What Is the Best Way to Clean Candles?

If you have candles in your home, there’s a good chance they accumulate dust and wax buildup over time. Luckily, cleaning candles can be as simple as taking them outside and hosing them down or as involved as spending some time with the steam cleaner to remove any buildup that has accumulated inside the container itself. Here you will learn about some unique ways to clean candles.

Clean Candles: The 10 Best Ways to Get Them Sparkling Clean

Cleaning candles can be tricky; you have to worry about getting wax off surfaces while also making sure the scent doesn’t go away. Here are ten ways to get your candles looking and smelling as good as new.

1) White Vinegar

White vinegar is most favorite cleaning product out there. When cleaning candles, it can be used in a few different ways. You can either soak your candles in white vinegar overnight or make a mixture of one part water and one part white vinegar and use that to clean the outside of your candles.

If your candles are dirty, you may want to try both methods. Use a soft cloth to avoid damaging the candle’s finish when applying the liquid. After you’ve cleaned them with white vinegar, rinse them off with water and dry them thoroughly before using them again.

2) Lemon Juice

This is an effective way to clean candles because it cuts through dirt and grime easily. Plus, it leaves behind a fresh, citrus scent that can make your home smell great. However, there are some things you should know about using lemon juice on your candles. For starters, if you have soft wax, then use caution when cleaning with lemon juice because it may cause the wax to melt.

Pour lemon juice into a small bowl. Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into the lemon juice. Rub the cloth over the whole surface of the candle. Allow the candle to dry entirely before relighting it. Repeat this process as necessary until the candle is clean.

3) Water, Dish Soap, and Ice Cubes

One of the best ways to clean candles is also the simplest: water, dish soap, and ice cubes. First, remove the wick from the candle. Next, fill a bowl with hot water and dish soap. Add the candle jar to the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes. Next, add a few ice cubes to the bowl and let them sit for a few minutes. Finally, remove the candle jar from the bowl and dry it with a clean towel. Replace the wick in the center of the jar, and you’re all set!

If you want to save time, try making your candle cleaner by mixing a gallon of water with three tablespoons of ammonia and five drops of Dawn Dish Soap. Dip the jar into this mixture until they’re entirely covered before letting them air-dry on their own.

4) Beeswax is Tough

If your candles are made of beeswax, you’re in for a challenge. Beeswax is tough to clean candles because it’s hard and doesn’t break down quickly. One way to get the wax off the candle without damaging the wick is to pour boiling water over it or hold it under running water while scrubbing with soap. You can also use a lint roller to remove most of the wax.

Dip the roller into hot water and then roll across the candle’s surface until all that remains is a thin layer of wax. Rinse off the remaining wax and pat dry with a towel. To make this method work best, apply pressure to the rolling motion rather than pulling away from the candle.

5) Baking Soda & Salt Scrub

This is another excellent way to clean candles if they start to look dull. Mix equal parts baking soda and salt, wet the candle, and rub the mixture onto the surface. Clean with warm water, and enjoy your clean candles!

6) Mixing Liquid Detergent & Water

Another way to clean candles is by mixing liquid detergent and water. You will need one part liquid detergent to two parts water. Mix the two, and then use a clean cloth to wipe down the candle. This method is excellent for removing any dirt or grime built up on the candle’s surface. However, it is not recommended if you have used too much scent.

When cleaning wax from your clothes, this method can be tricky because you might also end up removing the scent. It’s better to do a spot test before proceeding with this solution.

Another thing to remember when using this technique is that you should never pour hot water over the candle, as this could cause cracks in the glass container or wax seeping into crevices where it shouldn’t be.

7) Sunlight

One of the best ways to clean candles is to expose them to sunlight. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant that will help remove any dirt, dust, or grime built up on the candle’s surface. Plus, the heat from the sun will help soften any wax that has hardened, making it easier to remove. Place your candles in direct sunlight for about an hour, and you’ll see an immediate difference in their appearance. To prevent unsightly streaks on the glass container, cover your hand with one of those plastic grocery bags before picking up the candle to carry it outside.

8) Dawn Dishwashing Liquid & Water

Add a drop or two of Dawn dishwashing liquid to a cup of water. Swish the candle in the mixture and then rinse it with clean water. This will remove dirt, dust, or residue from the candle’s surface. You can also use this way to clean the wicks of your candles. Dip the tip of a cotton swab into dish soap and rub it over the wick, then rinse it off with clean water. Try it until there is no more soapy residue on the swab.

