(Photography: Martina Gemmola)
Scented candles set the scene for every home – they can make it smell like watermelon in summer, gingerbread during Christmas, pumpkin spice in Autumn and woodwick vanilla during winter. But they don’t just smell good, they also create a cosy moment to breathe, relax, and take a moment for myself. And since I found a candle warmer, it’s only got better.
Candle warmers are fairly new to the game, and surprisingly, many people still don’t know they exist. But there are so many benefits of having one in your home, not just for scented candles but for a range of different uses.
Here are 7 ways I love to use my candle warmer at home, and I know you’ll love it, too.
1. Simmer pot
When I clean my home, I don’t just want it to look spotless, I want it to smell fresh as well. And I’m not talking about the ‘chemically’ clean smells you get from using Windex and gumption. It’s a naturally fresh smell consisting of lemon and mint that I create myself using a simmer pot, and it works a treat.
Simply grab a small bowl and fill it with water. Inside, I squeeze lemon juice, add a few wheels of lemon and a handful of gently crushed mint, fresh from my herb garden. I pop it under the candle warmer and watch it simmer away, releasing a fresh, delicious scent curated entirely by me.
The best part is the scent can be completely customised – if you’re after a cosy scent, add cinnamon and star anise, or use essential oils. It’s entirely up to you!
2. Melting treats
In my household, sometimes we treat ourselves to a little fondue – Nutella or Belgian chocolate with sliced strawberries and bananas on the side. Instead of melting the chocolate over the stove or using the microwave oven, we let it melt in a small bowl under the candle warmer. It smells so good and because the warmer sits on a cabinet behind our couch, we can easily reach over and snack on it while watching a movie, without fear of it going cold. It’s a game changer and makes for a sweet time!
Alternatively, you can also use it to melt butter or keep it warm when you have guests over. There’s nothing worse than trying to spread cold butter onto a bread roll, so this will keep it smooth and spreadable, while making your set-up look – oh so cute!
3. Keeping drinks hot!
It happens all the time – I make a cup of tea, then get distracted by something, whether it’s cleaning, my husband, or a phone call… only to return to find the tea… cold. Well, I can confidently say that hasn’t happened to me since I bought my candle warmer because now, the first thing I do when I make my cup of tea is put it underneath. I know no matter what comes up, it’ll be waiting for me, nice and warm until I’m ready to sit down and enjoy!
4. Warm up socks
There’s nothing worse than going to bed with cold feet, so this handy hack will make sure that never happens again. Before bed, pop a clean pair of socks underneath the candle warmer and let them get nice and toasty. Then, put them on and feel sleep come quicker than usual.
Note: Keep an eye on the socks while they are underneath the lamp. Make sure you remove them before they get too warm, as they can become a hazard.
5. Candles will last forever
The worst thing about scented candles is the dark cloud of soot that fogs the glass and, if you touch it, stains furniture, linen, walls and your skin. It was a nightmare to clean, until I found the candle warmer. Now, they still look and smell brand new. The only downside is the fragrance will eventually fade, but the candle will remain looking untouched once dried. A simple solution is you can add your own essential oils to revamp scents you love without the big expense of buying a whole new candle. Plus, there’s no more smoky smell from lighting a candle, and it’s a lot safer than having an open flame to worry about!
6. Stylish lamp decor
There are a variety of different styles you can buy for your candle warmer to suit different designs. I opted for the pink shade with a gold neck and wooden base. Even when it’s switched off, it makes a statement and ads a little something to the interior design of my lounge room. Plus, the gentle, warm light from the lamp creates a cosy feel and to say I’m obsessed is an understatement!
7. Proof dough
You can use a candle warmer to proof dough, but I’m yet to try it out. It provides a gentle, low-level heat to maintain the ideal temperature needed to proof your dough and encourages it to rise really well. Make sure its in a heat-safe container and if it’s clear, you can visually monitor the dough’s progress.
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