Wax Melt FAQs
How long will one wax melt last in terms of hours?
The burn time means the amount of time that a wax melt keeps its scent. The production process, quality of wax and oil used, and how a consumer takes care of the melts are all big factors in the length of burn time. Try to keep the wax melt away from areas with fast airflow, such as near open windows or doors, as the fragrance can be easily lost. You should also keep a lit wax melt away from heat sources to stop them from melting too fast. Using multiple tea lights can make the scent throw of the wax melt stronger, however, this makes the wax melt faster and the scent will not last as long. The type of burner can also affect this depending on how close the tealight is to the bowl. If they are close together the scent will be stronger but won't last longer than 8 hours, whereas if the tealight and bowl are further apart, the scent won't be as strong but it will last longer. A single Henry & Co wax melt has a minimum burn time of 8 hours. However some of our stronger fragrances such as espresso martini and woodland retreat last for even longer.
How many times can I reuse wax melts?
The amount of times you can reuse your wax melt is completely up to you as it depends on how long you burn your wax melt each time you use it. After you've used the wax melts for a collected time of 8-10 hours the wax melt will lose its fragrance which means there will be no aroma if melted again. You can burn it for a few hours at a time, turn it off when you're done and relight it again the next evening until the fragrance is lost. The other thing this could depend on is how many wax melts are used at once, for example, if two wax melts are used, the fragrance will last double the time meaning it can be melted for 16-20 hours before losing the fragrance. However, it is recommended to only burn wax melts for around 4-8 hours maximum if using a tealight burner but if you're using an electric burner these can stay on for 10 hours at a time. Leaving it on for 10 hours at a time with only one wax melt would mean it cannot be reused again as the fragrance will have been lost. Tealights in burners usually last 4 hours meaning the tealight will automatically go out after 4 hours and the wax melt will solidify, another tealight can then be used with the same wax melt to be reused for another 4-6 hours before the fragrance is lost.
What type of wax is typically used in wax melts?
Not all wax melts are the same. Most wax melts are made from paraffin wax or soy wax. Paraffin wax is a cheaper wax to purchase and is a by-product of the oil industry. Paraffin wax has been known to release toxins when burnt, therefore is not safe in candles but is safe in wax melts as the wax is only being melted, not burnt. Soy wax is a better quality wax however is more expensive than paraffin wax. Our wax melts are made from a blend of soy and mineral wax. The mineral wax holds onto more fragrance giving you a stronger scent and the soy wax melts evenly and quickly giving you a strong fragrance instantly. Other types of wax that can be used include beeswax which is an all-natural wax, it releases a light, sweet scent when burned and has a high melting point, so you can enjoy the fragrance for longer. It is supplied by honeybees meaning supply is limited and this makes beeswax the most expensive wax on the market for candles and wax melts. Another wax that can be used is coconut wax which is usually blended with soy wax as by itself it is too soft to be moulded into a solid form. However, this gives it an advantage for wax melts, as it has a low melting point so can easily be used in moulds and it also produces a steady burn. Coconut wax is also an expensive wax as it has limited availability. Palm wax is another wax that could be used. It's a natural wax with a high melting point that releases a strong fragrance, however, the environmental impact of palm olive production has raised some concerns. The final wax option is gel wax which is ideal for anyone who wants to create translucent, colourful wax melts. This wax has a high melting point so you will be able to enjoy a longer burn time that can often outlast other types of wax. However, gel wax is a by-product of refined crude oil, so it isn’t an eco-friendly option, and it will release toxins into the air.
How do I choose the best wax melt warmer for my needs?
