How to: Removing Wax from a Candle Holder
I hate discovering a great candle holder only to find it's covered in scratches and gouges from misguided attempts at removing overspill wax. As with most things, there's a simple trick to removing wax—boiling water. This works best with metal and ceramic holders—it simply washes away. A little dry and polish and the holder's as good as new.
Boiling water can damage wooden holders—though I've used the tactic more than once on wood without damage. Simply dry the wood immediately afterward and apply some lemon oil to condition it after the treatment. Other options include putting the wooden holder in the freezer then breaking the frozen wax off (though the grain might retain some of the wax's color) or applying a blow dryer to melt the wax before wiping it away.
Want to know how to give new life to something old? If we know how to do it, we're happy to share. Let us know.
