How to Melt Wax in the Microwave Step by Step
If you’re a candle maker or working on a DIY home project that needs wax, then you know that sometimes you need to melt it. And while the preferred method is on the stovetop using a double boiler, it’s much easier (and faster) to do it in the microwave. Plus, it’s a bit less messy.
If you’re short on time, and in this world that’s bound to happen, it might be worth your time to learn how to melt was in the microwave!
Find a microwave-safe bowl and put your wax in it. Microwave on high in short burst, stirring in-between. It’s that simple.
So, if you’re looking for more detailed tips on how to melt wax in the microwave, read on!
Can You Melt Candle Wax in the Microwave?
Yes, you can melt candle wax in the microwave.
Natural, plant-based waxes such as soy wax and other high-quality waxes are best, but it’s important to exercise proper care no matter what. The process is fairly simple. All you need is a bowl, your wax of choice, and you’re on your way. This method is especially useful when working with larger chunks of wax, such as a block or bar.
Simply place the wax into the bowl and start heating in short bursts until the wax has melted. Be sure to stir the mixture between each heat burst though as this will help ensure that all of the pieces evenly melt together. For more tips and safety precautions, check out our guide below!
Happy melting!

How to Melt Candle Wax in the Microwave, Step by Step
If you’re looking for an easy and mess-free way to melt your candle wax, melt it in the microwave! All you need is a microwave safe bowl and a few minutes of your time. Here are five steps to help you get started:
- Find a microwave-safe bowl that will fit the amount of wax you need to melt. Make sure it’s large enough so that the wax doesn’t overflow when heated.
- Place the correct amount of soy wax into the bowl and place it in the microwave.
- Heat on high for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so with a spoon or chopstick to ensure even melting.
- Once melted, take the temperature with an internal thermometer. When it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the wax is typically fully melted and ready for scents and color.
- Stir until fully incorporated.
- Pour the melted wax into your candle mold and let cool before removing from the mold.
Making your own candles at home can be fun and rewarding! With these five simple steps, you can easily melt candle wax in your microwave for homemade candles that look and smell amazing!
Is it Safe to Put a Candle in the Microwave?
It is possible to melt a candle in the microwave, but it is not recommended due to the potential risks. The smoke from the candle can fill up the oven and cause fire accidents. It is also important to be careful when melting a candle in a microwave as it can become very hot and cause burns.
Not only that, but there’s also an increased risk of smoke production and burning off any scented oils or other ingredients used. While some may think that these are just cautionary tales, they should really be taken seriously as a preventive measure against damaging your microwave, kitchen and home.
Can You Melt Candle Wax in a Glass Jar in the Microwave?
The answer is yes! Melting candle wax in a glass jar in the microwave is an easy and efficient way to create custom candles. Just make sure to use a glass jar that’s heat resistant, like one made of tempered glass which can be utilized up to 425°F. Or you can use Pyrex.
Of course, you’ll want to use caution when heating your wax too – don’t put it on full power and stir it frequently so it doesn’t produce any bubbles or scorch the wax. Lastly, once your wax has finished melting, allow the jar to cool for a few minutes before removing or touching it. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have beautiful end results with no fuss!
Does the Type of Candle Wax Affect How it Melts in the Microwave?
While we all love the smell and ambiance that a burning candle creates, we often don’t consider what type of wax it’s made from and how that affects the melting process! A candle’s wax is just as important as its wick to ensure a quality burn.
Different types of wax melt in different ways, so it might help to know which type of wax is best suited for the microwaving process if you ever need to melt your candles for something special.
Beeswax melts slowly under warm temperatures, while soy wax responds best with heat. Paraffin usually softens quickly when microwaved, but you may want to give it an extra minute or two to make sure it liquifies properly.
Experimenting with these different wax type will help you find out which one melts best in the microwave!
7 Other Ways to Quickly Melt Candle Wax
Making your own candles is a great way to add a personal touch to any room. But before you can get started, you need to know how to melt candle wax quickly and safely. Here are some of the best ways to melt candle wax quickly:
- Pour your wax into a microwavable container and heat for 1 minute at a time, monitoring the temperature until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Use a double boiler by filling a large pan with water and placing a smaller pan inside it with the wax. Heat on medium until it melts, stirring occasionally.
- Place your jar of wax in hot water and let it sit until melted. Be sure to monitor the temperature so that it doesn’t get too hot and cause the jar to break or shatter.
- Use an electric melting pot specifically designed for melting wax, which will allow you to control the temperature more precisely and avoid overheating or burning the wax.
- Place your jar of wax in direct sunlight or near a heating source such as an oven, radiator, or fireplace until melted.
- If you don’t have access to any of these methods, you can also use a Mason Jar with boiling water over low heat on the stovetop until melted.
- Finally, if all else fails, you can always use an old hairdryer set on high heat to melt your candle wax!
No matter which method you choose, be sure to take safety precautions when melting candle wax such as wearing protective gloves and eyewear and keeping children away from hot surfaces or containers of molten wax!
Can the Type of Jar Affect How Wax Melts?
Melting wax and making your own candle is a great way to add fragrance to your home. But did you know that the type of jar or container you use can affect how your wax melts?
The type of jar you use for melting wax can have an effect on how quickly and evenly the wax melts. Different materials, such as glass or ceramic, will heat up at different rates and may cause some areas of the wax melt to melt faster than others. This can lead to an uneven burn and wasted product.
Using a metal container for melting your wax in the microwave is generally not recommended due to safety concerns. Even if not used in the microwave, metal containers can become very hot when used with a warmer, which could potentially cause burns if touched.
When selecting a jar for your wax melts, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the container in relation to the size and shape of your warmer. A container that is too large or too small may not be able to hold enough heat from the warmer, resulting in poor melting performance.
Wrapping Up
Next time you are running low on time but need that wax melted, try it out in the microwave using the guide we have provided in this post!
Let us know how it goes!