Cleaning candle wax from glass
 

I have some frosted glass holders designed for taper candles. They get covered in a patina of candle wax every so often, which looks very ugly.

Initially, I tried melting the wax off with a match, but the residue is such a thin film that it dries or melts in about a second. I eventually used white spirit soaked tissue paper to clean them, and though that worked well it took a while.

Does anybody know a faster method?

http://www.candlewic.com/candle-wax/wax-overview.asp

it seems that candle wax has a melting point well under the boiling point of water.

Would the candle holders be harmed by immersion in near-boiling water? (I'd think you'd want to slowly heat them up actually, heating crystals quickly can cause them to shatter).

I've had luck putting candle holders in the freezer overnight and then chipping off the wax in the morning. Couldn't hurt to try.

I use a butter knife to get the wax off. I would boil water then pour it on it, or steam it off.

Paint thinner (same as white spirits I think?) and/or putting it under running hot water always worked for me. Rubbing alcohol or Windwx will take off any smudges left over by the paint thinner.

Another recommendation for the freezer. It makes the wax brittle and easy to remove with a butter knife.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll put them to use next time :)

Just saw this on a housejold tips show. Use a hair dryer on high. As the wax melts soak it up in a paper towel. They said its also the best way to get it off silver or the table.

Most waxes are soluble in alcohol so that should take it off.

Given that your holders are frosted glass I have my doubts about using a knife or razor on them. For smooth glass I find a single-edged razor is great for removing most foreign substances, including wax and tape adhesive.

I successfully got candle wax off a pair of eyeglasses lenses one time by running them under hot tapwater and rubbing them with paper towel.

Yes, I have heard this too, and it sounds like the least damaging or messy option.

You know it is best to remove your glasses *before* lurkette drips candle wax on your nipples...

I haven't tried it myself, but I bet a citrus-based cleaner like Goo Gone would work great. It's amazing how well that stuff tackles adhesive residue.

WD40 cleans everything ;)

nothing a bit of acetone can't clean off :D

Thanks for all the further suggestions :)

I use a steam cleaner, one of the ones that shoots a jet of steam.