There are many things that this could depend on, the first one being safety. Safety should always be your primary concern for warmers with built-in safety features, such as automatic shut-off capabilities and timers. These features ensure the warmer turns off after a specified period, reducing the risk of overheating or related hazards. With electric burners, they could have timers on and tealight burners usually completely burn out after 4 hours and can be blown out sooner if need be. Electric warmers are convenient and safe, as they use electricity to melt the wax. Tealight warmers, on the other hand, use a tealight candle to melt the wax melt. Your choice will depend on your preference for convenience versus aesthetics. Another thing this could depend on is the heat source and its intensity. While some electric warmers use a light bulb, others use a heating plate. Ensure the heat source provides enough warmth to melt the wax efficiently but is not so intense that it burns the wax or dissipates the fragrance too quickly as the hotter the burner is, the quicker the fragrance will melt meaning the scent will be lost faster. Another factor to consider is material and design, wax warmers come in a variety of materials and designs. Ceramic and glass options are popular for their aesthetic appeal. Metal warmers, though not as decorative, are durable and efficient. The first decision is to choose a design that complements your interior décor and personal style. The next thing to consider is to evaluate the size and capacity of the warmer. Larger warmers are ideal for bigger rooms as they can diffuse the fragrance over a larger area. For smaller spaces, compact warmers work perfectly. Also, consider the size or how many of the wax melts you plan to use to ensure compatibility. The final thing to consider before purchasing a wax burner is your budget. There is a wide range of wax melt warmers available in the market at various price points. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest option, consider the warmer’s quality, durability, and safety features before making a purchase. In conclusion, both tealight melt warmers and electric melt warmers work perfectly. An electric melt warmer will heat up and melt the wax quicker meaning you will smell your fragrance quicker, but some people prefer the atmosphere a flickering tealight gives.
Is there a difference between wax melts and candles in terms of fragrance release?
Your fragrance release comes from the surface area of the melted pool of wax. As a candle and a typical melt warmer have a similar size surface area you are going to get the same fragrance throw from each product. However, it does take a lot longer for a candle to melt so you will get your fragrance significantly quicker from a wax melt. Wax melts are also great for changing your fragrances more often so you don’t get too used to the same scent in a space. Wax melts also have a knack for lingering in the air after they have been melted meaning the space stays fragrant for longer.
What are the tricks to store wax melts?
For storing wax melts, it is recommended to keep wax melts in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. The right environment will prevent your wax melts from softening, melting and losing their colour and scents. If you haven’t consumed all the fragrance in your melt after burning it for a few hours, but fancy a change in scent, you can reuse it. First of all, cool down the wax in the burner/melter until it solidifies. Then, light the tea light again or switch on the electrical wax melter and wait until the wax slightly softens and remove the wax melt disc from the burner safely. Finally, extinguish the tea light or switch off the melter and use kitchen towels to remove any remaining wax. You can then put the solidified wax back into a container or seal it in some other way to reuse it.
What safety precautions should I take while using wax melts?
Be aware of where you are putting your melt warmer. Make sure it isn’t in reach of children and animals as wax melts can be a choking hazard for young children, and they can also cause burns to pets if they ingest them. If you are using a tealight burner make sure it isn’t near any loose fabrics such as curtains, furniture, bedding etc. For safety, always use a wax melter that is designed for wax melts. Do not use a candle warmer or a hot plate to melt wax melts. These devices can get too hot and cause the wax to catch fire. Never leave an electric wax melter unattended. If you must leave the room, turn off the wax melter or unplug it. Do not burn wax melts for more than 4 hours because they can overheat and become a fire hazard. If melted wax touches the skin, it can cause burns so it is important to not move the burner around whilst the wax is in liquid form. Some people may be allergic to the ingredients in wax melts. If you have allergies, it is important to test a wax melt on a small area of skin before using it. All wax warmers available on the Henry & Co website are safe to use, however, we recommend you to not use your wax burner if it is broken, cracked or faulty and we would recommend buying a new burner for safety purposes.
Can I mix different fragrances of wax melts?
You can mix 2 wax melt fragrances to make a unique combination, this is called mixology. Just be careful you don’t put too much wax in that it overflows the burner's bowl. You can make the aroma as subtle or as strong as you like, simply by using portion control. To mix different fragrances gather all the wax melts you’d like to mix, along with a wax burner. Then put each wax melt into the wax burner, one at a time. Trim the wax melts if necessary to ensure the wax won't overflow out of the wax burner bowl. Next, stand back and admire your creation and finally light the candle or turn on the wax burner and enjoy your new custom-made scent.
