How to Remove Candle Wax From Candlesticks

Removing old candle wax from a candlestick is easier than you might think.

There is nothing more beautiful that a candlelit room, but the waxy buildup on candlesticks can make even the tidiest room seem unkempt and dirty. All candles drip a bit of wax on a candlestick at one point or another, whether it be from the natural wax drip or an accidental nudge. Dry, puddled wax is no reason to throw your candlestick away--wax can be removed safely from virtually any material.

Things You'll Need

• Refrigerator/freezer
• Hard plastic or wooden stick
• Bowl
• Hot water
• Clean cloth

Instructions

1. 

   The cold fridge will harden the candle wax.

   Place the candlestick in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes or the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. If your candlestick is too large to put in the refrigerator or freezer, place a few bags of ice cubes on the wax you want to remove.

2. Remove candlestick from refrigerator or freezer. If you placed bags of ice cubes on the wax, remove the bags.

3. 

   Use a strong wooden or plastic utensil to chip away at the hardened wax.

   Use the plastic or wood stick to chip gently away at the wax. Do not use a metal tool that will scratch or mar the surface of your candlestick. The hardened wax should break and chip easily.

4. 

   Hot water helps melt the finer wax particles left over from the chipping.

   Dip the candlestick in a bowl of hot water to remove any small pieces or fine layers of wax left over. Rub gently with your fingers or the wet cloth to remove pieces. Do not dip a candlestick in water if it is susceptible to rust or is a delicate material.

5. 

   Use a clean cloth to finish the job.

   Wipe the candlestick clean with a clean cloth. If there are still a few lingering waxy pieces, dip the cloth in the hot water and rub the candlestick gently.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not run a candlestick under hot water in your sink to remove the wax. Wax will dry up in your pipes and cause blockage.

References

• Shamrock Affiliations: Candle Wax Removal
• Creative Homemaking: Holiday Cleaning Tips