9) No More Wax Buildup with Hydrogen Peroxide

One of the leading causes of dirty candles is wax buildup. This can be caused by improper burning, not trimming the wick, or using a lower quality wax. But no matter the cause, you can quickly get rid of it with hydrogen peroxide. Pour some onto a paper towel and rub them on the affected areas. Let it sit for a few seconds, then wipe it away. You may need to do this a few times for stubborn buildup, but your candles will be good as new in no time!

10) Cornstarch + Rubbing Alcohol = Awesome Wicks

Did you know that you can clean your candle wicks with a mixture of cornstarch and rubbing alcohol? Mix equal parts of each in a bowl and dip your wicks in. Let them dry on a paper towel, and then trim them before relighting your candles. Your candles will burn much better (and cleaner!).

Plus, it’s inexpensive to get rid of leftover food or other dirt collected outside the glass or jar. You can also use the same trick for cleaning wine glasses!

5 Advantages to Cleaning Candles Carefully

Here are five advantages to cleaning candles carefully so you can enjoy them to their fullest potential and keep your home safe.

1) Cleaning Saves You Money

When you clean your candles, you essentially get more use out of them. This means you save money in the long run because you don’t have to replace them often. You can also choose to light them up while they’re still dirty, and they will work just fine! Additionally, using a paper towel with warm water is a way to wipe off some wax without ruining the wick. There are so many advantages to cleaning candles carefully!

2) You Won’t Get Sick

There are a lot of myths about candles and health risks- but one true thing is that dirty candles release harmful substances into the air. It’s essential to keep your home as safe as possible for everyone who lives there by cleaning your candles regularly.

3) They Last Longer

If you want your candles to last long , you must be careful when cleaning them. When properly cleaning your candles, you remove any dirt or debris that could shorten their lifespan. Making sure your candle stays pristine will continue to emit the fragrance and light for longer. And the less often you have to replace a candle due to burns or soot stains, the more money you’ll save.

4) You Can Enjoy Them More

When you take the time to clean your candles carefully, you can enjoy them more. The flame will be brighter, the scent will be spicier, and the overall experience will be more pleasant. Not to mention, you’ll extend the life of your candles so you can enjoy them even longer!

5) They Smell Better

When you take the time to clean your candles, they will smell better. This is because all the dirt and debris that can build up on them will be removed. As a result, your home will smell more sociable, and you’ll be able to enjoy your candles more. In addition, it might not seem like a big deal, but when someone comes over for dinner or drinks, it’s nice for their house to smell good too.

Final Words

Although candles are beautiful and their light adds ambiance to any room, they can be messy if you don’t clean them regularly. Regularly cleaning your candles ensures you don’t have a mess of wax to deal with when you want to use them again, whether in your living room or the kitchen while cooking dinner. These ten ways will surely help you keep your candles nice and clean, so they can continue to look fantastic in any room you place them in. Whether you use these methods individually or in combination, you’ll have sparkling clean candles that smell fresh and wonderful again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some essential questions about candle cleaning.

1. Why are my candle colors fading?

There are a few reasons why your candle colors may be fading. One reason could be that you’re not storing them properly. Candles should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent fading. Another reason could be that you’re burning the candles for too long. If you burn a candle for more than four hours at a time, the color will start to fade.

2. Why are there marks on my candle?

There are a few reasons why there might be marks on your candle. One reason is that the wick was too long when you lit it and burned down the candle’s side. Another reason could be that the flame was too high, which can cause soot to build up on the sides of the candle. You can also get marks from drafts in the room, which can cause the flame to flicker and leave soot on the sides of the candle.

3. My wick is dry; what should I do?

If your wick is dry, you can re-hydrate it by soaking it in water for a few minutes. Once it’s soaked, squeeze out the excess water and relight your candle. You may need to trim your wick after relighting.

4. How Do I Need To Clean Them?

Depending on how often you use your candles, you may need to clean them every few weeks. The more you burn them, the more frequently they should be cleaned. Candle wax is designed to seal the fragrance and not release it into the air when lit. When a candle burns for a long time, the flame melts the entire surface of the candle.

5. How do I know if my candle is dirty?

If your candle starts smoking when lit, or if the flame is flickering more than usual, it might be an opportunity to give it a good cleaning. You can also tell by how fast the wick burns down. If you’re getting about two hours’ worth of burning time before it’s almost gone, you know it’s time for a clean!