The history, use and value of candles – removing candle wax – the cold method

Sometimes the hot wax removal method isn’t suitable, so here’s the system for getting rid of wax spills and drips using the cold method and a list of materials on which it can be used:

Removing wax from wood furniture

To remove wax stains or spills by the cold method, wrap some ice in a towel and then place it in a plastic bag. The plastic will protect the furniture from melting ice. Now lay or press the ice pack over the wax and let sit for five to fifteen minutes. As the ice makes the wax brittle, scrape it away, very carefully, with a plastic kitchen spatula – you may find the one provided to chip ice from your freezer is ideal for this. Work slowly so as not to gouge the surface but if you work for more than five minutes, apply more ice for five minutes to ensure the wax remains brittle – for very soft woods like pine, try wrapping the edge of the spatula with a paper towel to reduce the chances of damaging the finish.

You can use this method to remove wax from: cork tiles, lino, plastic surfaces, alabaster, aluminium, bamboo and cane furniture, brass and other metals, ceramics and glass or tiles, concrete, flagstone floors and granite worktops, grout, limestone, painted surfaces, porcelain (but with care, it’s very brittle), slate (often more effective than the hot method for slate), and vinyl.

Where appropriate, finish by wiping with a sponge dipped in a solution of washing soda or detergent and water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

Cold Wax Candle photograph by qmnonic, used under a creative commons attribution licence