Brooke Martin
Votive candle holders are a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but they can be frustrating to clean. Over time, melted wax can build up inside the holders, making them look cloudy, messy, and difficult to reuse. The best way to clean them is to prevent wax buildup in the first place. This can be done by adding a small amount of water to the holder before inserting the candle. However, if you already have wax buildup, there are several methods you can use to clean your votive candle holders, including boiling water, microwaving, freezing, using an oven, or a dishwasher.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cleaning Votive Candle Holders:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Add a teaspoon of water under the candle to prevent wax from sticking to the holder |
| Coat the inside of the votive with cooking spray or vegetable oil | |
| Trim candle wicks to reduce excess soot and black stains | |
| Removing Wax | Use hot water, boiling water, or warm tap water to melt the wax |
| Freeze the votive to shrink the wax and make it pop out | |
| Use a knife to cut and remove wax (be careful not to scratch the glass) | |
| Put the votive on a candle warmer to melt the wax, then wipe out with a paper towel | |
| Use an embossing heat gun to melt the wax residue, then wipe with a paper towel | |
| Put the votive in the oven at 200 degrees F for 15 minutes to melt the wax | |
| Use a dishwasher to remove wax residue |
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What You'll Learn
Using boiling water
Boiling water is an effective way to clean out candle wax from votive candle holders without damaging them. It is also a quick and easy method that does not require much scrubbing.
Before you begin, make sure the wax inside your candle holder has completely cooled. When wax is in a melted or soft state, it is much harder to remove, and it can create a bigger mess. Let the wax harden, which makes it easier to break apart and extract. You can speed up the hardening process by placing the votive in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. If the wax is still slightly soft, give it more time to cool before moving to the next step. Once the wax has fully hardened, take a butter knife or a dull kitchen tool and carefully press into the wax to break it up.
Now, turn your votive over and place it in a disposable foil take-out container. Putting it on an irregular surface will allow some airspace around the rims. Heat some water to a temperature of 250°-300°F in a pre-heated oven or on a stovetop. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as it may ignite. Pour the boiling water into the jar and allow the wax to melt and rise to the top.
Let the water cool for several hours. Drain out the water and skim or pop the wax off the top. Repeat the process if wax remains. Finally, wash the jar with soap and hot water, and a grease-cutting dish detergent if needed.
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Freezing the votive
To use this method, place the votive in the freezer for around 10-15 minutes to harden any wax inside. This will make it easier to break apart and extract. After the wax has hardened, take the votive out of the freezer. You may need to run a butter knife around the edge to help separate the wax from the glass. Be careful not to scratch the glass with the knife. Once the wax is loose, it should pop out easily. If there is only a thin layer of wax, or the candle has burned unevenly, this method may not be as effective, and you may need to use a different technique, such as boiling water, to fully clean your votive.
Freezing is a good way to clean candle wax out of votives, but it may not be the best method for preventing wax buildup. One way to do this is to add a small amount of water to the bottom of the votive before inserting a new candle. This will prevent the wax from sticking to the glass, and the votive can simply be washed with soapy water when you are finished with it.
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Scraping with a knife
Scraping candle wax out of a votive candle holder with a knife is a viable method, but it requires extra effort and can scratch the glass. Before using a knife, make sure the wax inside the candle holder has completely cooled. When wax is in a melted or soft state, it’s much harder to remove and can create a bigger mess. Letting the wax harden makes it easier to break apart and extract. You can speed up the hardening process by placing the votive in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. If the wax is still slightly soft, give it more time to cool before moving to the next step. Once the wax has fully hardened, take a butter knife or a dull kitchen tool and carefully press into the wax to break it up. If your candle burned evenly, the wax might come out in large pieces. However, if it has melted unevenly or left a thin layer at the bottom, it may require a bit more effort to remove. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don’t want to crack or scratch the glass. If you’re struggling to remove the wax, don’t worry! While scraping with a knife can be effective, it is important to note that it may not be the best method for removing wax from a votive candle holder, as it can be time-consuming and may damage the glass.
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Using an oven
To clean a votive candle holder using an oven, follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to note that this method is intended for glass votive candle holders. Always exercise caution when handling hot glass items to avoid injury. Before placing the candle holder in the oven, ensure that any remaining wax inside the holder has completely cooled and hardened.
Preheat your oven to a temperature between 200°F and 300°F. The exact temperature may depend on your oven's settings and the type of wax in the candle holder. Place a metal baking or roasting pan inside the oven. This pan will catch any melted wax that drips from the candle holder. Turn the candle holder upside down and place it on the metal pan. This will allow the wax to drain out of the holder and onto the pan as it melts.
Leave the candle holder in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the process, as the wax should melt and release from the holder. Once the wax has melted, carefully remove the candle holder from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Be cautious of the hot wax and glass. Allow the candle holder to cool down to room temperature.
After it has cooled, use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining wax residue from the candle holder. You can also use a small amount of solvent, such as lighter fluid, to help remove any stubborn wax film. Finally, wash the candle holder as you would normally wash your glassware. Ensure that you dispose of the melted wax and paper towels safely or reuse them for other purposes, such as fire-starters for camping.
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Using a dishwasher
Preparing the Candle Holders:
Before placing the candle holders in the dishwasher, it is essential to remove as much wax as possible. One effective method is to freeze the candle holders, which makes it easier to pop out the wax. Put the candle holders in the freezer overnight, and in the morning, use a knife to gently remove the frozen wax. Alternatively, you can use an embossing heat gun to melt the wax residue, and then wipe it away with a paper towel before placing the holders in the dishwasher.
Choosing the Right Cycle:
Select a very hot cycle on your dishwasher to ensure that any remaining wax residue is melted and washed away. Check your dishwasher's settings to find the hottest option available. It is worth noting that some sources suggest using hot water rather than placing delicate candle holders in the dishwasher, as there is a risk of cracking or damage.
Placing the Candle Holders in the Dishwasher:
Ensure that your candle holders fit comfortably in the dishwasher. Place them securely in the dishwasher's rack, leaving enough space for the water and detergent to circulate effectively. If you have particularly delicate candle holders, consider hand washing them or using a gentler cleaning method to avoid the risk of damage.
Adding Detergent and Running the Cycle:
Use a grease-cutting dish detergent in your dishwasher to help remove any remaining wax residue. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate amount of detergent to use. Once the detergent is dispensed, close the dishwasher and start the cycle.
Post-Dishwasher Care:
After the dishwasher cycle is complete, carefully remove your votive candle holders and inspect them for any remaining wax residue. If necessary, use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe away any residual wax. Allow the candle holders to air dry completely before using them again.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to clean a votive candle holder is to prevent wax from sticking to the glass in the first place. Add about half an inch of water to the holder before inserting the candle and lighting it. The votive candle will pop right out when it's time to replace it.
There are several methods to remove wax from a votive candle holder. One common method is to boil water in a kettle and fill the votive two-thirds of the way with it. The hot water will melt the wax, causing it to rise to the top. Once the water has cooled, the wax will harden, and you can simply press down on one side to pop it out.
Some other methods include freezing the votive, using an oven, or chiselling out the wax with a knife. The freezing method involves placing the votive in the freezer to shrink the wax so that it pops out. The oven method involves placing the candle holders on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to melt the wax. The knife method involves softening the wax by warming a pan of water and then lifting the wax out with a knife.
