How Do You Remove Mold From Pillar Candles?

Mold growth on candles, while not overly common, can occur under certain conditions involving moisture, humidity, and poor storage. Though visually unappealing, mold on candles poses potential health hazards if inhaled or touched. Mold release allergenic spores that can trigger reactions, especially for those with sensitivities. Removing candle mold properly reduces risk and saves candles intended for use.

Effective mold removal relies on mild, natural ingredients for scrubbing, disinfecting, and dehumidifying candles. With proper supplies, technique, and care, you can thoroughly clean pillar candles of mold for safer burning. Proper storage and upkeep will then prevent future mold growth.

Assess Severity of Mold

The first step in removing mold from pillar candles is to assess the severity of the mold growth. Examine the candle closely and look at the size and spread of the mold. A few small spots that have just started to grow may be able to be cleaned, while large widespread patches likely mean the candle is too far gone and should be discarded.

According to experts at Twistavants, “If the mold covers more than a quarter of the candle, it’s best to throw it away completely.” (Source) Mold that has penetrated deep into the wax will be nearly impossible to fully remove. The smell and spores released from extensive mold growth can also pose health hazards.

In general, minor mold growth concentrated in just a few areas can likely be cleaned off and removed. However, if the mold is widespread and covers large portions of the candle, it is best to discard the candle entirely.

Prepare Workspace

It’s important to prepare your workspace properly before beginning to remove the mold from pillar candles. This will help contain the mess and prevent mold spores from spreading throughout your home (How To Remove Mold Safely (Precautions For DIYers)).

First, work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors if possible. Opening windows or working near an exhaust fan will help circulate fresh air and prevent a buildup of mold spores (How to Remove Mold Safely). Wear a protective mask to avoid inhaling any mold.

Second, cover your work surface with plastic sheeting, newspaper, or disposable mats to contain any mold, wax, or cleaning solutions that may drip or splatter. Tape down the edges of the covering. You may also want to spread out some layers of newspaper that can be discarded later.

Make sure you have all necessary supplies nearby – candles, vinegar, plastic bags, scrub brush, paper towels, etc. Wear gloves and goggles for protection.

Scrape Off Mold

The easiest and most effective way to physically remove the mold from pillar candles is by scraping. Use a plastic scraper or a dull butter knife to gently scrape the mold off the surface of the candle. Start at the top or bottom and slowly work around the circumference of the candle, holding the scraper at a 45 degree angle as you work. Take care to not gouge or scratch the candle itself. Once you’ve scraped around the entire candle, visually inspect it again and repeat the scraping process on any stubborn spots of mold that remain.

When scraping mold off candles, be sure to avoid breathing in any of the mold spores. If possible, take the project outside or work in a well-ventilated area. You may choose to wear a protective mask or respirator while scraping to prevent inhaling the mold. Open any nearby windows and avoid hovering directly over the candle as you scrape. Once finished, immediately dispose of the mold scrapings in a sealed bag. With a bit of effort and care, you can safely scrape those unsightly mold spots off pillar candles.

Wipe With Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective and natural way to kill mold on candles. To use it, dilute white distilled vinegar with an equal amount of water in a spray bottle. Then spray the moldy areas of the candle and wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel.

The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down the mold and prevent spores from spreading. Let the vinegar solution sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping to allow it time to penetrate and kill mold at the roots. Scrub gently if needed to fully remove stubborn mold.

Vinegar is safe for pillar candles made from paraffin, soy, or beeswax. It will not damage the candle wax. Repeat the wiping process until all visible mold is gone. Be sure to get into crevices and small gaps where mold can hide.

Let the candle dry completely before burning to prevent flames from catching on any vinegar residue. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries. You can also place the candle in sunlight or blow it with a fan to speed drying.

