Why Is My Wax Melt Burner Smoking? A Deeper Look and Troubleshooting Guide

The relaxing ritual of melting your favorite wax scents can sometimes be interrupted by a wisp of smoke or vapor coming from your burner. While this is often a normal part of the fragrance release process, it's important to understand the different causes and when the "smoke" might signal a problem. Let's dive in and ensure your melts release only delightful aromas, not worry!

Disentangling the "Smoke"

• The Natural Evaporation: Most of the time, those light, wispy tendrils are nothing more than the fragrance oils within the wax evaporating into the air. This is the whole point of using wax melts! Stronger scents may produce more visible vapor, and it should diminish as the scent weakens.
• Lingering Moisture: If you've recently cleaned your burner, leftover water droplets in the dish might create steam that resembles smoke as the burner heats up.
• The Problem with Paraffin: Unfortunately, wax melts made with paraffin wax are more prone to smoking issues. Paraffin is derived from petroleum and can contain impurities. When heated, these impurities, along with potentially harsh synthetic fragrances, can release unpleasant fumes or smoke.
• Overheating: Regardless of the wax type, excessive heat can cause your wax to scorch rather than melt gently. This will produce smoke (sometimes dark or black) and a burnt smell. Turn off your burner immediately!

Troubleshooting a Smoking Wax Melt Burner

1. Investigate the Wax: Once the wax has cooled, check for signs of burning – a dark color, acrid smell, or a brittle texture. If damaged, toss it out. Always choose high-quality wax melts, ideally made from natural waxes like soy, for the safest and most pleasant experience.
2. Examine Your Burner: Ensure it's placed in a stable location away from drafts that could make a tea light flicker and overheat the wax, or cause electrical issues in an electric burner.
3. Tea Lights – Size Matters: For traditional burners, standard 4-hour tea lights are the best choice. Oversized tea lights produce more heat, potentially scorching your wax.
4. Clean and Dry: Always start with a completely clean and dry burner dish to avoid any water-related vapor.
5. Electric Burner Settings: If your electric burner has adjustable heat, experiment with a slightly lower setting for a gentler fragrance release.

Additional Considerations

• Ventilation: Even with the best wax and practices, good ventilation is always helpful when using scented products.
• Individual Sensitivities: Some people might find even the natural fragrance release a bit too strong, especially in smaller spaces. Opt for milder scents or shorter burn times if this is the case.

Say Goodbye to Smoke, Hello to Blissful Scents

By understanding the potential causes of a smoking wax melt burner, you can take steps to ensure a safe and fragrant experience. Choose trusted brands that prioritise quality ingredients, always supervise your burner, and you'll minimise any worries.

At Wax and Scents, we believe your home should be a haven. That's why we offer a beautiful selection of natural wax melts and wax melt burners for worry-free enjoyment.