How to Remove Wax From a Candleholder

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

How to Remove Wax From a Candleholder How to Remove Wax From a Candleholder

Rate: (27 Ratings)

Candle wax can easily be removed from a candleholder with one or all of the following methods.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Candleholders
  • Clean Rag Or Cloth
  • Freezers
  • Plastic Tubs
  • Votive Candleholders
  • Warm Water
  • Mild Soap
  • Goo Gone
  • Butter Knives
  • Spoons
  • thin, soft cloth
Step1
Add 1/8 inch of water to the bottom of a votive candleholder before you insert the candle. This will make wax removal easier later on.
Step2
Place washable candleholders and votives in a plastic tub of warm water to soak. The wax will loosen and can be easily removed. Stubborn pieces of wax can be pried away from the candleholder surface with a spoon or butter knife.
Step3
Place nonwashable candleholders in the freezer. This will cause the candle wax to become very brittle and easy to remove. Excess wax can be scraped off with a butter knife or spoon.
Step4
Use a commercial product, such as Goo Gone, to remove the excess candle wax. Apply the liquid to the wax with a clean cloth and allow to sit for a minute or two. Scrape off wax with a spoon or butter knife. Clean area with water and mild soap.
Step5
Cover the spoon or knife in a thin, soft cloth before you use either to scrape off wax. This will protect delicate finishes from being scratched.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do not soak candleholders in your sink. Wax can clog your drains.

Comments

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on 5/7/2008 just immerse in ICE cold water, wait a few hours... and the wax will come right out. no heat! this works every time.

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on 5/7/2008 just immerse in ICE cold water, wait a few hours... and the wax will come right out. no heat! this works every time.

mrsfixit

mrsfixit said

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on 12/10/2006 I removed candle wax from votives in 3 simple steps. 1-fill oval cassarole dish half full of water and zap in microwave for about 3 min. 2-Place votive in dish allowing just a little water inside the votive and zap again 1 min. 3-Carefully remove votive (may be hot) and gently push one side of wax and the whole piece will just pop right out...you may need to wash any residue wish soap and hot water.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you like to keep some of those nice jars that candles come in (there good for Q-Tips and cotton balls), try this; I saw my husband's grandmother do this a few years ago.
If the jar, candlestick or container can withstand boiling water, simply boil water, pour into jar, and watch the magic begin! The wax will melt and simply rise to the top. Let the wax cool slightly. You don't want it to get hard but you don't want it too soft either. Sometimes it may take 2 applications of boiling water. Also, the wax that you remove can then be used to put in those electric candle burners! Saves on candles and you can mix the scented candles and create your own.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Before placing a wax tart [or wax melt] in a potpourri container, rub the container with Vaseline. After its use, the wax pops out easily!

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eHow Article: How to Remove Wax From a Candleholder

eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Category: Home & Garden

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