Guest Author - Benito Lugo
You've just finished your latest candle making project, now it's time for cleaning up. Everyone enjoys the art of making candles but we all dread the cleanup. Just as in making candles, approaching the cleanup needs to be just as methodical. Once you learn to approach the cleanup routinely, every candle making project will be more enjoyable.
There are commercially available candle cleaning kits available to help in removing stubborn stains and wax buildup from equipment and supplies. These can be purchased online or at your local craft store.
Any unused wax can be melted and reused for another candle. While wax is still liquid, pour excess wax into an old pan lined with wax paper. Never pour wax down drains. It will cool down and clog the drain.
Place molds, metal spoons and any other supplies in boiling water until wax melts. Use a pair of tongs to remove items from water and wipe with paper towels. Any glass items can be placed in freezer. Wax will shrink and easily pop out. Keeping your candle making supplies clean will help prolong their use and save the candle maker money.
Proper care of your candle molds will help prolong their use for any future projects. Leaving old candle wax can interfere with candle release and quality of your candles. This is very important if your making candles for gifts or selling them. A consistent quality candle is you main goal as a candle maker.
There are several methods to keep your candle making molds clean.
Allow your candle molds to soak for 15 minutes in hot water and a small amount of liquid dish soap. Wash candle molds being careful of any sharp edges. Dry candle molds upside down on a cookie sheet covered with a paper towel.
Place candle molds on a cookie sheet covered with paper towels in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 minutes. The paper towels will absorb the melted wax.
Wipe off any remaining wax immediately from you candle making molds.
There are also commercially available candle making mold cleaners for metal molds.
Regularly maintaining your molds and candle making tools will aid in making a consistent, quality candle.
