How to Clean a Wax Warmer
Warmers are the new way for those tired of the traditional scented candle wax. You fill them with fragrant wax that melts in a similar scent to the traditional candle though it does not wick or produce flames at this time. Candle lovers love them more than traditional candles because they have less risk of causing a fire. In addition, they have elegant fragrances and warmth like scented wax.
How Were Wax Warmers Invented?
Candlemakers realized that after the melting of candles, there were small fragments of excess wax that would pour and accumulate around the original candle position. Warm warmers were invented to maximize the use of fallen wax. The wax melts after being exposed to a source of heat-some use electricity while others use the tealight candle that one should blow off after use once they are satisfied with the melting process. When purchasing a wax warmer, ask the seller how you should properly light the wax warmer. Some have manuals -read them carefully.
When Should You Clean Your Wax Warmer?
If you realize that the wax melt is no longer having the original scent, you need to clean your wax warmer swiftly. The Devon Wick Candle Company highlights when you should clean your wax warmer. Different wax tarts have varied durability spans. The premium ones can go up to 90 hours. The more you use the wax, it loses its aroma. Secondly, your wax warmer should be cleaned when introducing a new tart. The same is applied even when the previous wax has not been burnt completely. Here we shall discuss the best ways to clean your wax warmer.
1. The Spruce Guide on Cleaning Wax Warmer
The Spruce is among the top-rated journals that help readers learn how to undertake different cleaning activities in their homes. It offers a complete procedure on how to clean a wax warmer. You shall need the following;
- Mineral oil
- Cotton rags
- Paper towel
- Cotton balls
- Melamine sponge
- Flexible silicone spatula
- All-purpose cleaner
Cleaning Instructions
To make the wax easier to remove, turn it to liquid form by heating the wax warmer. Be watchful in cases where the wax’s level in your warmer is low because it does not take long before it heats up. After the wax has melted, unplug it from the electric source. Let it cool for a considerable time before you engage in further cleaning. Where the wax is of small quantity, you can remove them using a paper towel, old cotton cloth, or cotton balls.
Larger wax amounts should be poured into heat-resistant containers for proper disposal or reuse. At this stage, protect yourself by use of heat-resistant gloves. If you do not intend to reuse the wax, you can dispose of it in a trash bin after it has cooled. Using an all-purpose cleaner, wipe out the interior walls of the wax warmer dish. For tougher wax stains, a melamine sponge or sheet can do better.
Use a microfiber cloth to remove any residue left in the dish after the above step. Using a few drops of olive or mineral oil on old clothing, wipe away drops of mineral that could be outside your wax warmer. Use the remaining piece of the microfiber cloth to clean it. Your wax warmer is now clean, and you can refill it with new wax melts and connect it to a power source.
2. Simplified Methods of Cleaning Your Wax Warmer
If you find the above procedure tiresome, there are other quick methods that you can use to keep your wax warmer and clean. They include:
The Pour-out Method
The method applies when you have just finished using the wax warmer, and it is still hot. You need to take chances with the liquid wax and pour it out. Please take caution when handling the warmer because it is still hot. The pour-out method is the cheapest and the most straightforward. However, it must be supplemented if used over a long time. After pouring the wax, use a damp paper towel and clean any residual scented wax.
Cotton Ball Method
If you are afraid of handling the hot wax warmer, you can get two (or more, depending on your warmer size) cotton balls and drop them into the warmer when the wax is still in liquid form. Wait until the wax soaks into the cotton, and you grab them off. Use additional cotton balls to clean your dish. The same procedure can also be done using paper towels.
The Scraping Method
Alternatively, you can use a knife or a spoon to scrape off the wax when it has cooled but not hardened enough. You may not be able to remove all the wax at once -keep repeating the process until the warmer is clean. After all the wax is out, wipe your wax dish using a paper towel. Be careful not to scrap the dish itself, which may create grooves that hold tart, complicating the cleaning in the future.
Freezer Method
The freezer method employs some tactics of the scrapping method. The difference is that, in this case, you have to put the wax dish into a freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. The wax will shrink out. Using a knife or a spoon, scrape it off. Use a paper towel to ensure that it is sparklingly clean inside.
Precautions When Handling Wax Warmers
After choosing any of the above methods, you will be faced with the challenge of disposing of the wax if you are not interested in reusing it. There are some precautions you should observe. Foremost, never dispose of wax in dustbins when it is hot. It can easily cause fires. Secondly, ensure that the warmer is disconnected from the power source when you are not using it. The source should also be placed at points out of children’s reach. Always place your wax warmer on a stable flat surface. If possible, keep them as close as possible to the ground.
In Conclusion
Wax warmers have revolutionized the way we light and warm up our homes. For them to serve us for the longest time possible, they should be kept clean. Next time you purchase a wax warmer, use any of the above methods to clean them.