For reference: A Guide to Cleaning Mold with Vinegar

Sunlight and Airflow

One of the most effective natural methods for killing mold on candles is exposure to direct sunlight. According to the article “Can Sunlight Kill Mold? | Sunlight vs Bleach | Cleaning 101“, sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and can be used to kill mold growth. When candles are placed in direct sunlight, the UV rays work to kill the mold.

To fully expose the candle to sunlight, rotate the candle periodically so that all surfaces get direct light. The mold needs consistent, prolonged exposure to sunlight in order to be fully eliminated. While brief sunlight will start killing the mold, rotating the candle and leaving it in the sun for at least a few hours is recommended to fully eradicate mold on all surfaces.

Sunlight has the added benefit of being completely free and natural. Combined with proper airflow, sunlight provides an effective one-two punch to remove mold from pillar candles.

Alternatives to Vinegar

Vinegar is a common household product that works well for removing mold from pillar candles. However, there are a few other options you can try if you don’t have vinegar on hand:

Rubbing alcohol is effective at killing mold and can be applied to the candle with a cloth. Be sure to use a high percentage isopropyl alcohol like 70% or 91%. Hydrogen peroxide is another alternative that can help lift mold off the candle surface through its bubbly reaction. Use 3% hydrogen peroxide and test on a small area first.

Essential oils like tea tree oil have natural antifungal properties. Dilute some tea tree oil in water and wipe it on the mold with a soft cloth. You may need to scrub gently. Other oils like clove, thyme, and lemon can also work. Just be careful using oils on candles as they can leave behind residue.

The key is finding a solution that can kill mold and help loosen it from the candle surface when gently wiped. Vinegar is usually easiest, but rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or essential oils can also get the job done if you don’t have vinegar available.

Avoiding Future Mold Growth

The key to preventing mold from growing on candles is proper storage and maintenance. Candles should be kept in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity. A dark, well-ventilated cupboard or closet is ideal.

It’s also important to keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excessive smoke and wax drips which can accumulate soot and dirt. Soot provides food for mold spores. Trim wicks every few uses with a sharp pair of scissors.

Additionally, allow candles to burn completely and fully before extinguishing. Partially burned candles tend to develop more soot. Burn candles in well-ventilated areas and space them apart when burning multiple candles to allow airflow.

Candles stored for long periods of time can be susceptible to dust and debris settling on the wax surface, which can provide a home for mold. Wipe down the surface periodically with a dry cloth. If mold does develop, address it promptly before it has a chance to spread.

When to Toss

If mold persists after multiple attempts at cleaning, it’s best to discard the candle. Mold spores can be difficult to fully remove once established in a candle’s wax. According to Rockridgecandles, moldy candles can cause respiratory irritation, so it’s not worth continuing to try to salvage a candle with stubborn mold.

Additionally, if the mold has caused the candle to melt and warp in shape, it will likely not burn properly anymore. The wick may become off-center or the wax pool uneven.

As one Reddit user commented, “If I don’t need the mold or the candle I give it one or two days.” They were referring to waiting after pouring a candle to remove it from the mold. But this sentiment also applies to tossing a candle once mold has set in – if the mold is persistent and the candle deformed, it’s better to discard it rather than continue trying to clean.

According to Twistavants, if the candle has melted and changed shape significantly, it likely cannot be salvaged. The scent and quality will also be compromised at that point. It’s advisable to toss the candle and start fresh with a new one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several effective techniques for removing mold from pillar candles. Carefully scraping off surface mold with a plastic scraper can remove mild contamination. For more stubborn mold, wiping candles down with white vinegar can help kill mold spores and remove discoloration. Letting candles air out in sunlight helps kill mold and dry candles. While vinegar is commonly used, alternatives like lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda solution also work. Avoiding moisture and direct contact between candles can prevent future mold growth. However, if mold returns or covers a large area, it’s best to discard candles to avoid health risks. When handling moldy candles, take precautions like wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area.

With proper mold removal and prevention methods, pillar candles can be restored safely. But remember to always be cautious when dealing with mold, as exposure can negatively impact health.