How to clean crystal candle holders

Crystal candle holders add an elegant touch to a lovely table setting, a side table, a window frame or any other place of your choice. They are beautiful on their own or paired together for a unique result. But once in a while – or perhaps quit often – you may be left with a wax-ridden mess that mars the once so beautiful crystal. We all know how difficult it can be to remove wax from any surface. That is why you need our guide on how to clean crystal candle holders. We help you keep your crystal nice and shiny. 

Tips on how to clean crystal candle holders – do not do this!

To prevent damage, your crystal candle holders must be washed individually using water and non-abrasive products. When drying your crystal décor, place it on a towel or an absorbent paper towel to drain. Always use a lint-free delicate cotton towel or a linen towel. Do not place the candle holders in the freezer, oven, dishwasher, or microwave. This may sound ridiculous, but there are tips on cleaning candle holders from wax by putting them in the oven or microwave. Extreme temperatures can crack or break the crystal.

You should always avoid pouring hot or cold liquids into your candle holders. It is also essential not to allow the candle holder to scrape against other hard objects. 

How to remove wax from candlesticks in 4 easy steps

So how do you get wax out of crystal candle holders? First, you must do this using the proper methods. Follow these easy steps, and we promise a flawless result.

1. Be thorough 

Rule number one when figuring out how to get the wax off your candlesticks is; do not try to remove the wax when it's still hot. You will only burn your fingers. The one thing you can do is to carefully wipe away some of it with a paper towel. Wipe from the edges of the wax towards the middle to avoid spreading the wax and worsening the situation. 

Remove the thick areas when the wax is cold using your fingernails or a plastic knife. Do not use your silverware, this will scratch the crystal. 

2. Warm it up

It is often the thin coating of wax that is difficult to remove. Fill a bowl with hot tap water (not too hot) and put the waxy parts of the candle holders in the water. When ten minutes have passed, pick up the candlesticks from the water and wipe the wax off with a soft towel or paper. 

Another alternative is to pour hot water (not too hot) into the candle chamber to soften the wax. Remember to pour the waxy water over a stack of paper towels when done, to prevent wax from entering the drain. Finally, wipe the wax that is still left in the candle chamber with a paper towel.

3. Clean the candle holders from the cloudy surface

The big struggle with wax is that it will leave a cloudy and dirty surface on your candle holders. To get rid of this surface, we recommend washing them in medium warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or dishcloth. Finish up by drying with a clean and soft, absorbent dish towel.

How to clean crystal candle holders from black smoke

Do you have marks from black smoke on your crystal candle holders? There are several ways to make them go away. The simplest method is wiping the crystal with a damp cloth and water. Using a wet cloth is a quick and cheap way of removing black smoke from crystal – if it works. 

Won't the marks go away? Luckily, there are several other methods as well. First, try the soaking method. Fill a large bowl with non-abrasive soap and water. Let your candle holder stay in the water for about twenty minutes – then rinse it off and dry it with a soft towel. 

The vinegar solution is also a fantastic way to remove black smoke from crystal or glass surfaces. Vinegar is an excellent cleaner and disinfectant. Mix one cup vinegar, three cups warm water and one tablespoon of ammonia. Let it sit for 30 seconds before using a cotton cloth to remove it.

Can I prevent black smoke from staining crystal candleholders? 

Prevent smoke from staining your crystal candle holder by trimming the wick. Candle wicks give off black smoke and create stains. Keeping candle wicks trimmed will reduce black soot from your crystal home scents and tealight holders. 

You should always be cautious of how long you have kept your candle burning. When candles burn too long, they mushroom and give off black smoke. So, give your candles a break once in a while to trim the wick and prevent black smoke.