How Do You Remove Candle Burn From Glass?

Candle jars are a popular decor item in many homes. The ambient lighting and pleasant scents they provide can create cozy atmospheres. However, as candles burn down, wax melts and drips down the sides of the glass jar. Over time, this can leave behind a buildup of hardened wax that is unsightly and difficult to remove.

Getting rid of candle wax on glass takes a bit of work, but it can be done through various DIY methods. With some household items and a little elbow grease, you can restore glass candle holders to their original pristine condition.

Why Candle Wax Sticks

Candle wax is designed to adhere as it melts. The ingredients that make up candle wax, such as paraffin, are sticky substances that bond to surfaces easily. When the wax melts from the heat of the candle flame, it liquefies and flows. As it cools and hardens again, the wax forms a grip on the material it spilled on, which is why it seems to stubbornly stick to glass and other smooth surfaces. The melted wax seeps into microscopic cracks and crevices on the surface, and then recrystallizes and sets into those spaces as it hardens again. This mechanical adherence makes removing hardened candle wax a bit tricky.

Sources:

https://www.decasacollections.com/how-to-remove-candle-wax-from-glass-coffee-tables/

Prevention Tips

You can prevent a lot of wax buildup on glass by taking some simple precautions when burning candles:

• Always keep candles in a proper holder or container, don’t burn them directly on a table or other surface.

• Don’t let candles burn for too long – extinguish them after a few hours.

• Trim wicks to 1⁄4” before lighting to prevent smoke and excess melting.

• Avoid drafts and vents that can cause the flame to flicker and wax to melt unevenly.

• Use a candle snuffer or wet fingers to extinguish, avoiding blowing which can spray wax.

Taking steps like these will help keep melted wax under control and prevent major buildup on glass holders or surrounding surfaces.

Remove while Still Soft

One of the easiest methods for removing candle wax from glass is to wipe it away while it’s still warm and soft. The cooler the wax gets, the harder it will be to remove. So act quickly as soon as you notice any drips or spills before the wax has a chance to fully harden. Use a paper towel, soft cloth, or sponge to gently wipe away the warm wax. Don’t use anything abrasive that could potentially scratch the glass surface.

According to experts at Apartment Therapy, “Use a blow dryer to soften the wax, and then wipe it away with a soft cloth. Resist the temptation to chip away at the wax. This can damage the wood or finish.” [1]

Ice Cube Method

One of the easiest methods for removing candle wax from glass is using an ice cube to freeze and harden the wax, making it easy to scrape off. This works because wax contracts when it is exposed to cold temperatures. Here is how to do it:

1. Allow any remaining liquid wax to fully harden and cool.
2. Place an ice cube directly on top of the wax deposit. Hold it in place for 1-2 minutes.
3. The ice cube will cause the wax to contract and harden. Check if the wax feels hard and brittle.
4. Use a plastic scraper or old credit card to scrape the hardened wax off the glass surface. You can also try dental floss by sawing it back and forth over the wax.
5. For stubborn deposits, reapply the ice cube and scrape again until you’ve removed all the wax.
6. Wipe the glass clean with a soft cloth.

The ice cube trick is often the fastest and easiest way to remove dried candle wax from glass holders, surfaces, and jars. The cold temperature solidifies the wax so it can be peeled or scraped off. Make sure to test on an inconspicuous spot first.

Sources: Lifehacker, Instructables

Hair Dryer

One of the simplest ways to remove candle wax from glass is by using a handheld hair dryer. The concentrated heat from the hair dryer will warm up and soften the wax, allowing you to gently scrape or peel it away.

To use this method, start by taking the glass object and holding it at an angle. Using a low or medium heat setting, aim the hairdryer at the wax spot and heat it for 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to hold the dryer too close or keep it aimed in one spot for too long, as this could potentially crack the glass. The wax should begin melting and you may see it start to drip.

Once softened, you can take a plastic scraper, old credit card, or other thin tool to gently scrape the wax off the glass surface. Try to peel it off in strips or flakes rather than scraping vigorously. The wax should come off cleanly, but you may need to reheat and scrape a couple times to fully remove residue. Wipe the area with a paper towel to get rid of any leftover stickiness.

According to Ron Hazelton (source), this is an easy and effective way to remove wax from glass and other surfaces. The heat melts and lifts the wax so you can wipe it away without much elbow grease. Just be careful with antiques, thin glassware, or other delicate items.

Dental Floss

If the candle wax has hardened on the glass surface, dental floss can be used to slice it off. Dental floss is thin and sturdy enough to cut through the wax. Simply lay the floss over the wax buildup and pull it sideways under tension. The floss will slice through the wax, allowing you to remove pieces at a time. This may take some effort and patience, but dental floss is inexpensive and easy to control for precision. Some people recommend waxed dental floss for this purpose, as the wax coating allows the floss to glide more smoothly over the candle wax. See this video for a demonstration of using dental floss to remove candle wax: Oil Candle Wick – How to Easily Rethread the Cotton Wick.

Use Vinegar to Dissolve the Wax

Vinegar is an effective and natural way to remove candle wax from glass surfaces. The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down the wax, making it easier to wipe away. To use this method:

Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray the solution directly onto the wax. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. The vinegar will start dissolving the wax.

Use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently scrape off the softened wax. Take care not to scratch the glass. You can also use a microfiber cloth to buff off any remaining wax residue.

For stubborn spots, reapply the vinegar solution and let it sit longer before scrubbing. The wax should come off smoothly.

Once all the wax is removed, wipe the glass clean with a soft cloth and water to get rid of any vinegar smell. Allow the glass to fully dry. Your glass will look shiny and wax-free.

Vinegar is a cheap, effective option compared to commercial wax removers. It’s also non-toxic and safe for most surfaces. Just remember to spot test first, and never use vinegar on marble or stone.[1]

Razor Blade Scraper

If the wax has already hardened, you can use a razor blade scraper to gently scrape it off the glass. This method takes a bit of patience and a steady hand, but it is effective at removing even stubborn wax residue.

Start by taking a new, sharp razor blade and securely attaching it to a holder. This gives you something easy and safe to grip while scraping. Then, hold the razor blade at a 45 degree angle against the glass and gently scrape in short strokes. Let the razor do the work – don’t apply too much pressure or you risk scratching the glass.

Scrape slowly and methodically until you have removed all of the wax. Be extra careful on curved pieces. Rinse with warm water and dry completely when finished scraping. The glass should now be clean and free of wax!

Prevention and Cleanup

Here are some key tips for preventing candle wax from sticking to glass surfaces as well as cleaning it up if it does:

• Place candles on a candle plate or bowl so any dripping wax will be caught.

• Put foil or a paper towel under candles to protect surfaces.

• Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and dripping.

• Wipe up spilled wax immediately while it’s still warm and soft.

• If wax hardens, use ice to freeze it and make it brittle so it chips off easier.

• Try a hair dryer to heat and loosen hardened wax for removal.

• Use dental floss to saw off wax pieces.

• Apply vinegar and scrape with a plastic card or razor blade.

With some preparation and prompt cleaning, candle wax on glass can be prevented or removed before staining the surface.