Wax warmers are manufactured to hold wax only, but as long as the bowl or top part that is heated contains the water safely, and is kept away from any electrical sources, you can use water in your wax warmer.
Wax warmers evaporate water faster, so you will want to keep an eye on your wax warmer to ensure it’s never burning with an empty basin.
In this article, we will go through the uses of water in a wax burner, the pros and cons, and how water behaves with wax. By the end of this read, you will know how water and wax behave together, and how to fully utilize your wax warmer.
Can I Put Water in My Wax Warmer?
Water is fine in a wax warmer, especially if you’re trying to clean it or want to add essential oils to water in your wax warmer. However, always exercise caution as the water burns off much faster, and an unattended hot wax warmer is a fire hazard.
What Happens if You Put Water in a Wax Melter?
Depending on the wax warmer, the water will heat up to 125 Fahrenheit which won’t burn if it splashes on you, but can cause mild burns if you leave your hand in for longer than five minutes.
According to Scentsy’s FAQ, their warmers heat wax up to 125 Fahrenheit with the right bulb wattage. Water burns only if you leave your hand in a bowl for five minutes at 120 Fahrenheit, so although the temperature is relatively safe, the water will evaporate quickly and require your supervision.
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Wax Warmer Tips When Using Water
Easy Wax Warmer Tips When Using Water:
- Never leave the warmer unattended, just like you wouldn’t leave a space heater unattended in your home. There is a fire hazard potential in devices that generate a lot of heat.
- Keep water levels at an optimum level so the basin or warmer bowl is always full.
- Be careful not to overfill the warmer to not splash the electronics or cord with water. Water conducts electricity, and there is a risk of getting shocked or ruining your warmer if water gets into a place it shouldn’t.
- Be careful not to mix wax and water, unless using water to clean the wax warmer or you intend to mix the two. It can cause a mess as the wax is impossible to separate from the water unless it completely cools and hardens, or one or both components completely burn off.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Water in a Wax Warmer?
The Pros of using water if a wax warmer:
- You get an instant oil diffuser if you put water and essential oils in a wax warmer.
The Cons of Using Water in a Wax Warmer:
- Using anything other than the manufacturer’s wax in a wax warmer does void any applicable warranty. According to a Scentsy FAQ, “If … any wax other than Scentsy Wax [is used] in your Authentic Scentsy Warmer it will void your lifetime guarantee.”
What Happens if You Add Wax and Water to Your Wax Burner?
As water and wax act similar to water and oil, both do not mix and will not interact with each other.
When wax and water cools, the wax will typically float at the top in little blobs of hardened wax.
Why Use Water in a Wax Warmer
If you don’t have an oil diffuser, using a wax warmer, water, and essential oils is a great substitute. Water is also a great medium to help lift wax residue.
When water is heated in a waxy wax warmer, the residue wax rises to the surface in little blob formations that resemble oil in water. As the wax cools, it forms into a hardened blob that can be picked out from the water and removed.
Is it Possible to Mix Scented Wax and Scented Water?
Although unconventional, it is possible to create a new fragrance by mixing essential oil-infused water and a scented wax into your wax warmer. The only drawback to this is that essential oils tend to degrade and lose their smell when heated.
When the smell decreases, you will want to switch the old water out with a fresh batch of water and oils after the wax has cooled and can be separated from the water.
Best Safety Practices When It Comes to Water and Wax Warmers
Best Safety Practices with Water and Wax Warmers:
- Always fully read and understand the manufacturer guide before using your wax warmer so you know what their specific safety guidelines are.
- To avoid overheating, never leave the wax warmer on for a long time when it has water in the basin. An empty wax burner is at risk for overheating.
- The water can be very hot when the warmer is turned on. Never attempt to touch it and keep children and pets away from the basin when in use.
- If the warmer ever gives off a burning smell, immediately unplug it and discontinue use. This may be a warming element that has overheated.
- If water spills off the basin and reaches the rest of the device, unplug it before tampering with it, and ensure it’s completely dried out before re-plugging it in. This will help you avoid any electrical shocks or water hazards.
Final Thoughts
When handled safely, water and your wax warmer will work well together. You may discover new uses for your wax warmer that you never realized at first, and using water is just one of the possibilities. You can even consider new scents when mixing wax and perfumed water.
As long as the water is handled safely around your wax warmer, you will be able to enjoy your wax warmer in a new way, keeping in mind that this new utilization isn’t covered under most wax warmer warranties.
Whether you’re adding water to your wax warmer for cleaning purposes or for fragrance, you now know all the necessary applications, pros and cons, and best safety practices to safely enjoy your wax warmer.