How to Remove Wax from a Glass Table Top

Co-authored by Guy Peters

Last Updated: September 28, 2021 References Approved

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Melting the Wax

1
Heat up the wax.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.} 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,^{[2]
  X
  Research source} you’ll want to find an easier method for a table.
- Use a hair dryer to heat up the wax until it becomes viscous.^{[3]
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  Research source}^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Guy Peters
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.}
2
Remove the wax.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.} 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.
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3
Clean the glass.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.} Spray the area with glass cleaner and wipe it down with a lint-free cloth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Solvent

1
Dissolve the wax.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 27 September 2021.} Use a solvent like window cleaner, rubbing alcohol, drain cleaner, bleach or vinegar 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

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.^{[8]
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Research source}
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.^{[9]
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  Research source}
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.

Expert Q&A

Question

What will dissolve wax?

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.

Guy Peters

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Most solvents will work to break up and remove wax—this includes common household items like nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol.
Question

Does vinegar remove wax from glass?

Guy Peters
House Cleaning Professional
Guy Peters is the Owner of MOP STARS Cleaning Service, a complete house cleaning service for residential and commercial clients, based in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 2014, MOP STARS provides regular, move in/out, deep, and commercial cleaning services. Guy has a BA in Finance from the California State University - Sacramento and an MBA from Cornell University.

Guy Peters

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

You're better off dissolving it with a solvent or softening it with a hair dryer. With either method, focus on removing as much wax as possible from the glass. Then, clean off any remaining residue with your standard glass cleaner.