How to get rid of wax residue on candleholders – a step-by-step guide
25/2/2026
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Pia Seidel
You can remove wax stains on candleholders with simple methods and a bit of patience. This avoids damage and gets the holders gleaming again.
The first crocuses are peeking through the ground, signalling the end of cosy winter evenings. But traces often remain in the shape of wax drips on candleholders. There are two types of people where this is concerned – Team Ignore or Team Remove. Which camp are you in?
I confess, I’m usually on Team Ignore, as [this article](/page/unvollkommen-aber-wertvoll-was-mich-tropfende-kerzen-in-mexiko-ueber-das-leben-lehrten-35914 shows. But I make an exception for my elegant Valse floor candleholder from Ferm Living.
Wax drips, hair and dust mar the pristine look of this design piece, so I carefully remove residues – without chemicals or heavy tools. Here’s how I do it.
1. Preparation
First, I make sure the candleholder’s completely cool to avoid burns from any hot wax. Then I slide something such as a kitchen towel underneath it or place it on carpet.
2. Remove excess wax
I use a plastic spatula to carefully remove larger pieces of wax residue.
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A wooden stick’s useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and carefully removing wax residue. Avoid metal tools, as they can damage the surface.
3. Warm the wax
For stubborn wax residue, I carefully warm affected areas with a hairdryer on a low setting, holding it about 15 to 20 centimetres away to avoid damaging the surface. As soon as the wax softens, I wipe it off with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Clean the surface
I dip a soft microfibre cloth into a mix of warm water and mild washing-up liquid, then gently clean the surface.
5. Finishing touches
Finally, I dry the candleholder with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water marks. If yours has a glossy finish, you can use a metal polish specifically formulated for powder-coated iron. Test the product on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the coating.
The proper care makes my Valse candleholder look brand new. At least until the next candle decorates it with Monet-esque streaks.
Header image: Pia Seidel
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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