How to Clean Votive Candle Holders

Clean votive candle holders after the candles melt down.

Lighting scented votives in candle holders is a pleasant way to add ambiance and aroma to any room. Because votive candles are small and inexpensive, you can often afford to place a generous assortment of them around a room to create a homey or romantic effect. Once the votives burn down, however, you usually see an unsightly mess at the bottom of your candle holders. Clean votive candle holders quickly with a simple trick.

Instructions

1. Place the votive candle holders in the freezer.

2. Leave the candle holders in the freezer for at least 2 hours

3. Remove the candle holders from the freezer. Hold a candle holder in one hand and tap it upside down gently onto the palm of your other hand. Freezing the candle holders freezes the remaining wax inside, which makes it contract. As you tap the candle holder onto your palm, the wax should fall out of the candle holder easily.

4. Discard the wax and place a new votive candle into the candle holder.

Tips & Warnings

• Votive candle holders will also clean more easily if you add a few drops (no more) of water to the bottom of the holder before inserting the candle, according to the National Candle Association.

• Do not place warm votive candle holders into the freezer. Allow the melted candles to cool to room temperature before putting them into the freezer.

References

• National Candle Association: Candle Care