite fragrance has faded into near non-existence when you reach for them next. The issues;

• Fading Scent: Few things are more disheartening than eagerly reaching for your beloved wax melt, only to discover it exudes no scent, leaving behind only the lingering odour of the wax itself. We've all experienced that moment, and it truly is devastating.
• Cross Contamination: While discussing the delightful world of wax melts, the last term you'd expect to hear is "cross contamination." However, if you're anything like us, your home is adorned with an array of wax melts. Storing them too close together can lead to scents intermingling, potentially jeopardizing the intricate nature of each fragrance.
• Distortion: Exposing your wax melts to direct sunlight may result in the wax softening and potentially distorting its shape. While this might not be a catastrophe in terms of appearance, it can lead to another issue - the oils leaching from the wax. This can result in your wax melt "sweating," a phenomenon that, over time, causes the melt to lose its precious scent.

 Storage tips

So we've told you about the issues, now for the best part, how do we stop it?

• Store Your Wax Melts in a Cool, Dark Place: To safeguard the integrity of your wax melts, it's crucial to store them away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. This practice will prevent your melts from distorting and ensure they retain their captivating scents.
• Store Your Wax Melts in an Airtight Container: When your wax melts come in paper or card packaging, consider upgrading to airtight containers or reusable sealable bags. For a touch of elegance, glass jars are a chic storage option. The key is that airtight containers will effectively preserve the rich fragrance of your wax melts, keeping them at their aromatic best.

• Label It!: Labelling your wax melt containers might seem mundane, but investing a few minutes now can save you both money and time down the road. By adding the scent name and date, you can keep track of your wax melts, ensuring you use up the older ones before their fragrance diminishes. It's a simple strategy with significant benefits for your wax melt collection.
• Separate Your Wax Melts: t's a good practice not to stack your wax melts together. Doing so can help avoid two common issues: potentially misshapen wax melts and cross contamination of fragrances. By keeping them apart, you'll preserve the individuality of each delightful scent.

Wax Melt Care

Storing your wax melts properly is only part of the equation; the other half involves maintaining their scent during use. We all crave those quick, captivating aromas filling our spaces. Here are some essential tips to extend the working life of your wax melts.

• Clean Your Wax Warmer: Cleaning your wax warmer might not be the most exciting chore, but the effort is well worth it. A thorough clean ensures there's no cross-contamination between old and new melts, allowing you to savour the beautiful, fresh fragrance of each new melt rather than the remnants of a spent one. For detailed tips on how to clean your wax warmer, head over to our blog on cleaning wax messes.
• Melt at the Right Temperature: Using the correct temperature to warm your wax melts is essential for the best fragrance experience. Using a tealight that's too small won't melt the wax enough to release the fragrance oils properly. On the flip side, using a tealight that's too large can lead to damage to your wax warmer and a quicker loss of fragrance, resulting in a shorter lifespan for your melt.
  
  Using a Mendwick Wax Warmer? Our recommendation is to opt for a 4-hour tealight, no taller than 2cm, to strike the perfect balance and ensure your wax melts deliver their fragrance to the fullest.
• Don't Attempt to Water Down Your Wax Melt: The temptation to add water to your wax warmer might arise in an effort to prolong your wax melt's life, but, regrettably, it won't yield the desired results. Water and wax simply don't get along. Adding water will cause the wax to solidify and split, rendering your wax melt useless.

  The solution? Stick to using the appropriate warming temperatures, and your wax melt will reward you with a long-lasting and potent fragrance experience. Water is not the friend your wax melts need!

Common Wax Melt Issues: Troubleshooting

Wax melts are fantastic for filling your space with captivating fragrances, but sometimes, issues can arise. Let's explore some common problems and their solutions:

• Weak Scent: If your wax melt isn't emitting a strong scent, check your warmer's temperature. It may not be melting the wax enough to release the fragrance. Use a tealight of the recommended size and burn time.

• Soot or Smoke: Excessive soot or smoke can indicate a too-high temperature. Adjust your tealight or warmer to a lower setting to prevent this issue.

• Wax Buildup: Over time, wax can accumulate in your warmer's dish. Clean it regularly to ensure a clean burn and optimal fragrance release.

• Uneven Melting: If your wax melt is not melting evenly, consider breaking it into smaller pieces. This allows for more consistent melting and a longer-lasting scent.

• Stuck Wax: If your wax is stuck in the warmer, place it in the freezer for a short time. The cold will make it easier to remove without damaging the warmer.

• Fading Fragrance: If you have unused melts, make sure to store them properly to preserve their fragrance. Refer to our earlier tips on wax melt storage.

• Spilled Wax: Accidents happen. To remove spilled wax from surfaces, gently scrape it off once it has cooled and hardened. Avoid using water, as it can spread the wax.

• Room Size: Consider your room size when choosing your wax melt. Larger spaces may require multiple warmers or melts to adequately distribute the fragrance.

Key Points to Remember

Properly caring for your wax melts and maximizing their fragrance involves a combination of smart storage, appropriate temperature control, and understanding the nuances of wax melts. Avoid the pitfalls of cross-contamination, weakening scents, or misuse of water in your wax warmer.

With the right techniques, like labelling your melts, cleaning your warmer regularly, and using the correct tealight, you can ensure your wax melts stay fresh and aromatic. By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a consistently delightful fragrance experience in your home.

Share Your Storage & Care Tips!

Have we missed something, or do you have a fantastic storage idea to share? Join the conversation by posting your own stories and tips in the comments. Let's come together to build a stronger and more knowledgeable wax melt community.

And if you're in need of some new wax melts to try out, check out our range of wax melts for a variety of delightful fragrances. Happy melting!