Troubleshooting
Why won't my candle warmer lamp melt the wax? 8 things to check
Nearly every lamp that will not melt the wax has one of eight simple problems. Work down this list and you will usually find it in a few minutes.
Eight things to check
- Is the bulb lit? If not, a halogen bulb may have blown. Unplug, let it cool fully, and swap in a new GU10 bulb of the right wattage. See our bulb guide.
- Is it the right type of bulb? A halogen bulb gives heat. An LED gives light and almost no heat, so the wax will not soften.
- Is the wattage right? A 25 W bulb warms far less than a 50 W one. Use the wattage your lamp recommends, and never go above its maximum.
- Is the dimmer too low? Dimming lowers the heat as well as the light. Turn it up and wait.
- Is the bulb too far from the wax? If the shade is high above a short candle, the heat has a long way to travel. Lower the arm, following your lamp's instructions.
- Is the room cold? It takes longer to warm wax in a cold room. Give it extra time.
- Is the wax hard? Beeswax melts at a higher temperature, around 62 to 65°C, than most soy blends. It still works but is slower and gentler.
- Is the lid off and the jar centred? The bulb should shine across the whole surface.
Did the timer switch it off?
Many lamps have an automatic timer. If the lamp seems to have stopped, check whether the timer has ended and start it again.
Still not working?
Try the lamp in a different socket, and check the plug and cable for damage. Stop using it if anything looks damaged, and get in touch with us with the name of your lamp and we will help.
If you need a bulb, see our replacement bulbs, or read how to use a candle warmer lamp for the best set-up.
Replacement bulbs
Questions people ask
Why is my candle warmer lamp not melting my candle?
The most common causes are the wrong bulb (an LED), a bulb that has blown, a dimmer set too low, the bulb sitting too far above the wax, or a very hard wax such as beeswax.
How long should a candle warmer lamp take to melt wax?
Usually ten to twenty minutes to see the surface soften. A cold room, a large jar or hard wax can take longer.
Can I use an LED bulb in a candle warmer lamp?
Usually not. LEDs make very little heat, so the wax barely softens. Use the halogen bulb the lamp was designed for and never exceed its maximum wattage.