How to Make Beeswax Wax Melts
Beeswax wax melts are an easy craft project that anyone can make and enjoy. These lovely handmade melts release scent as they melt. Most commercial wax melts are made with petroleum by-products. Use this recipe to make your own beeswax wax melts at home – using natural ingredients.
I’m a beekeeper and always have a bit of beeswax on hand. There are so many uses for beeswax to try. This simple beeswax craft can be done by anyone. The customization possibilities are endless as you experiment with different fragrances.
What Are Beeswax Wax Melts and Why Use Them?
Beeswax wax melts are small solid pieces of wax, infused with fragrance. When the cubes of wax are heated – they melt and give off scent. You can find them in hundreds of different fragrances.
Simply place the melts in the dish of a warmer -turn it on or light a tealight under the dish and enjoy hours of pleasant fragrance.
Using beeswax as a base for melts has several advantages. It is a sustainable, natural wax made by honey bees. Beeswax also gives off a light honey scent.
Commercial wax melts are often made of paraffin and other substances. When heated, there is a danger of indoor air pollution from the wax and added synthetic fragrances.
By making your own beeswax melts at home, you can be sure of the ingredients that you are using – regardless of the kind of wax you wish to use in your recipe.
Some people with allergies that find burning candles irritating might be able to tolerate natural wax melts better.
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Commercial melts are great but most are not made with natural materials. In fact, you often have no idea what is in them. Some may contain toxins that can be released in the air when melted.
When creating your diy beeswax melts, plan to experiment a bit until you find the best wax or combination (of wax and oils) that fits your needs.
Materials Needed
Here are the primary materials you need to make your own beeswax melts. Note that this recipe includes coconut oil too. I feel this combination makes the best product.
- beeswax
- coconut oil
- essential oil – your choice of scent
- some type of mold
Beeswax
If you are buying raw wax, be sure to clean your beeswax before using it to make melts. Commercial wax is usually clean and ready to use. But, you pay more for the convenience and light colors of wax are often bleached.
If you are a beekeeper with your own wax – be sure to clean it again before using. You can even make your own solar wax melter for a few bucks.
It is actually a rather fun thing to do with the kids as long you supervise to prevent cuts or burns.
For my beeswax crafting projects, I measure ingredients by net weight (ounces or grams). A simple kitchen scale is perfect for the job.
For this project, your measurements do not have to be exact. We are not making “rocket fuel” or anything that requires precise computations (like soap).
If you do not have a scale – no worries. You can measure your ingredients and use a ratio. For example, in this recipe you want twice as much beeswax as coconut oil. Easy peasy to use a small scoop or cup and do this.
Wax drips can be messy. Spreading newspaper or freezer paper on the counter to create an easy to clean work space is advised.
And if you make a mess – you can remove beeswax from surfaces with some elbow grease (hard work).
Coconut Oil
Beeswax alone is quite firm and would not melt well for this project. My favorite addition is – coconut oil.
This wonderful oil can be used in so many ways. It’s a great idea to keep a small tub on hand – you can even buy it at the grocery store.
In addition to this project, I use it in my beeswax lotion recipe and when making some of my natural beeswax lip balm recipes too!
Coconut oil is semi-solid if the room is cool and becomes a liquid when temperatures are warm. But, even when solid it is easy to measure and use.
Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils
Beeswax smells sweet but to make strong wax melts you need some fragrance. The most natural way to add fragrance is to use essential oils.
They are easy to find – come in many fragrances and well well in most beeswax melt recipes.
You can also purchase fragrance oils from crafting companies that are designed to work with melts. Read the labels carefully when buying to ensure you are getting the correct item.
Molds
You need some type of mold to hold the beeswax/oil combo while it cools and hardens. You will find many fancy molds to use for making wax melts. I even use silicone cupcake liners for large melts.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Begin by melting your beeswax. The double boiler method is the safest way – a pot with water containing a smaller pot with the wax. Take your time, it will melt slowly.
2. Once the wax is liquid, it is time to add your coconut oil. Coconut oil is funny stuff. It is liquid when warm and can be rather solid when cold. This makes it a perfect companion for making beeswax wax melts. Stir the wax and oil together.
3. Now, it is time to remove the pot from heat and add your essential oils. In most cases, I use 4 oz of beeswax, 2 oz of coconut oil and about 40-50 drops of essential oil.
