Candlestick holders are a popular centerpiece for many romantic and festive dinners. The wax residue that sticks to candle holders after the candles are gone can ruin the romantic atmosphere of the occasion. It doesn’t matter if you have a brass candlestick holder. Removing wax is a delicate task. This guide will show you how to safely and effectively remove wax from candlestick holders. There are many ways of removing wax from candle sticks but we discuss just the four most used methods.
Materials that will be required:
- Hot water
- Freezer
- Hairdryer
- Soft cloth
- Mild dish soap
- Plastic scraper
- Baby oil
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
Method 1: Hot water
Removing wax from candlestick holders using hot water is a straightforward and effective method. You have to follow these steps for wax removal with hot water:
Preparation
Starting by using a soft plastic scraper and being careful to not scratch the holder, gently scrape away any loose wax. Gather the necessary materials, including a sink with hot water, soft cloths, and mild soap.
Submersion
Fill the sink with hot, but not boiling water. Submerge and fully cover the candlestick holder. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften up the wax.
Waiting period
Allow the holder holder to be submerged in water for 5-10 minutes. The wax should be checked periodically to determine if it has softened. Add hotter water as needed to maintain the temperature. The wax will become pliable after this waiting period and be easier to clean.
Cleaning
Soften the wax and wipe it away with a cloth. If there are any stubborn spots, you can apply a bit of pressure. Be gentle so as not to damage the holder. If there is wax residue, repeat the process of submersion. This step will remove the wax from its holder. As you know cleaning is a necessary part of life so if want to how to clean a refrigerator with vinegar then click here.
Final rinse
Rinse them with warm water in the holder to remove all remaining soap and wax residue. To prevent damage or water marks, dry the holder thoroughly with a clean towel. The holder will be clean and ready to use again if you make sure it is completely dried before storing it or using it.
Method 2: Freezing
Preparation
Remove any loose wax with ease. To remove as much wax as you can, use an old credit or plastic card. To avoid damaging or scratching the surface, you must be very careful. It is better to remove any loose wax before freezing.
Freezing
After scraping your candlestick holder into the freezer, you can now place it there. It is best to leave it in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature penetrates the wax, which causes it to contract.
The exact time can vary depending on how thick the wax is and what material the holder is made of, but leaving it overnight usually makes the wax sufficiently hard.
Removal
After the candlestick holder has chilled enough, remove it from the freezer. The wax will now be easier to manipulate. Use a plastic scraper or credit cards to chip away the brittle melted wax.
The wax should be easier to remove due to the contraction caused by freezing. To avoid damaging delicate holders, be methodical with your approach and work slowly.
Cleaning
Some residue remains even after freezing the wax and removing the bulk. Use a mixture of water, mild dish soap, and a dampened rag to tackle the problem. Then, use the cloth to clean off the holder. Focus on the areas where wax residue remains.
This soap will help to break down the wax and ensure that you get a thorough clean. Once all traces have been removed, rinse with warm tap water to remove any soapy residue. Then, use a clean cloth and dry the holder well to avoid any water stains.
Method 3: Hairdryer
Hairdryers are an easy and effective way to remove candlestick wax. This method uses the heat produced by the hairdryer to soften the candle wax. It is then easy to wipe off without damaging your candlestick holders. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process.
Preparation
The candlestick holder must be prepared before you use the hairdryer. To begin, remove any loose wax. To do this, gently scrape it off using an old plastic credit card or a scraper.
Do not scratch the holder’s surface, particularly if it is made of a sensitive material like glass or polished steel. This will reduce the amount of wax that must be melted in the following steps.
Heating
The candlestick holder must be prepared before you use the hairdryer. To begin, remove any loose wax. To do this, gently scrape it off using an old plastic credit card or a scraper.
Do not scratch the holder’s surface, particularly if it is made of polished steel. This will reduce the amount of wax that must be melted in the following steps.
Wiping
Take a paper towel and wipe the wax away as it softens. Keep the hairdryer running to maintain the heat and prevent the wax from hardening. If the wax begins to solidify and cool, you may have to reheat some areas.
If you have stubborn areas, keep applying heat to the area with the hairdryer. The wax will eventually soften and be easily removed.
Cleaning
The candlestick holder still has some wax residue on it after the bulk has been removed. Make a solution with warm water, mild dish detergent, and a little soap. Use this solution to wet a clean cloth and gently wipe the holder down.
Remove any remaining wax. Once you’re sure all residue has gone, rinse the holder thoroughly with clean, warm water. Then, using a clean, soft cloth, dry it thoroughly to avoid any watermarks or streaks.
Method 4: Baby oil
Baby oil is an effective and gentle way to remove wax from candlestick holders. This method is especially beneficial for antique holders as it reduces the risk that the surface will be damaged. This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply this technique.
Preparation
Start by preparing your candlestick holder. Use an old plastic credit card or a scraper to gently remove any wax that is loose or easily removable. This will help reduce the amount that you need to dissolve the wax with the oil.
Applying the oil
Apply a small amount of baby oils to a soft, clean cloth. You can use whatever oil is available. Both work well. Olive oil is widely available and can be used for this purpose. Baby oil with its added fragrance also works.
Rubbing the wax
After applying the oil to the cloth, rub gently over the wax-covered areas of the candlestick holders. The oil breaks down the wax to make it easier to remove. Rub in a gentle circular motion while applying pressure to penetrate the wax.
Wiping away the wax
As the oil melts the wax you will notice it lifting off the surface. Use a new section of the clean cloth to wipe the mixture of oil-dissolved wax. This step might need to be repeated depending on the amount of wax. Be sure to use clean sections of the cloth every time, to avoid spreading the wax on the holder.
Cleaning the holder
You will most likely find that the holder still has some oily residue on it after you have removed the wax. This residue can be removed by washing the holder using warm water and mild dish detergent. This will break down any remaining oil and remove it, leaving the holder ready for use. Do not leave any oily film on the surface.
Drying thoroughly
Then, using a clean, lint-free cloth, thoroughly dry the candlestick holders. Make the candlestick completely dry, you can prevent any water stains from forming. This helps keep the holder looking good, especially when it’s made of a metal that can tarnish.
What to avoid?
Always use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to avoid scratching your candlestick holder.
What to do?
If you’re unsure about a cleaning method, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the holder.
Regularly clean your candlestick holders to prevent wax buildup. Wipe them down after each use to remove any drips before they harden.
