First, you need wax. In the UK, your two main options are soy wax (the gentle, eco-friendly Labrador) and paraffin wax (the dramatic, strong-scented diva). Soy melts slower and cleans up with soapy water, but paraffin gives you a louder, longer-lasting throw. There’s also beeswax, but that smells like a Victorian farmyard, so maybe save that for your candle-making when you become a hipster.
Here’s a shocker: most commercial wax melts are actually paraffin, despite what the Instagram aesthetic suggests. But soy is cheaper for beginners because you can microwave it without your flatmate thinking you’re making a suspicious sauce. Just don’t tell your gran you’re melting wax in the same bowl she uses for Sunday roasts.
The Hot, Sticky Reality
You’ll need a double boiler or a heatproof jug in a pan of simmering water. Do not try to melt wax in a saucepan directly on the hob. I did that once. The fire alarm went off, my cat judged me, and I had to explain to a neighbour why I was fanning a smoke detector with a tea towel. The wax reached 180°C and thought it was very funny.
Your ideal temperature is around 80°C – think a hot bath, not the surface of Mercury. Use a candy thermometer, or just guess if you’re feeling spicy. When the flakes are all liquid and look like clear soup, you’re ready for the fun part.
