Before Christmas, Easter or a family celebration we take out our best candlesticks and find that a year in the cupboard has left them dull, covered in fingerprints, dust and drips of wax. Dedicated silver and metal cleaners are not cheap, and the result is not always worth it.
You can bring back the shine with an ordinary cloth, a polishing cloth and WD-40 Multi-Use. Below is how to do it quickly and safely for the item.
What you will need
- WD-40 Multi-Use
- soft clean cotton cloth
- microfibre or flannel polishing cloth
- wooden skewer or plastic card for wax
- newspaper or plastic sheet to cover the table
Important: Always test the product on a small hidden area first, such as the underside of the base. Do not use WD-40 on lacquered, gilded or patinated candlesticks if the test shows any change in colour. Clean candlesticks only when cold, with the candles removed and away from any flame.
Step 1
Remove the candles and leftover wax
Take out the candles and stubs. Carefully chip off large drips of wax with a wooden skewer or plastic card: a metal tool will leave scratches.
If wax is stuck firmly in the holder, put the candlestick in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Cold wax becomes brittle and comes away in pieces.
Step 2
Test the product on a hidden area
Put a little WD-40 Multi-Use on a cloth and wipe a small area on the base or the back of the candlestick. Wait a few minutes and check that the colour has not changed and no marks have appeared.
This confirms that the product will not harm your particular item and avoids unpleasant surprises in plain view.
Step 3
Clean the candlestick with a WD-40 cloth
Stand the candlestick on a flat, covered surface. Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto a clean cloth rather than the item itself, so it goes on evenly and does not reach the tablecloth.
Wipe the whole surface, paying attention to relief patterns, curves and the candle cup. WD-40 dissolves wax residue, greasy fingerprints and dust. For narrow gaps, use WD-40 Smart Straw to put a drop on a cotton bud.
Step 4
Buff to a shine
Take a dry polishing cloth and buff the surface in circular movements until the metal gleams. The cloth also removes any excess product.
Silver and brass candlesticks take a little longer to buff, but this is what brings back a deep, even shine.
Step 5
Wipe off residue and add the candles
Wipe the candle cup dry so a new candle stands straight and does not slip. Inspect the candlestick in bright light and buff any dull spots again if needed.
The thin film left after buffing helps the metal attract less moisture and dust, so it stays clean for longer.
Tip: To stop wax sticking, lightly wipe the candle cup with a cloth carrying a drop of WD-40 and dry it before putting in a candle. Next time the stub will come out much more easily.
What next
Wipe candlesticks after each holiday season and before putting them away, especially in damp flats and houses. Keep WD-40 Multi-Use at home: the same can is useful for door handles, hinges and metal cookware.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».