Frequently Asked Questions
Do wax melts help in masking cooking odours, or do they only add fragrance?
Wax melts can help in masking cooking odours, but there’s a key difference in how they achieve this, depending on the type of fragrance oils used. Many wax melts use standard synthetic fragrance oils designed to add pleasant scents to a space without actively neutralising odours.
These work well for adding fragrance and may temporarily cover up unwanted smells, like those from cooking. However, they don’t actually interact with or break down the odour molecules.
For effective odour elimination, it’s important to choose wax melts formulated with specific odour-neutralising agents.
These agents work by chemically interacting with odour molecules, neutralising them rather than simply masking them with another scent.
For instance, some products incorporate patented technologies, such as Odouraze™, which are designed specifically to counteract and eliminate bad smells rather than just cover them up.
best to verify with the seller that the product contains these specialised odour-neutralising agents. Without these, the wax melt will only scent the room rather than truly eliminating unpleasant odours.
Are there eco-friendly wax melts available that decompose naturally?
Yes, eco-friendly wax melts that decompose naturally are available, but they require certain materials and ingredients to truly qualify as biodegradable or compostable. Here’s what to look for:
Natural Waxes: Plant-based waxes like soy, coconut, and beeswax are indeed more environmentally friendly.
Soy and coconut wax are both renewable and can be biodegradable in natural environments over time. However, the decomposition rate can vary depending on the specific conditions (like exposure to moisture and microbial activity).
Biodegradable Fragrance Oils and Dyes: Synthetic fragrance oils and dyes are often not biodegradable, meaning they don’t break down easily in the environment and may leave residues. Essential oils, on the other hand, are plant-derived and generally more biodegradable, although they’re less commonly used in wax melts because they tend to be less stable at high temperatures and may evaporate faster than synthetic oils. Some brands are now developing synthetic fragrance oils that are designed to be more environmentally friendly, but they’re less common.
Packaging: Truly eco-friendly wax melts typically use compostable or recyclable packaging, like cardboard or biodegradable plastics, as you mentioned. Wax melts encased in plastic clamshells can sometimes be recyclable depending on local facilities, but compostable options are a greener choice.
Certifications: “Biodegradable” or “compostable” certifications are good indicators, but they’re not strictly necessary to make a product eco-friendly. Certification does confirm that the product meets certain standards, especially regarding how it decomposes and what it leaves behind, so if a product carries one, it’s generally a trustworthy eco-friendly option.
However, many small producers use natural ingredients without formal certifications but may still meet eco-friendly criteria.
Is there a difference in scent throw between tea-light warmers and electric warmers?
Yes, there is often a difference in scent throw between tea-light warmers and electric warmers, primarily due to variations in heat levels and wattage.
Here’s how each type affects scent throw:
Tea-Light Warmers: Tea-light warmers use an open flame, generating consistent, higher heat, which helps wax melts release fragrance quickly and with more intensity. This produces a stronger initial scent throw, but the fragrance may dissipate faster, requiring fresh wax melts for ongoing aroma. Tea-light warmers are great for an immediate, impactful scent but may need more frequent wax changes for prolonged scenting.
Electric Warmers: Electric warmers, typically ranging from 20 to 40 watts, warm wax more gently, allowing for a slower, steady fragrance release that often lasts longer. Lower-wattage warmers may result in a subtler scent throw but offer consistent fragrance for a prolonged period. Higher-wattage electric warmers can provide a similar scent intensity to tea-lights, yet with the benefit of controlled heat, offering a steadier release.
Other Factors Affecting Scent Throw: The type and quality of the wax melt, room ventilation, and area size can also influence scent throw. For instance, using high-quality melts like Dayas Essence, which boasts a 30% fragrance load (three times more than the standard 10%), can enhance scent throw in both tea-light and electric warmers, delivering a richer and more impactful aroma experience throughout the space. You can see available scents here. Shop TRIPLE oil loaded wax melts that really do last!