How To Eco Clean Your Brass Candlesticks's featured image

A room lit with candles is always a warm and welcoming sight. Whether running down the middle of the dining table for a sophisticated dinner party, perfectly placed on the mantle to complement the fireplace or adding some ambiance to a relaxing bath, candlelight injects calm delight. But all of this can be diminished if your candlesticks are dull and dingy. Brass, in particular, can become stained and discoloured if not cared for regularly.

Used before the invention of electricity, brass candleholders were a much needed utilitarian decor piece, made for both function and beauty by master craftsmen. Parts of an antique brass candlestick include the wax pan, nozzle, sconce, capital, shoulder, stem, column, knop, well and base. All of which can become tarnished and dull. Keep your brass bright with just a few versatile home staples. A paste of vinegar, salt and flour can be whipped up in minutes to return your brass to its lustrous golden glow.

 Here’s how to do it:

  1. First, remove any drips of wax. Run the candlestick under hot water for a couple of minutes. Then, using a paper towel clean off melted candle wax.
  2. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into a half cup of vinegar and add flour until the mixture becomes a paste.
  3. Rub onto the brass, getting into every nook, cranny, knop and well.
  4. Leave for about 10 minutes.
  5. Rinse with warm water and buff dry. Repeat if necessary.

PRO TIP: To test if your candlestick is solid brass, place a small magnet on it. If the magnet falls off, your piece is most-likely solid brass! If it sticks, the candlestick has a steel core with a coating of brass on top. If this is the case, be careful not to chip the coating when trying to remove wax.

Green Housekeeping Program

Did you know that MOLLY MAID offers an eco-friendly housekeeping program? Our 100% biodegradable, bio-based green cleaning products are non-toxic, non-reactive and non-corrosive to reduce any impact on the environment. We also use reusable bottles to minimize waste and our carbon footprint. Find your local Molly Maid to learn more today!