How can I clean my wax melt warmer after use?
The best way to clean your wax melt warmer after use is to first blow out or turn off the warmer and wait for the wax to set and solidify. Then light the tealight or turn on the wax melt warmer for 30 seconds to a minute. After this time, the wax melt will have softened and you will be able to simply slide the disc of wax in whole out of the wax melter. Once removed it is important to then get a kitchen towel or a cotton wool pad to wipe the wax melter bowl to remove any of the wax melt that remains from the previous scent. This ensures that there will be no crossover in scents and the next time you use your wax melt melter, you will smell only the scent that you have chosen.
How do I change wax melt fragrances?
Once all the fragrance has evaporated from your wax melt and it is no longer releasing fragrance, it is time to change your scent. The easiest way to do this is to allow the wax to melt to cool to room temperature and solidify in your burner after use. Then light the tealight or turn on the wax melt warmer for 30 seconds to a minute. After this time, the wax melt will have softened and you will be able to simply slide the disc of wax in whole out of the wax melter. Once removed it is important to then get a kitchen towel or a cotton wool pad to wipe the wax melter bowl to remove any of the wax melt that remains from the previous scent. This ensures that there will be no crossover of scents and the next time you use your wax melt melter, you will smell only the scent that you have chosen. When you are ready to use your next wax melt scent, simply put a new tealight in your wax burner, or turn on your burner if it is an electric or tealight burner. Wait 1-2 minutes for the wax burner dish to warm slightly. Then place your new wax melt into the dish, it will then melt and let out a strong fragrance. If you are done with the previous wax melt and there is no fragrance left an easy way to get rid of the wax from your melter is to completely melt the wax melt and soak it up using a kitchen towel or cotton wool pad.
Candle FAQs
Is there a correct way to burn candles?
There is a correct way to burn a candle. It is important to make sure you're placing your candle on a flat surface and you should also trim your wick to 3-5mm before each burn using a wick trimmer or even scissors providing that the wax is high enough because if it's too far down, it could be difficult to reach with scissors. If you have a candle with a wide diameter, it will burn better and cleaner if there are multiple wicks as this prevents tunnelling and burn pools. Another thing to make sure of is that there is no dust or debris in the wax of the candle as this can be extremely dangerous. Any debris will add more fuel to the candle than it's designed to handle. Too much fuel can cause the flame to unexpectedly flare up or even start a small fire near the candle flame or let off harmful toxins which is why we sell our candles with a lid, that we recommend stays on the candle whilst it is not lit to prevent any dust or debris ruining it. Each time you burn your candle, have it burning for around 2-4 hours so the wax melts right to the edge of the glass meaning that the candle will not tunnel and you'll be able to use all the wax, making the most of your Henry & Co candles. If you don't burn your candles to the edges, you can cause a memory ring in the wax which then leads to tunnelling. This is where the wax can only melt as far as it was last burnt to, if it wasn’t melted to the edge it will just tunnel straight down the middle, which will affect how much fragrance throw you get and reduce the burn time of the candle. If your candle has already begun to tunnel, the easiest way to fix this is to use foil. All you need to do is light up the candle and then wrap aluminium foil around the top of the candle jar. It's best to leave around 3 inches to be able to form a rounded cover, leaving an opening in the centre area. Remove this foil wrapping after a couple of hours and the tunnelling should have melted away. When it comes to lighting your candles, it is best to use a long match or lighter allowing you to light your candles safely and more easily, especially if the wax is low down in the candle jar. Candles can also burn unevenly when there is a draft or breeze therefore placing a candle next to an open window or near an air conditioning unit is not the ideal location, this is also important when it comes to safety.
What are the safety precautions to take while burning candles?
