How Do You Get Wax Off Of Crystal Candlesticks?

Wax buildup on crystal candlesticks is an extremely common issue for candle enthusiasts. After burning candles for some time, hardened wax can stick to the crystal surface and be very difficult to remove. While this wax buildup may seem impossible to get rid of, there are actually several easy methods to clean your crystal candlesticks and restore their sparkling appearance.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn why wax adheres so stubbornly to crystal, as well as multiple techniques to safely and effectively remove that pesky wax. From freezing to ironing to using vinegar, you’ll find plenty of options to fit your preferences and resources. You’ll also discover tips to prevent future wax buildup. With the right information and a little elbow grease, you can have those crystal candlesticks looking as good as new.

Why Wax Sticks to Crystal

Wax adheres to crystal through a combination of mechanical and chemical bonding. First, the wax seeps into any microscopic crevices and indentations in the crystal’s surface. The wax fills these small gaps and grooves, mechanically attaching itself as it solidifies. Additionally, the wax forms chemical bonds with the crystal itself at the molecular level. The compounds in the wax interact and bind with the crystal’s surface through intermolecular forces such as van der Waals interactions. This chemical adhesion further strengthens the wax’s attachment to the crystal. Together, the mechanical intrusion into surface irregularities and chemical bonding causes the wax to stubbornly stick to crystal candle holders.

Remove Excess Wax

Before using any cleaning methods, it’s important to first remove any hardened wax buildup on the candlesticks. Gently scraping off this excess wax will make the cleaning process much easier. Use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to lightly scrape off any large pieces of wax. Be very gentle, taking care not to scratch the crystal surface. Avoid using any metal scrapers or knives, as these can damage and scratch the crystal.

Work slowly and carefully. Try to remove as much of the hardened wax as possible before moving onto the next steps. Removing the excess wax first will help the heat and cleaning solutions penetrate and dissolve the remaining wax residue.

Freeze the Candlesticks

One effective method for removing wax from crystal candlesticks is to freeze them. This helps make the wax more brittle so it detaches from the crystal surface.

Place the candlesticks in a freezer for 30-60 minutes. The cold temperature causes the wax to contract and lose its grip on the crystal. Just be careful not to leave the candlesticks in the freezer for too long, as this can potentially damage the crystal.

Once frozen, you should be able to easily chip or scrape the wax off. Start gently and increase pressure as needed. The wax should flake away after freezing.

Freezing is a simple, natural way to harden wax buildup and remove it without harsh chemicals. Just remember to limit the time in the freezer so the crystal doesn’t get damaged.

Boiling Water Method

One simple way to remove wax from crystal candlesticks is by using boiling water. Fill a large bowl with boiling water from your kettle or stove. Make sure the bowl is deep enough to submerge the candlesticks.

Carefully place the candlesticks upside down in the boiling water. The heat from the water will start melting the built up wax, causing it to soften and drip off into the water below. Let the candlesticks soak for 5-10 minutes. You’ll see the wax start to melt and pool at the bottom of the bowl.

Check the water occasionally and change it out once it becomes extremely dirty and opaque. The fresh boiling water will help melt off any remaining wax. Keep submerging and changing the water until the crystal is clean and clear of wax again.

Ironing Method

One simple way to remove wax from crystal candlesticks is by using a household iron. Start by placing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper over the wax buildup. Then take a low temperature iron and gently glide over the papercovered area.

The heat from the iron will melt the wax, allowing it to be absorbed by the parchment paper. We recommend using a low heat setting to avoid damaging the crystal.

Slowly move the iron over the entire wax stained area. The wax should transfer from the crystal onto the paper. Replace the paper as needed to remove all the built up wax.

This is an easy, effective method for getting candle wax off crystal candlesticks without harsh chemicals. Just be sure to use caution and keep the iron moving to prevent damaging the crystal.

WD-40

WD-40 is an effective solvent that can help dissolve wax buildup and residue on crystal candlesticks. It works by breaking down the bonds in the wax, allowing it to be wiped away more easily.

To use WD-40, first make sure the candlesticks are cool to the touch. Then, spray a small amount of WD-40 directly onto a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid spraying it directly onto the crystal, as you don’t want to risk staining the material. Gently wipe the WD-40-soaked cloth over the wax buildup until it dissolves. You may need to reapply WD-40 and scrub gently if the wax is quite thick. The solvents in the WD-40 will break down the wax bonds over time with repeated application and wiping.

Once the wax is removed, wash the candlesticks with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly to remove any WD-40 residue. This method can be very effective at cleaning wax off crystal candlesticks without damage.

Vinegar

Vinegar is an effective and natural way to remove wax from crystal. To use vinegar, first make a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Mix together until thoroughly combined. Next, dip a soft cloth into the vinegar solution. Make sure the cloth is damp but not dripping wet. Gently wipe the cloth over the wax coated crystal candlesticks. The acetic acid in the vinegar will help dissolve and remove the built up wax residue. You may need to re-dip the cloth into the solution if it loses effectiveness. Be patient and persistent, changing out the vinegar solution as needed. Vinegar is a great option for removing wax as it is non-toxic and economical.

Polishing Crystal

Once you have removed all of the built-up wax, it’s a good idea to polish your crystal candlesticks to restore their beautiful shine. Use a gentle polishing cream or solution specifically designed for crystal. Apply a small amount to a soft lint-free cloth and rub the crystal gently in circular motions. Avoid using regular cleaning products or abrasives, as these can scratch the delicate surface of the crystal.

Polish the entire surface of the candlesticks, inside and out, until they gleam. Pay special attention to any etched or cut-crystal areas to really make them sparkle again. Always read the product instructions carefully and test in an inconspicuous spot before polishing valuable antique or heirloom crystal. With the proper polishing, you can revive the brilliance of your candlesticks and enjoy their transparent glow for years to come.

Preventing Future Buildup

To prevent wax from building up on your crystal candlesticks in the future, here are some tips:

Suggest placing wax catching trays under candlesticks when in use. The tray will collect any wax drips and prevent them from sticking to the candlestick. Look for trays specifically designed for this purpose.

Trim wicks regularly to prevent smoking. Long wicks tend to smoke more, which leads to airborne soot that can stick to candlesticks. Use wick trimmers to neatly trim wicks before each lighting.

Allow candles to fully cool before relighting to reduce wax drips. Hot candlesticks can lead to rapid melting and dripping when candles are relit too soon. Let the wax fully harden first.

With these preventative measures, you can help keep wax from building up on your crystal candlesticks over time. The occasional cleansing will still be needed, but buildup will be minimized.