For the past 30 years, I’ve had the joy of designing and crafting handmade glass Hanukiahs (Hanukkah Menorahs). Knowing that my menorahs are part of so many families' cherished holiday traditions makes the work incredibly rewarding. But, I’ll admit, it had been a while since I cleaned the wax off my own menorah. This year, I finally decided to tackle the task—and I'm here to share some simple and effective tips to help you do the same. Whether you're a seasoned menorah cleaner or a reluctant one like me, these steps will make the process easier.
What You’ll Need:
Warm water
A bowl or sink
Mild dish soap
A small plastic scraper or an old credit card
A green scrubbie (the kind that’s gentle on glass)
Cotton swabs (perfect for hard-to-reach spots)
Step 1: Remove the Loose Wax
Start by gently scraping off as much wax as you can. I’ve found that a small plastic scraper or even the edge of an old credit card works wonders for this. Pro tip: Cutting an old credit card at an angle can make for a surprisingly effective wax-removal tool.
Step 2: Soak in Warm Soapy Water
Next, fill a bowl or sink with warm water (think bathwater temperature – not too hot) and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Set your menorah in the water, placing a rag or towel underneath to cushion it. Let it soak for about 10 minutes to help loosen any stubborn wax that’s still clinging to the surface.
Step 3: Scrub Away the Residue
After soaking, grab your green scrubbie and gently scrub the metal and glass parts of the menorah. This should take care of any remaining wax. If you’re cleaning a more intricate design, use a cotton swab to target hard-to-reach spots.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the menorah thoroughly with warm water to wash away any soap. Use a soft, clean cloth to pat it dry. For those tricky candle cups, cotton swabs (or even a toothpick) can help get into all the little nooks and crannies. Let your menorah air dry completely before putting it away or lighting it again.
Pro Tips:
Prevent Wax Build-up: To minimize the mess in the first place, consider using dripless or low-drip candles.
Freeze Before Lighting: If you want to really reduce drips, try freezing your candles before lighting them. The wax will drip much less!
Avoid the Freezer, Oven, and Dishwasher: It’s tempting to clean your menorah quickly with extreme methods, but please don’t put it in the freezer, oven, or dishwasher! This can put too much stress on the glass and cause it to crack.
Love the Wax:
And here’s a fun thought – if you can’t get every last bit of wax off, don’t stress! Some leftover wax just shows that your menorah has been well-loved and used through the years. After all, it’s all part of the tradition!
Happy cleaning, and may your menorah shine brightly for many more Hanukkahs to come!