The best place to burn a candle is on a stable, heat-resistant surface. You should also never leave a candle unattended and be sure to keep candles out of reach of children and animals for safety reasons. It is important to keep candles away from any drafts, therefore, do not place your candles near an open window or a fan, also avoid placing your candles near any flammable materials such as cushions, curtains and bedding. Another important precaution is not to burn two candles within 10cm of each other as this is a hazard. Don’t put burning candles under shelves. It’s easy to forget that there’s a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surfaces then it can burn the surface. Make sure there are at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it. Do not move candles around while they're lit because they could be very hot and you could also spill hot wax. Moving the candle while lit also holds the risk of you dropping it meaning it's a fire hazard, extinguish candles before moving them. Also, don’t let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks and keep the candle lid on at all times while the candle is not lit. This prevents any debris, dust or dirt from getting into the wax.
How can I maximise the scent throw of a candle?
Make sure you trim your wick regularly and trim it down to 1/4 inch and remove any debris from the wax pool such as wick trimmings or matches. Trimming the wick will make sure the wick is lower to the wax and will melt it more evenly giving you a stronger scent for longer. Make sure you are burning the candle for at least 2-4 hours until the melted wax hits the jar edge, this will not only maximise your scent throw but will also ensure that the candle burns smoothly without any tunnelling. This means your candle can be used with maximum scent throw for a longer amount of time. If you do have to blow your candle out before the melt pool has reached the edges - don't worry. Next time you use your candle, put a little foil lid on top of your candle, make a hole around the wick and light the candle. The foil will help insulate the container allowing the heat to reach the edges more quickly. When the candle has levelled out you can remove the foil lid and carry on as normal. Cover your candles between use! Keeping it covered will help the candle maintain its strong throw and stop it from getting dusty. Use the lid the candle came with.
How do you prevent tunnelling in candles?
Tunnelling happens when only the middle burns down, leaving a hard ring of unmelted wax around the edges of your candle. If this outer ring of wax doesn't melt properly, the wick will begin to "tunnel" down further into your candle. This can also cause your wick to become “buried” in the wax after the candle is extinguished and the wax begins to cool. To prevent your candles from tunnelling it is important to that you burn your candles for at least 2-4 hours until the melted wax hits the jar edge, this will also maximise your scent throw and you'll get maximum use out of your candle. Tunnelling is usually caused by not burning your candle long enough the first time you light it, the wax will only melt as far as it did that first time so to stop it from happening to your new candle burn it to the edge of the jar and it will then burn smoothly down with no tunnelling. If your candle has already begun to tunnel, the easiest way to fix this is to use foil. All you need to do is light up the candle and then wrap aluminium foil around the top of the candle jar. It's best to leave around 3 inches to be able to form a rounded cover, leaving an opening in the centre area. Remove this foil wrapping after a couple of hours and the tunnelling should have melted away.
Why do some candles have multiple wicks?
A candle with multiple wicks ensures a more even heat distribution and gives a more even and clean melting of the wax. Some candles have multiple wicks as their jar size is much bigger and it needs more heat to melt the wax. Others have multiple wicks for aesthetics of a point of difference. Multi-wick candles burn more efficiently than single-wick candles. Aside from the practical benefits, having multiple wicks also yields a brighter flame and stronger scent. Having a candle with multiple wicks means that the candle will burn quicker and have a stronger and faster fragrance throw which is why having multiple wicks in a smaller-sized candle is very uncommon as it would burn too quickly. Having 3 wicks will also prevent tunnelling in bigger candles as they would have to be burnt for hours and hours if they only had a singular wick. Having the extra wicks ensures the wax melts to the edges faster to stop tunnelling and increase the fragrance throw. However, we do highly recommend choosing safety first over trying to stop your candle from tunnelling, so if the wax hasn't burnt to the edges and you need to leave the room, simply blow the candle out as it is a fire hazard to leave a burning candle unattended. If this causes the candle to tunnel the next time it is burning, use the foil trick. Put a little foil lid on top of your candle, make a hole around the wick and light the candle. The foil will help insulate the container allowing the heat to reach the edges more quickly. When the candle has levelled out you can remove the foil lid and carry on as normal.
How can I recycle or repurpose used candle jars?