4. Last step – pour the mixture into the molds of your choice. Keep in mind that wax melts are often small so they will fit in the burners. Let cool completely.
Expert Tips
- a wide range of fragrances are used for wax melts. Color is sometimes added for a visual effect but the focus is always fragrance.
- take care when making and using melts – when liquified you can get burned
How Much Fragrance Oil to Use in Your Beeswax Melts?
The type of fragrance oil or essential oil used will play a role in the amount needed. Also, personal preference matters too – you may not want a strong scent.
It is wise to begin with a small amount of fragrance – you can always add more. In general, fragrance oil should not exceed 6% or 1 ounce per pound of wax.
Using Your Homemade Melts
The easiest and most common way to use your wax melts is with a burner/warmer dish. They are specifically designed for this purpose and are not subject to over heating.
There are numerous styles of electric wax burners to chose from and they may be the safest option. However, some users enjoy the elegant clay burners with tealights.
Can you use a wax melt without a burner? Sure you can. Place your melts in a wide mouth glass jar (mason jar) and sit in a pot with water.
Gently heat the water until steaming and then set off the heat source. The wax should melt and release the fragrance into the room.
How to Store
Once your beeswax wax melts are completely cool. Store them in an air-tight container or bag (in a cool location). They will keep well for months and be ready to enjoy when needed.
More Projects to Try
Want to try a similar project that’s bit different? These scented beeswax and soy tarts are a lot of fun. This project uses soy instead of coconut oil – they have a different melt behavior. It is fun to experiment.
Try creating a unique Christmas ornament with blackened beeswax. A great way to start a new tradition.
What about some beeswax crafting projects to pamper your body – they make great gifts too: luxurious body butter, or even foot balm made with beeswax.
FAQs
The whole purpose of wax melts is to fill the room with a pleasant scent without the use of a flame – as you would have with a candle.
The fragrance of beeswax melts will last various lengths of time. This depends on the type of fragrance and strength used in the melt.
Melts are safer than live flame candles. They are also cheaper to buy and make due to the fact that the fragrance lasts longer when not exposed to flame.
Yes, you can. Once the scent has faded – you can remelt the wax and add more fragrance oil.
Final Thoughts
You may be surprised to learn how easy it is to make beeswax wax melts. You can vary the recipe to fit the fragrances that you love. Explore the many craft projects that you can enjoy with this product from honey bees.
DIY Beeswax Melts Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read my Disclosure.Supplies
- 4 oz beeswax (net wt)
- 2 oz coconut oil (net wt)
- 50 drops Balsam Fir Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions
- Melting beeswax: While you can use the microwave, the best and safest way to melt beeswax is by using a double-boiler.I am loving this small double-boiler. It is easy to clean and is large enough for most of my projects. When paired with a pot to hold water, it makes a great tool for melting beeswax.
- Add coconut oil: Measure 4 oz. (net wt.) of beeswax and 2 oz. (net wt.) of coconut oil. Place these in your double boiler and turn the heat to medium.As the water in the bottom pot heats up, your wax will begin to melt. It will take longer for the beeswax to melt than the coconut oil. Gently stir occasionally until everything is melted and combined.
- Add fragrance oil or essential oil: Remove the melting pot from the hot water bath. Now, it is time to add our fragrance. Adding fragrance to hot oils can affect its aroma. Your beeswax melt recipe mixture should not be above 185° F when oils are added.I added 50 drops of Balsam Fir Essential Oil to this recipe because I wanted a strong scent. You may need to experiment a bit to choose the best one for you.
- Molding: This is the fun part. As soon as the fragrance oil is added – give the recipe a quick stir. Then pour the hot ingredients into any type of mold or form that you wish.There are many types of molds to choose from but silicone cupcake wrappers work well too. If not using silicone, you may need a mold release spray.
- Cool and remove from mold: Allow the mixture to cool for a couple of hours. As it cools, the mixture will harden and take the form of the mold.Once the mixture is set, you can easily remove your wax melts from the mold.They are ready to use! Add a cute bee bag and ribbon for a quick homemade gift.
Notes
- beeswax is flammable (as are most other oils)- avoid overheating
- pots and pans exposed to wax are hard to clean – used dedicated craft pots
- take every precaution to prevent burns – use pot holders, safety glasses and gloves where needed