Gel wax melts look simple… but most people use them wrong the first time. If you are used to hard wax, gel wax melts might seem a bit strange.
This guide will show you exactly how to use gel wax melts so you can get the best scent for your home.
What Are Gel Wax Melts?
First things first – what are jelly wax melts exactly? Unlike traditional wax made from soy or paraffin, gel melts are made from a mix of mineral oil and a special resin.
They are see-through, bouncy and look a lot like the jelly you’d buy at a shop. People love them because they are fun to look at and often last much longer than regular wax.
Do Gel Wax Melts Melt?
Yes, they definitely melt! However, they don’t behave exactly like the wax you might be used to. When traditional wax melts, it usually looks like a coloured liquid often with a shimmer. When gel wax melts, it transforms into a translucent liquid pool.
One important thing to know is that gel wax actually has a higher melting point than soy or paraffin wax. This means it needs a bit more heat to turn into a liquid. If your burner is too small or doesn’t get hot enough, the gel might stay wobbly instead of melting completely. For the best results, you want to see a full melt pool in your burner dish.
Are Gel Wax Melts Any Good?
Yes! One 40g melt can give you up to 40 hours of scent and you don’t have to scrape them out like traditional wax melts. Once they cool, you just peel them off.
How to Use Gel Wax Melts – Step-by-Step
Using them is easy once you know the basics. Just follow these steps:
- Check your burner – Never use small oil burners for wax melts, as they get too hot and can be a fire risk.
- Add the gel – Place your gel melt into the dish. How much gel wax to use depends on your burner size, but one 40g pod is usually perfect for a standard burner. Do not overfill the dish.
- Heat it up –
- Tealight burners: Use a standard 4-hour unscented tealight.
- Electric burners: Gel has a high melting point so a 40w burner is recommended, lower watt burners such as plug in wax warmers might not release the scent well.
- Enjoy the scent – The gel will turn into a clear liquid pool and fill your room with fragrance.
How Do You Remove Them?
This is the best part! When you want to change the scent simply turn off the heat or blow your tealight out and let the gel cool completely. Once it is cold and rubbery, gently push the edge and peel it out in one piece. If the scent is still strong, you can put it back in its pot and reuse it later.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Why is my burner smoking? If you see a white vapour mist, don’t panic! This is usually just the fragrance oil being released into the air. However, if you see black smoke, blow out the tealight immediately. This means the melt is getting too hot.
Why is my gel melt bubbly looking? Bubbles are usually caused by air getting trapped in the gel during production and disappear once melted.
Are gel wax melts safe? Yes, as long as you use the right burner and never leave them unattended. Always keep them out of reach of children and pets, as the melted gel gets very hot.
Can you use gel wax in any burner? Most standard wax burners work, but electric burners are often the safest choice for homes with kids or pets. Just remember to check that your tealight burner is tall enough to prevent overheating.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be a gel wax expert in no time. Happy melting!
