How to Remove Candle Wax From Ceramic
Many people deal with wax buildup and splatter on ceramic surfaces caused by candle usage or accidental spills. Wax not only detracts from the appearance of ceramic--staining and discoloring surfaces and collecting dirt--but it can also interfere with the efficiency of items such as candleholders and craft tools, or pose a danger in areas such as the kitchen if spilled on pots or other cookware. No matter the specific situation, removal requires that you break down or dissolve the wax. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Plastic bag
- Plastic scraper (optional)
- Plastic utensils (optional)
- Mask (optional)
- Heat source (optional)
- White cloths (optional)
- Brown bag paper (optional)
- Solvent (optional)
- Cotton swabs (optional)
- Hot water
- Mild detergent
Instructions
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1
Freeze the wax and gently peel, pop or scrape it from the ceramic surface. If trying to remove wax from a small ceramic item, such as a candleholder, place it in a freezer for an hour. If trying to remove wax from a larger item, place ice in a plastic bag and then rub the ice across the wax-stained surface until the wax freezes. Once the wax is hard, peel or pop it from the surface with a fingernail or scrape it away gently with a plastic scraper or plastic utensil.
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2
Heat the wax to transfer it to a disposable surface. Put on your mask. Place a textured cloth or brown bag paper across the wax-stained area. Turn a hair dryer or iron on "low" and then apply heat 2 to 3 inches from the surface for approximately 30 seconds. Lift up the cloth or paper to check for transfer. If the wax hasn't transferred, heat for an additional 30 seconds. After the wax transfers, replace the cloth or paper and repeat the process as needed.
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3
Dissolve the wax with a solvent--for example, rubbing alcohol or commercial wax remover. Put the solvent on a cloth or cotton swab and then blot at the wax. Wait approximately 10 minutes. Blot again to pull the wax from the surface. Repeat as needed. If the wax doesn't pull off, place the cloth or swab at the edge of the wax and then rub gently across the stained area.
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4
Clean your ceramic with hot, soapy water and a cloth to remove any wax residue clinging to the surface. Rinse with hot water and then air-dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a mask when heating wax, as wax contains chemicals hazardous to human health.
Always test your removal method on an inconspicuous area beforehand as the methods outlined in this article can damage (etch, discolor or crack, chip or fleck) not only the ceramic, but also any stains, paints, glazes, sealants or other coatings on ceramic surfaces. Hard scratching or scraping at ceramic surfaces, or using abrasives or harsh chemicals to remove wax, can also cause damage.
Never use colored cloths or paper to remove wax from ceramic---especially unglazed, porous ceramic surfaces---as the dyes used in coloring can stain the ceramic.
Never wipe hot liquefied wax across unglazed ceramic as doing so can spread and embed wax into porous, unstained areas.
Never bring your heat source too close to the wax, as wax smokes at high temperatures.
