Using a candle warmer can help extend the life of a candle's scent, but the fragrance will eventually fade even if the wax remains. Many users report that while a warmer releases fragrance more slowly than burning, it does give more hours of enjoyment overall. However, once the fragrance oils have been released, the scent will gradually disappear, even though the wax stays in the jar.
To refresh the scent, some people suggest adding a few drops of fragrance oil or essential oil to the melted wax, which can bring back some aroma without needing a new candle. Others prefer switching to a fresh candle when the scent fades, as adding oils might not always create the same fragrance experience as the original candle.
A helpful tip from seasoned candle lovers is to only use a warmer for 3–4 hours at a time, then let the candle cool completely before using it again. This technique helps preserve the fragrance and can extend the candle's scent life by allowing the wax to “reset” between uses.
Do candles evaporate on a candle warmer?
When using a candle warmer, the wax doesn’t evaporate in the same way it would when you burn a candle. While the heat from a warmer will melt the wax and release its fragrance, the wax itself remains in the jar, only losing its scent over time. Many users find that their candles last significantly longer with a warmer than with traditional burning, as the wax can continue to release fragrance for weeks or even months.
Some users recommend adding a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax to refresh the scent once it fades, giving the candle a new life without the need for a fresh candle. This method makes candle warmers a more economical and practical choice for those who want to enjoy a consistent fragrance without the downsides of smoke and soot.
For those who only use warmers occasionally, the scent can last even longer. One reviewer on Amazon mentioned using the same candle on a warmer for over ten years, turning it on for about 30–50 days each year, with minimal scent loss. However, even with regular use, most people notice that their wax quantity doesn’t decrease, only the intensity of the fragrance, which makes warmers ideal for long-term enjoyment.
Some candle warmers even come with auto shut-off features for convenience and safety. Users love that candle warmers allow them to enjoy a strong, clean fragrance with less frequent wax replacement and without worrying about flames, smoke, or soot.
How long do candles last on a warmer?
Candles on a warmer can last an impressively long time, much longer than when burned with a flame. Many users say that their candles retain scent through multiple warming sessions, sometimes lasting for weeks or even months depending on how often they use the warmer. One user mentioned that a single-wick candle on a warmer can last for 10–14 full days of continuous use before the scent fades. Even then, the wax itself remains, and it can sometimes still emit a faint fragrance.
For those with large candle collections, the extended lifespan can actually be a challenge! Some users joke that they end up dumping wax just to make room for new candles. Others have found a balance by alternating between burning and warming sessions to get through their collection without wasting wax. Some even pour out a bit of the top layer of melted wax to refresh the scent, giving each candle several new lives.
With warmers, candles can bring out seasonal fragrances throughout the year without the need to replace them as often, making them ideal for getting the most out of each candle. For people who own multiple warmers, it’s easy to switch scents and enjoy a rotation of fragrances without ever completely finishing a single candle.