You can re-purpose the old candle jars to make new candles or because candle jars come in an array of shapes and sizes, they also make creative pots and vases for your various houseplants. Once you have finished your candle you can clean the jar out and reuse it. If there is melted wax still in the jar you can pour hot water into the container and the wax can be wiped off. However, if you do not want to reuse or re-purpose your candle jars they are made of glass and can be recycled, if you don't have a household glass collection, you can take empty candle jars to your local bottle bank instead.
Should I buy different scented candles for different spaces in my home?
Light scents such as floral and fresh scents make rooms seem larger, while heavier or darker aromas such as myrrh, wood, and sweet spices have the opposite effect. So it's often best to use light fragrances in smaller rooms and heavier fragrances in bigger rooms to create a balanced effect. It is possible to get too used to a fragrance if you burn it all the time meaning the scent will not seem as strong as it used to be. Having different scents in your home helps you identify the different fragrances. It also helps to create different areas and atmospheres for different rooms in your house. Different candle fragrances can be the most perfect way to create different moods in separate parts of your home. Another important thing to keep in mind is that candles will not affect the temperature of a room (unless you have a lot of them or if it's a very small room) so this is not a factor that needs to be considered when arranging and choosing candles. This also means they can be used all year round, not just in the colder, cosy months.
Why invest in expensive candles when there are cheaper options?
If you buy cheaper candles they are often made with poor-quality wax and wicks and they don’t contain much fragrance. Our master Chandler Jo has over 12 years of candle-making experience and she has used this time to experiment with the best combination of ingredients to make a great performing candle. Our candles are made from a unique wax combination, with the highest load of fragrance oil added to them while also looking beautiful in your home. Cheap candles can often be made with cheap waxes such as paraffin wax which gives off harmful toxins when burnt. Our candles are a perfect blend of soy wax, coconut wax and fragrance oil. You will also find that more expensive candles usually burn smoother and they can burn for longer with a stronger scent. However, bigger, more well-known brands can and will charge more purely for the brand name, not for the better quality candle which is an important thing to consider. Cheap candles are sometimes made with plain wax with no scent as the majority of the candles with a little bit of fragrance at the top which tricks customers into buying them when in a shop but the only fragrant bit is right at the top so when they burn down, there will be no fragrance throw.
What type of wax is used in the candles?
For our Henry & Co candles, we use a perfect blend of soy wax and coconut wax which are known to be the healthiest waxes to burn. This is a slow and smooth burning wax that gives a fantastic fragrance throw and also means that your candle lasts a lot longer. Most candles are now made with paraffin wax which is made from petroleum but not ours! Paraffin wax is a cheaper wax to purchase and is a by-product of the oil industry. Paraffin wax has been known to release toxins when burnt, therefore is not safe in candles but is safe in wax melts as the wax is only being melted, not burnt. Another option is beeswax which also offers a clean burn, concerns about its impact on bee populations make it a less sustainable option and also a more expensive option.
How long does a candle last?
All of our Henry & Co scented candles burn for up to 60 hours, especially if burnt correctly avoiding tunnelling as this will make the candles last for a longer amount of time. Other candles will have different burn times depending on the size of the candle, how many wicks the candle has, what kind of wax is used and where the candle is being burnt.
Reed Diffuser FAQs
What are reed diffusers and how do they work?
Reed diffusers are a stylish and safe way to add beautiful fragrances to different rooms in your home. Reed diffusers are not your typical ones requiring heat or electricity to work. All you need to do is immerse the reeds into the jar of the fragrance liquid and wait for the reeds to absorb the fragrance and naturally release the gorgeous scent into the open air. Different reed diffuser fragrances can go in different rooms to create a unique feel and aesthetic in areas of your home. The smaller the room is where you place a reed diffuser, the stronger the scent will be, meaning that if you place a reed diffuser in a large open space, the scent will not be as strong. Many people prefer reed diffusers over candles, wax melts and normal diffusers, because they're very safe and continuously let off an irresistible aroma that fills the room. They also require less effort than any other home fragrance products, once you have set it up, you can just leave it and it will do its thing. With the Henry & Co reeds, they do not need to be flipped to smell the fragrance or to make it stronger and this is because of the material they're made from. Likewise, our reed diffusers are oil-free and alcohol-free, meaning the reeds can't get clogged and the fragrance flows through them giving you a strong aroma. Run out of your favourite scent? No problem, we also sell reed diffuser refills to save you from buying a whole new reed diffuser each time.
