How Long Do Wax Melts Last? (And How to Make Them Last Longer)

Wax melts are one of the simplest ways to fill your home with beautiful fragrance,  but if you’ve ever wondered how long they last (and how to get the most out of them), you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions people ask before making the switch from candles to melts.

In this post, we’ll break it all down for you.

So, how long do wax melts last?

The short answer is: it depends.

On average, a single piece of a wax melt will give you around 6–10 hours of fragrance, depending on the size of the melt, the strength of the fragrance oil, and the type of burner you’re using. Some fragrances (like rich woods or spices) linger longer, while fresher, lighter scents may fade more quickly.

At Norshire Company, we pour our wax melts to balance strength with longevity, so you can expect a beautifully consistent scent throw throughout their burn life.

What affects the life of a wax melt?

Several factors can make a difference to how long your melts last:

• Burner type – Electric burners usually give off a gentler, more gradual fragrance release than tea light burners, which can get hotter and burn through the scent more quickly.
• Room size – A large, open-plan space may make the fragrance feel like it fades faster compared to a smaller room.
• Fragrance notes – Stronger, deeper scents last longer, while light florals and citruses tend to fade more quickly.
• Usage time – Turning off your burner after a couple of hours instead of running it continuously will make your melt last longer.

Tips to make your wax melts last longer

If you want to stretch the life of your wax melts, here are some simple tricks:

✨ Don’t over-burn – Aim for 3–4 hours at a time. This keeps the fragrance fresh and stops it from burning off too quickly.
✨ Choose the right burner – Electric burners are gentler and often extend the life of a melt.
✨ Break into smaller pieces – If you only need a light scent, use half a melt instead of a whole one.
✨ Store them properly – Keep unused melts in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, to lock in the fragrance until you’re ready to use them.

When is it time to change your wax melt?

You’ll know it’s time to replace a wax melt when it no longer gives off any scent, even though there’s still wax left in the burner dish. Unlike candles, the wax doesn’t disappear only the fragrance oils evaporate.

Simply let the wax cool, remove it from the burner, and pop in a fresh one for a new burst of fragrance.

Try it for yourself

Wax melts are a brilliant way to explore different fragrances without committing to a whole candle or diffuser. They’re affordable, versatile, and an easy way to keep your home feeling inviting every day.

👉 Browse our Norshire Company wax melt collection and discover your new favourite scent.