How to Clean Brass Candle Holders (Without Damaging the Finish)

By Bhavini Khullar | Founder, Byaas | Adjunct Professor, Montclair State University

Short answer: Let the wax harden and lift it off, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap, dry right away, and avoid abrasive cleaners, vinegar, lemon and the dishwasher.

A candle holder that is used is a candle holder that drips. That is a good thing: it means the piece is living in your home and not sitting in a cabinet. Cleaning it takes a few minutes if you do it gently, and a lot of regret if you reach for the wrong product. This is the method I use on my own holders.

Step one: let it cool and remove the candle

Wait until the holder is completely cool, then take out any candle stub. Never clean a warm holder.

Step two: lift off the wax

Let the wax harden fully, then lift it away with your fingers or a wooden or plastic tool. Avoid metal scrapers, which can scratch the finish. For stubborn wax in a cup, place the holder in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, and the wax will shrink and pop out more easily.

Step three: dust

Wipe the whole piece with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and loose wax crumbs.

Step four: wipe with mild soap

For a deeper clean, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and a little mild soap, working gently around the cup, stem and base.

Step five: dry straight away

Dry the piece right away with a clean, soft cloth so water does not sit against the metal.

What to avoid

• Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads, which can damage the finish.

• Vinegar and lemon, which can damage the finish.

• The dishwasher.

• Metal scrapers and sharp tools for removing wax.

When to polish

Brass naturally deepens in tone as it meets air and touch. If you prefer the original brightness, a dedicated brass polish used once or twice a year will restore it. On lacquered pieces, skip the polish and use only soap and water, because polish is meant for bare brass. Not sure which you own? Our guide to lacquered vs unlacquered brass explains the difference.

Keep it looking good between cleanings

Handle holders with clean, dry hands, wipe off drips once they have set, and store them dry. Our brass finish guide shows which finishes hide everyday marks best. Browse the candle holders to see the range.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get wax out of a brass candle holder?

Let it harden, lift it out with a wooden or plastic tool, and use the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes if it is stuck.

Can I use vinegar or lemon to clean brass?

We recommend avoiding both, because they can damage the finish. Mild soap and a damp cloth are enough for most cleaning.

Can I put a brass candle holder in the dishwasher?

No. The dishwasher can damage the finish.

How often should I polish brass?

If you want to restore the original brightness of bare brass, a dedicated brass polish once or twice a year is enough.

About the author

Bhavini Khullar is the founder and creative director of Byaas and an adjunct professor of Advertising Media Strategies at Montclair State University. She grew up in her family's metal workshop and has spent more than a decade studying audiences and how people decide what to buy. Byaas is where those two worlds meet.

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