by Jeff Herman
Do you become frustrated when trying to remove wax from your candle holders? Do you go pawing into your flatware drawer to find just the right size knife to dig out the wax? Do you run the piece under hot water, only to create a big mess? Well, here's a simple, a non-invasive technique: use your hair dryer! Be careful not to get the object too hot if it's weighted or lacquered, and you don't want to burn yourself. Warm the candle cup or other area that has dripped wax. Lightly touch the area with your finger to make sure it's not too hot, then wipe the area or wrap a paper towel around your finger and wipe out the candle cup.
Always support the cup from underneath with your hand. If the opening is too small for
your finger, gently stuff (don't force) the paper towel into the cup and twist. Cotton
swabs also work very well, especially on Hanukkah lamps with very small candle cups. Use
as much fresh paper towel or as many cotton swabs as needed, otherwise, you will
repeatedly reapply the wax you're removing. If residue remains use a non-abrasive silver
polish and cotton ball or cotton towel to remove it. Use dripless candles whenever
possible and remove any wax residue after every use. Using this technique will greatly
reduce maintenance time.