Remove Wax from a Glass Table Top

Candles are a beloved source of fragrance and natural, soft lighting. However, the wax buildup they leave behind can be difficult to remove, especially from a surface that can easily crack or scratch like glass table top. With some patience and the right tools, you can easily remove wax buildup and keep your glass table top looking new.

Steps

Melting the Wax

  1. Heat up the wax. While wax hardens and becomes difficult to remove after it dries, it can easily be melted again by applying heat. In its melted state, it will be much easier to remove.
    • While you can use a microwave or boiling water to melt wax off a glass plate or votive candle stick,[1] you’ll want to find an easier method for a table.
    • Use a hair dryer to heat up the wax until it becomes viscous.[2]
  2. Remove the wax. Use a damp cloth or a soft sponge to wipe the wax off the table.
    • Use a flat, dragging motion instead of dabbing at the wax.
  3. Clean the glass. Spray the area with glass cleaner and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth.

Using a Solvent

  1. Dissolve the wax. Use a solvent like window cleaner, rubbing alcohol, drain cleaner, bleach or vinegar[3] to dissolve the wax and separate it from the glass surface, making it easy to remove.
    • Spray or pour the solvent on the waxy area until it begins to dissolve.
  2. Remove the wax. Use a damp cloth or a soft sponge to wipe the wax off the table.
    • Use a flat, dragging motion instead of dabbing at the wax.
    • Repeat application of the solvent and wiping until the wax buildup is gone.
  3. Clean the glass. Spray the area with glass cleaner and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth.

Scraping the Wax

  1. Use as a last resort. Scraping is not ideal because you could end up damaging your glass surface. Preferably, you will only be scraping small amounts of wax that remain after trying the previous methods to remove the largest chunks.[4]
  2. Use a window scraper. A wide, plastic window scraper is the most ideal tool for the job. Work slowly and try to slide the scraper under the wax rather than cutting down into it.
    • This method is both more efficient for peeling off larger chunks and is less likely to cut into the glass.[5]
  3. Use a razorblade. If you don’t have a scraper or if the edge isn’t sharp enough, a razorblade is your last resort.
    • The risk of damaging the surface is even greater so be very careful and try to keep the blade parallel to the surface to minimize scratching.
    • Make sure you’ve thoroughly loosened the wax with heat or a solvent before using a blade.
  4. Remove the wax. Use a damp cloth or a soft sponge to wipe the wax off the table.
    • Use a flat, dragging motion instead of dabbing at the wax.
  5. Clean the glass. Spray the area with glass cleaner and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth.

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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.auntpeaches.com/2012/09/how-to-remove-candle-wax-from-glass.html
  2. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-remove-candle-wax-from-just-about-everything-164694
  3. ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/tip/remove-candle-wax-clean.html
  4. ↑ http://www.stain-removal-101.com/candle-wax-stain-removal.html
  5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/how-to-get-wax-any-surface

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