How to Remove Melted Candle Wax from Candlesticks

A candlestick covered in wax drippings in the foreground, with a pot on a stovetop in the background
Gearing up for the holidays means unpacking decorations from seasons past. If you burn candles to set the mood for your celebrations, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of attempting to extract last year’s pile of hardened, melted wax from your favorite candlestick. So how do you restore your candleholder to its pre-melt glory?

Don’t be ‘aflamed’ of your candlestick’s appearance at the next family gathering. Let Molly Maid cleaning experts shed a light on the situation with two of our proven best practices for candle wax removal.

How to Remove Candle Wax with Hot Water

  • Fill your sink with hot water. Consider adding vinegar to the hot water for particularly grimy candlesticks.
  • Soak the candlestick until the wax softens.
  • Scrape the soft wax from the candlestick using your fingernail or a soft plastic scraper.
  • Finish by polishing the surface with a dry cloth.

How to Remove Melted Candle Wax with Your Freezer*

  • Place the candlestick in the freezer until cold: approximately 45 minutes. *For small pieces of wax in easy-to-scrape locations, hold an ice cube directly to the offending spot until cold.
  • Chip the frozen wax from the candlestick using your fingernail or a soft plastic scraper.
  • Polish the surface with a dry cloth.

Remember, you don’t have to burn the candle at both ends this season. For help fulfilling your family’s home cleaning needs, rely on the professionals at Molly Maid. Our team is fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind. For more cleaning tips, or to arrange professional house cleaning in your area, please contact your local Molly Maid or call us today for a free estimate!