How To Clean A Candelabra

There are a several methods to easily remove wax from candlesticks. Select the method that is safest for your candlestick material. Keep in mind that crystal and glass can easily crack from exposure to heat or cold.

Removing Wax with Water

Candlesticks that have glued parts should not be soaked in water. Skip to one of the other methods.

You Will Need:

• Hot water
• A sink or pan to hold the water
• White vinegar

Steps to Remove the Wax:

1. Fill a sink or deep pan with hot water.
2. Soak the wax-covered item in the water until the wax softens.¹
3. If needed, add white vinegar to the water for especially grimy candlesticks.²
4. Scrape the soft wax from the candlestick with your fingernail or a plastic scraper. Be careful not to scratch the surface.
5. Rinse the candlesticks if using vinegar.
6. Polish the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Removing Wax with a Hair Dryer

Take your candlesticks to the salon (or the bathroom) for a de-waxing treatment. This method is safe for silver candle holders,³ as well as for new copper and brass, but do not use this method for antique copper or brass.²

You Will Need:

• Hair dryer
• A soft cloth

Steps to Remove the Wax:

1. Set a hair dryer on the hottest setting.
2. Use the slowest setting of the hair dryer to melt the wax.
3. Peel or scrape off the softened wax.
4. Wipe away any leftover wax with a soft cloth. Do not use paper towels to wipe the wax from metal, such as silver or brass, as they can leave scratches on the surface.

Removing Wax with Cold

Can't soak the candle holder and don't have a hair dryer? Use a freezer or piece of ice to combat that wax. This method is safe for metal, however it is not safe for candlesticks that are made with more than one type of metal, as the various metals will swell and contract at different speeds.³

You Will Need:

• A freezer or piece of ice

Steps to Remove the Wax:

1. Place the candlestick in the freezer.
2. Remove the candle holder after 45 minutes.
3. For a more immediate solution, hold a piece of ice against the wax.
4. Chip off the frozen wax with a soft plastic scraper or your fingernail. Be careful not to scratch the surface.

Additional Tips and Advice

• Any remaining wax residue on crystal or glass candlesticks can be removed with glycerin⁴ or denatured alcohol.⁵ Do not use alcohol on copper or brass, as it can remove the lacquer.
• Buy quality candles to prevent more wax drippings. Petroleum candles usually drip more and contain dyes that can leave stains.
• Fresh candlestick wax can easily be scraped off. Remove the wax as soon as it has hardened whenever possible.

Sources

1. Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things by Reader's Digest
2. Girls Just Wanna Have Clean by Vicki Christian
3. Green Clean by Linda Mason
4. Home Comforts; The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson
5. The Cleaning Encyclopedia by Don Aslet

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How To Clean A Candelabra

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