How to Remove Wax from Your Wax Warmer

Usage & Care

Strong wax melts: quick, no faff ways to get old wax out without wrecking the dish.

New to melts? Welcome. The scent’s clocked off, but the wax is still sat there like it pays rent. Here are the neat, tidy ways to clean your wax melt burner and switch scents fast.

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UK guide to cleaning a wax melt warmer: quick methods for removing used wax, mess-free options, and tips for switching scents safely. Last updated: .

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Glossary

Wax warmer
A wax melt burner/warmer that heats wax to release fragrance.
Hot wax removal
Removing wax while it’s melted (e.g., cotton balls) for a quicker clean-up.
Cold wax removal
Removing wax once it has hardened (e.g., warming for a minute so it slides out).
Wax liner
A silicone liner or bun case that reduces mess and makes wax removal easier.
Tealight vs electric warmer
Tealights use a flame; electric warmers use a bulb/plate. Heat level can affect throw and longevity.

So, you've finally joined the wax melt gang!

Welcome to the world of endless fragrance possibilities and endless questions... like, um, how do you get that leftover wax out of the warmer once the scent's gone?

Don't worry, newbie, we've all been there, staring at the puddle of wax and wondering:

“Now what! The smells gone, how do I get this cleaned?...”

Unlike candles, wax melts don't evaporate, so they need to be cleaned out of your warmer.

It's actually easier than you think. Let me guide you through a few foolproof methods to get your warmer back in tip top shape:

Always wipe and clean the dish thoroughly before you use the next melt.

A single, white wax melt in a ceramic warmer. The wax is melting and shimmering with a pearlescent sheen.

How to Clean a Wax Warmer: 5 Foolproof Methods

The Cotton Ball Clean-Up

If your wax is still hot and liquified, toss a couple of cotton balls into the dish. They'll soak up the wax like little fragrance sponges, leaving your warmer (mostly) clean.

A close-up image of several white cotton wool balls arranged on a rustic wooden surface, with a green leaf partially visible in the corner of the image.

The Quick Scrape

If the wax has hardened, don't panic. Pop the warmer back on for a few minutes to loosen it up a bit. Then, grab a plastic scraper (never metal!) and gently nudge the wax out. It's like a miniature game of curling, but with a much nicer smell. Just remember to wipe away any residue with a paper towel.

The Pour and Wipe

If your wax is fully melted, this is an option, but be warned, it can get a bit messy (and potentially burnie if you're not careful!). Carefully pour the melted wax into an old container (a yogurt pot or empty candle jar works a treat). Then, grab a paper towel or cotton ball to mop up any stubborn residue. Personally, I prefer the cotton ball method, as it's less risky and those fluffy balls are surprisingly absorbent!

The 1-Minute Slide

This one requires a bit of patience, but it's incredibly satisfying. Pop your warmer on for a minute or two (electric or tealight, doesn't matter). Once the bottom layer of wax is melted, the whole chunk should slide right out with a gentle nudge.

The Liner Trick

Want to avoid the whole cleaning process altogether? Pop your wax melt into a high quality silicone bun case or wax liner. When it's time for a new scent, simply let the wax harden, then pop out and throw away. It's mess free and super convenient!

Wax Warmer Cleaning Made Easy

See? Cleaning your wax warmer doesn't have to be a chore. With these simple tricks, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying those amazing scents!

Struggling TO SMELL YOUR MELTS? Upgrade to Daya's Essence

If you find that the fragrance throw isn't as strong, it might be time to upgrade your warmer, Or better still try some of our Dayas Essence wax melts, why?!

We're not for the faint hearted – 3 times MORE fragrance oil used!!!

A massive 30% concentration for INTENSE, LONG-LASTING aromas that DOMINATE every corner, MULTIPLE rooms

(** Traditional concentrations tend to be usually between 8% / 10%**)

If you crave IMMEDIATE impact and INCREDIBLE VALUE, it's time to supercharge your scent game.

Daya's Essence wax melt in 'Fresh' scent, held above a ceramic warmer with lit tealight candle. Strong, long-lasting home fragrance.

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