Caring for Candles

Imagine that you’re set to host a fabulous dinner party. You’ve planned the perfect menu and have laid out your best linens. You go to retrieve the ten inch ivory tapers only to find them bent, crooked and severely out of shape. Your first thought might be to try and warm them to coax them back into shape. Think again. Although candles, particularly tapers appear to be very sturdy, they must be handled gently and with care when storing them. Here are a few tips to keep your tapers straight, and sturdy.

When purchased, tapers are wrapped individually and that’s the way you should store them. Wrap each candle separately in a soft cloth, or plain tissue paper and lay them flat. The longer the candle the more chance it will bend. Scented candles should be wrapped and then placed in a sealed plastic bag. This will keep them smelling like the day you bought them. Store them in a cool, dark place, and whatever you do don‘t store them in the freezer, they will crack.

How to Remove Candle Wax
You’ve set a lovely table and prepared the most divine meal. Your guests have said their good-byes and you return to the dining table only to find a pool of wax at the base of the candle. No worries, all is not lost.

One tried and tested method is to use an iron to remove wax from tablecloths, napkins, and other linens. Place a few thicknesses of paper towels under the linen, and cover the stain with a thinner layer of paper towels. Then set your iron to a temperature appropriate for the fabric you're treating. Apply gentle pressure on the top layer of paper with the heated iron to melt the wax. The wax will soften and be absorbed by the paper above and below the piece. Repeat if necessary, using fresh paper layers, until all the wax has been absorbed. If any spots remain you may have to use a cleaner to remove it. Check the label on the cleaner to make sure what you’re using is right for the fabric. You don’t want to create another problem. Then launder or dry clean as recommended.

If you have wax in glass votives or other candleholders place them in the freezer until the wax has hardened and becomes brittle. Use a dull knife to scrape away any residue and then wash with liquid detergent or place them in the dishwasher. A paste cleaner is best to remove residue from silver or other metal candleholders.

If by chance wax has dripped on your furniture, scrape the wax with a dull knife or preferably a plastic spatula. Waxy residue can be removed from wood with a creamy furniture polish. Spray hard tile like surfaces with a commercial cleaner and wipe dry with a cloth or paper towel. Now you’re ready for your next soiree.