What a fantastic night to prepare a candlelight dinner. You get all prepared, cooked food, but the big problem, your metal candlestick still has leftover wax. What to do? No worry, we are here to teach you how to remove candle wax from metal.
We use candles for a variety of purposes. First, they illuminate the area, allowing us to experience the overall aesthetic sensations they produce around us. But what happens when the wax drips to its metal candlestick?
That is something that no one desires. But don’t let this stop you from burning candles. Depending on the surface, there are many techniques for removing the wax.
How To Remove Candle Wax From Metal
Method 1: Freezing It
Freezing a metal candlestick hardens the wax enough that it can be chipped away with a fingernail. You can also use a nonabrasive implement like a kitchen rubber scraper. An hour or so should be enough time for the wax to solidify on a metal candlestick.
It is the case if there are no additional components on it, such as wood or stone. If the candlestick contains other materials, do not put it in the freezer since those parts may shatter or detach the metal. The freezing procedure is also helpful in removing wax plugs that have been lodged in the bottom of a candleholder.
Method 2: Using a Hairdryer
Another way on how to remove candle wax from metal is to make use of a hairdryer. This method is perfect, especially if your candlestick has a lot of notches where resin is being held. In this case, the process can be a bit messy, so make sure to put up a cloth underneath.
You would not want excess wax to spill onto your precious table, right? So get anything that can protect your furniture from possible spills. So now, what to do?
First, place your metal candlestick on a surface that is in line with your electric output. You can put it near to where you plus your hairdryer. You would not want to be too far from where you are plugged in.
Next, put your hairdryer to its highest setting and place it onto places where there is wax accumulation. After a couple of minutes, you will notice that the wax is beginning to loosen up. It will run off the holder, and onto the protective cloth you placed underneath it.
Once the excess candle wax has melted, use a dry and clean paper towel to wipe off the wax. Wipe it gently and also swiftly since wax hardens quickly. After this, wash your candlestick with dishwashing liquid thoroughly.
Method 3: Using Boiling Water
It’s understandable for the wax to drop onto the metal candlestick that keeps the taper in place. Fortunately, you may quickly restore the metal to its original form. But, first, you should bring a saucepan of water to a boil—enough water to submerge the candlestick.
Then, after turning off the burner, set the candlestick in the pot. As the water gradually cools, the wax slides off the metal. Remove the candlestick and wipe away any remaining wax with a soft cloth after the water has recovered to room temperature.
Can you loosen wax from a metal candlestick using vinegar?
Using vinegar to loosen wax is effective. However, it can cause corrosion and rusting of metal because it contains acetic acid. This information is something to keep in mind if you have metal candlesticks.
Tips on How To Remove Candle Wax From Metal
You can use glycerin or denatured alcohol to remove any leftover wax residue from crystal or glass candlesticks. However, you should not use alcohol on copper or brass since it will remove the varnish. Instead, purchase high-quality candles to avoid additional wax drippings.
Petroleum candles tend to leak more and contain colors that might stain clothing.
You may readily scrape fresh candlestick wax away. However, when possible, remove the wax as soon as it has solidified.
When the candle wax is still warm, it is easy to remove. If feasible, scrape off the drippings as soon as the wax is cold enough to touch after blowing out the candles. Cleaning it off once it has set takes a little more work.
If the candle holders are waterproof, you may soften the wax by running it under hot running water. You should then be able to get rid of the majority of the wax. Another option includes using the opposite temperature extreme.
Freeze the candlesticks for several hours, then break off the brittle coatings. Because wax shrinks in cold temperatures, this method is ideal for votive candles. The stubborn wax within the holder should pop straight out.
After melting or freezing the wax, gently scrub it. It will remove any remaining residue. Line the bottom of the sink with towels if you’re cleaning breakable candleholders.
Conclusion
Here are simple ways on how to remove candle wax from metal. Using candle holders is vital whether you want to use candles to beautify and light your area. As the name implies, votive candle holders are used to carry candles for a variety of reasons.