How Long Do Wax Melts Last?

Tips for Making the Most of Your Melts

There’s nothing quite like the moment you pop a wax melt into your burner and your home begins to fill with cozy fragrance. But if you’ve ever wondered “How long do wax melts last?” — you’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions we get at Yarrow, and the answer isn’t always as simple as a single number.

Let’s break it down and share some practical tips to make your melts last as long as possible.

The Short Answer

On average, one wax melt provides 8–12 hours of fragrance. Some stronger scents (like Pumpkin Spice or Dark Honey & Tobacco) may linger longer, while lighter scents (like citrus or cucumber) may fade more quickly.

But here’s the secret: the lifespan of your wax melt depends on several factors — from the type of burner you use, to how you store your melts, to the environment in your home.

Factors That Affect How Long Wax Melts Last

1. Type of Burner

• Tealight burners heat wax faster, giving you a stronger fragrance throw right away, but sometimes burning through fragrance oils more quickly.

• Electric burners warm wax more gently and evenly, which can make the scent last a bit longer, though it may be subtler.

👉 Related: Tealight vs Electric Burners: Which is Right for You?

2. Fragrance Strength & Oils

• Heavier oils (spices, woods, bakery scents) naturally stick around longer.

• Lighter oils (citrus, florals) often give a fresher but shorter burst.

3. Room Size & Airflow

• In smaller rooms, melts often feel stronger and last longer.

• In open-plan areas, scent can disperse quickly.

4. Usage Habits

• If you run your burner all day, the fragrance will fade faster.

• Many people prefer shorter sessions — melting for 2–3 hours at a time — and reusing the same cube over multiple days.

How To Store Wax Melts for Maximum Longevity

Even before you use them, proper storage is key to making sure your wax melts keep their fragrance. Over time, heat, light, and air exposure can cause scents to fade.

• Keep them in clamshells: Our melts come in eco-friendly clamshells made from 86% recycled material. They lock in fragrance, so no extra wrapping is needed.

• Choose the right spot: Store in a cool, dry, dark place (a drawer, cupboard, or storage bin works perfectly).

• Avoid heat & humidity: Keep away from radiators, ovens, or bathrooms.

  
  

💡 Pro tip: Label clamshells with purchase dates — this makes it easy to track freshness and rotate your stash.

👉 Related: How to Store Wax Melts for Maximum Scent and Longevity

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Each Burn

• Start with a clean burner: Old residue can interfere with scent throw. How to Clean Your Wax Melt Burner

• Use the right amount: One cube is usually enough — overfilling won’t make fragrance stronger.

• Burn for shorter sessions: 2–4 hours at a time prevents overheating and extends fragrance life.

• Experiment with temperature: If your electric burner has settings, try different levels to see what works best.

Reusing Wax Melts

Once a wax melt stops giving off fragrance, it’s time to change it. But the wax itself doesn’t disappear — only the fragrance oils do. That means you can repurpose used wax instead of throwing it away!

Popular reuse ideas include:

• Fire starters for wood burners.

• Drawer sachets.

• DIY crafts.

👉 Related: How to Reuse Wax Melts: 7 Creative Ideas

Final Thoughts

So, how long do wax melts last? On average, you’ll get 8–12 hours per cube, but your experience will depend on your burner, the fragrance, and your usage habits. With the right storage, careful handling, and a little experimentation, you can make your melts last longer and enjoy every single fragrance-filled moment.

At Yarrow, we hand-pour every melt in small batches using soy wax and premium fragrance oils, so you get a clean, long-lasting scent every time. Ready to test it yourself? Explore our soy wax melt collection and find your next favorite fragrance today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many hours does one wax melt last?

On average, one cube lasts 8–12 hours of fragrance, depending on the scent strength and type of burner used.

Q. Do electric burners make wax melts last longer?

Yes. Electric burners use gentle, consistent heat, which often makes fragrance last longer compared to tealight burners.

Q. Why do some wax melts seem to fade faster?

Lighter fragrances like citrus or florals fade more quickly, while heavier notes such as spice or wood linger longer.

Q. Can I reuse wax melts more than once?

Absolutely. You can remelt the same cube several times until no fragrance remains.