Are reed diffusers refillable?
Yes, you can refill your reed diffuser. At Henry & Co we sell reed diffuser refills in most of our fragrances and also sell luxury reeds for when your diffuser has run out. To use the refill when your reed diffuser has run out, simply purchase the refill to the scent that you have just run out of and get new luxury reeds. When they arrive, take the silver top off the reed diffuser and top it up with the refill bottle, screw the silver top back on and place your new reeds into the diffuser and relax with the beautiful aroma of your reed diffuser.
How do I choose a good quality reed diffuser?
Trust a reputable brand that has good reviews. Our diffusers are made by our master Chandler Jo who has over 12 years of experience making home fragrance products. Our diffusers are oil-free meaning the reeds won’t get clogged up, they are also alcohol-free so your diffuser won’t evaporate as fast. We use the highest load of fragrance in our diffuser to ensure a fantastic fragrance throw.
Can I reuse the reeds?
If you are using the same fragrance oil that you have just ran out of, you can reuse the reeds. However, after time they may get blocked with fragrance and loose their effectiveness meaning you may not be able to smell your reed diffuser, at this point, you should replace your reeds. We do recommend getting new reeds when refilling your diffuser to ensure you get maximum fragrance from it for longer. You should definitely get fresh reed sticks if you are changing up the scent of your refill because you would get a cross over of multiple scents in one so you wouldn't be getting the true scent of your new fragrance. If you are wanting to refill the diffuser will a different scent, you can do this if you wash it out and change the reeds however we do recommend that you buy a whole new reed diffuser in this case. At Henry & Co we also sell decorative reed diffusers which are empty diffusers that you can fill with a fragrance of your choice. You simply choose a refill bottle and the luxury reeds and when that has run out, wash the diffuser out and fill it up with your next chosen scent. This is a perfect idea if you know you'll want to keep switching up the scent of a room without buying a whole new diffuser each time.
How do I maximise the scent throw of my reed diffuser?
Using more reeds in your diffuser will help enhance the scent throw. The more reeds you immerse into the diffuser, the stronger it will be and if you put fewer reeds in it, the scent will be weaker. Another way to maximise the scent throw is to place your reed diffuser in smaller rooms. If you place a reed diffuser in a big open space the scent will be much weaker.
How long do reed diffusers last?
How long a reed diffuser lasts can vary on the environment it is used in. Our diffusers last up to 12 weeks, however, the more reeds you use in your diffuser the faster the fragrance will evaporate. If the diffuser is in a humid room like a bathroom or is in a high-traffic area of the home this can reduce your use time. Reed diffusers are most effective in a small to medium-sized room, you will get a stronger fragrance if you keep the fragrance contained by keeping windows and doors closed.
How do I choose a scent that complements my room?
Scents can set the mood for a room. For a relaxing and calm atmosphere, notes such as lavender are perfect. For energizing scents choose fresh, citrus and floral scents and for a cosy and warm vibe stick with notes that include wood and smoke. Another thing to consider is that the lighter fresh fragrances will make a room seem bigger whereas a heavier wood scent will make the room feel smaller and cosy. Another important factor to remember when choosing your room scent is that you should pick scents that you know you already enjoy, that way you will feel comfortable and relaxed.
How often should I flip the reeds in a reed diffuser?
Our reeds are specially designed and engineered with capillaries going right from the bottom to the top, this means a constant stream of fragrance will be diffusing at all times. If you want an extra burst of fragrance you can flip your reeds once a day.
Can I mix different oils in my reed diffuser?
No, we highly recommend that you do not mix different oils in your reed diffuser. It is best to just stick with one fragrance of diffuser oil and some oils may not be compatible with each other.