How to Clean a Wax Melt Burner

The quickest way to clean a wax melt burner is to remove the old wax while it's still slightly warm and soft, wipe the dish with a cotton wool pad or kitchen roll, then wash the dish in warm soapy water once it's cool. Below, we show you exactly how to clean a wax melt burner (also called a wax melter or wax warmer) step by step, whether you use a tealight or electric burner, plus how to remove wax melts from a burner without scratching the dish and how to keep it working at its best.

Why Clean Your Wax Melt Burner?

Each wax melt gives up to 10 hours of fragrance per piece, but once the scent fades, the leftover wax stays in the dish. If you add a new melt on top, the old and new fragrances mix and the scent can seem weaker. Built-up wax can also spill over, stain the dish and leave your burner looking untidy. A quick clean between scents keeps every wax melt smelling exactly as it should.

Before You Start

• Blow out the tealight, or switch off and unplug an electric burner.
• Let the wax cool until it's warm but not hot. Hot wax can burn, and fully hardened wax is harder to shift.
• Have cotton wool pads or kitchen roll, a soft cloth, a non-abrasive sponge and some washing-up liquid ready.

How to Clean a Wax Melt Burner: Step by Step

Step 1: Remove the Old Wax

Choose whichever method suits you:

• Cotton wool method: while the wax is still soft and warm (not hot), press a cotton wool pad or folded kitchen roll into the dish to soak it up, then wipe the dish clean.
• Pop-out method: once the wax has set, gently ease the edge with a plastic spatula or the back of a plastic spoon until the disc lifts out. Avoid sharp or metal tools, which can scratch the dish.
• Liner method: if you use wax melt warmer liners, just lift out the liner and old wax together and pop in a fresh one. It's the easiest, mess-free way to switch scents.

Put used wax in your general waste bin. Never pour melted wax down the sink, because it sets in the pipes.

Step 2: Wipe Away Any Residue

Use a clean cotton wool pad or soft cloth to wipe away the thin film of wax left behind. For stubborn spots, a little warm soapy water on the cloth usually lifts it.

Step 3: Wash the Dish

Once the dish is completely cool, wash it in warm soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse. Avoid scouring pads and harsh chemicals, which can damage glazes, glass and painted finishes. If your burner has a removable glass dish, you can lift it out to wash it.

Step 4: Clean the Burner Body

For a tealight wax burner, wipe the outside and the tealight area with a damp cloth to remove soot and spilled wax. For an electric wax melt burner, always unplug it first and wipe the outside gently with a slightly damp cloth. Never put an electric burner in water.

Step 5: Dry Completely

Make sure every part is completely dry before you use your burner again, especially electric burners.

How Often Should You Clean a Wax Melt Burner?

Give it a quick clean each time you change scents, and a wash whenever you see residue or soot building up. Not sure when it's time for a new melt? Our guide on how often you should change your wax melts explains the signs to look for.

Tips to Keep Your Burner Like New

• Don't overfill: one or two pieces of wax melt is plenty, and too much can spill over.
• Use the right tealight or bulb: always use the tealight or bulb recommended for your burner.
• Switch off when not in use: never leave a lit or switched-on burner unattended.
• Check regularly: look for cracks, chips or damaged leads, and stop using a damaged burner.

FAQs

What's the easiest way to remove wax melts from a burner?

Soak up the wax with a cotton wool pad while it's still soft and warm, or use wax melt warmer liners so you can simply lift the old wax out.

Can I clean a wax melt burner with water?

You can wash the dish in warm soapy water once it's cool, but never put an electric burner or its lead in water. Wipe the outside with a slightly damp cloth instead.

How do I clean a wax melter?

A wax melter is another name for a wax melt burner, so the steps are the same. Remove the old wax while it's soft and warm, wipe the dish, wash it in warm soapy water once it's cool, and dry it completely. If you'd rather not use a burner at all, see our guide on how to use wax melts.

Can I reuse leftover wax?

You can, but once the fragrance has faded, the scent will be weak. For the best scent, swap in a fresh melt from our 4 for £12 wax melts.

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