Pillar, taper, and scented candles are simple table decorations that create a unique atmosphere. Their glow, more than anything else, adds romance and solemnity to any moment. Sometimes, when candles don't melt inward, wax runs down them, hardening on brass candle holders. In glass ones, it often remains on the sides. How can you easily remove it and how can you prevent this from happening in the future?
Removal by freezing
When considering how to remove wax from a candle holder – regardless of what it's made from – it's worth trying the freezing method. Cold makes the wax even more compact, and once detached, it doesn't leave stains or grease. There are two ways to approach this. The first is to place the candle holder in the freezer. After a few hours, the wax pieces will become lighter, harder, and will fall off when pried with a wooden stick.
How to remove wax from glass? In the case of a glass candle holder, if the temperature is too low and the material too thin, freezing can cause the item to crack. To perform this process more gently, you can place such a candle holder in snow in the garden or on the terrace in winter and wait a few hours. If the wax stains are thicker, wrapping a few ice cubes in a cloth and applying them to the affected areas will also work. In both cases, once the wax becomes compact and its color lightens, you also need to pry it off with a stick.
Slow heating
The opposite method to freezing for how to clean a brass candle holder is heating. Place the item in a large pot of hot water. Its temperature, ranging from 80-100o C, will melt or soften the wax. Any residue can be removed with a stick.
It's better not to use this method on glass, as there's always a risk of cracking. A much better way is to soak the glass candle holder in water at a slightly lower temperature.
Overnight soaking
Is there a method for how to clean a glass candle holder from wax without exposing the material to excessive cooling or heating? You can place the item on an appropriately sized heat-resistant dish or a stable glass coaster and fill it with warm water at a temperature of 50-60 oC overnight, or even for 24 hours. After this time, the wax from the glass – and also from brass – should first dissolve, and then solidify in the water. This way, it can be scooped out, and the rest gently scraped off with a stick.
Gentle scraping
The first idea that comes to mind when thinking about how to clean a candle holder from wax is gentle scraping. This is a great method – but only when combined with one of the methods mentioned above! Otherwise, the glass or brass can be scratched.
To scrape off wax that has already been prepared by freezing, soaking, or heating, you need a sharp or flat piece of wood. Sushi sticks, popsicle sticks, toothpicks, skewers, and even manicure sticks will work perfectly for this. When prying off the wax, be gentle and precise, and don't scrape the stains forcefully!
Prevention is better
While for brass candle holders the only way to prevent wax stains is to buy candles that burn inwards, candles in glass, such as Romance or Splendour, can be protected from internal stains by using them correctly. First and foremost, remember that candles must burn long enough each time for the wax to melt evenly – from the inside to the glass walls. Secondly – the candle must stand on a level surface. Finally, instead of blowing them out, it's better to extinguish the flame, for example, with a snuffer.