How Scented Wax Cubes Work

The wax cubes, which you can buy or make yourself, are placed in a decorative warmer – a popular brand is called Scentsy – that looks a like a nice candleholder. A small bulb, usually 25 or 15 watts, underneath the warmer heats the cubes to release the scent. No open flames mean less worry for mom and dad (or anyone else who’s nervous around candles).

Unlike candles, scented wax cubes don’t drip, so all of the melted wax stays in the warmer. Once the cube has melted and cooled, you just have to pop the hard wax out of the warmer and throw it out – the scent will be gone so you can’t reuse. Many of the companies who create these products claim that because the scent is released without a flame or mess, fewer chemicals are emitted into the air.

If you browse online, at a candle shop, or at your favorite home store, you’ll find many different scents to choose from. There are food-based scents like vanilla and caramel, and seasonal options -- like the beach or winter holidays. The options are extensive, and because the wax cubes are small and you can reuse the warmer, you can sample without committing to one scent.

If you want to create your own signature scent and save a little money, scented wax cubes aren’t hard to make. After you buy a box of cubes, save the packaging - it’s a tray, and you pop the cubes out – or use an old ice cube tray. Also save the old wax from scented cubes you’ve already warmed and the ends of finished candles (remove any metal pieces on the bottom). When you’ve got a few on hand, melt the wax either in the warmer or microwave (on low) and carefully pour the melted wax back into the trays you’ve saved. Add a drop or two of essential oil to each cube and place in the tray in the freezer to harden. Voila! You’ve got DIY scented wax cubes.