Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Howard S.
status       educator
age          50s

Question -   We have a Hanukia (candelabrum for Hanukkah), with
several layers of glass glued or fused, in some way, together; very
modern item.  The wax leaked to the second layer, from the top, by way of
the holes where the candles are placed.  The wax dripped through the
candle holes into the "space" (really an incredibly small space)  ...
somehow there between the top layers of glass which, again, have been
fused together just about completely.
So the question is how to break up these little "puddles" of solidified
wax which have appeared under each hole for the candles.  I cannot really
see what freezing or heating the Hanukia would do; ultimately the wax
would remain there under the holes where the candles would sit ... and
remain there not broken up.
Is there some kind of fluid, acid, not harmful chemical which could break
up these little "pockets" of solidified wax under the holes where the
candles are placed. The fluid or chemical could be poured into these small
candle holes and then the solution could be broken up because the fluid or
chemical would "exit" the holes and end up where the wax has ended up ...
between the two plates of glass that are fused ... and then break up the wax.
In short, how can we remove wax build-up from candles on a candelabra that
has gotten between two pieces of glass and where, therefore, you cannot rub
it or scrape it off - or heat it off or apply cold/ice to?
Is there a chemical? an acid? some other liquid-based removal process that
can just, in a sense, "dissolve" the wax that has built up in a spot that
one cannot get to with one's fingers or any kind of blade?
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I believe jet fuel (kerosene) will work pretty well.  :)  However, you
probably do not want to use that.  I am under the assumption that this piece
of glass is fairly mobile.  If it is mobile, put it in the dishwasher.  The
hot water will melt the wax away.  If it is mobile, but too big to fit in
the dishwasher use hot water to melt the wax away.  Or better yet, draw a
bathtub full of HOT water (the hottest setting) place the piece in there and
slowly agitate with some sort of object that allows you to keep your hands
out of the scalding hot water.  The wax should melt away and rise to the top
(since most waxes have densities around 90% that of water).  Next, wait for
the bath water to cool off.  Preferably, wait for it to get COLD.  Skimming
the frozen wax off the top layer of the water will be a trivial matter.

I  hope I answered the right question.

-Darin Wagner
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I am not sure I have a clear picture of the geometry here, but I have some
ideas:
1. DON'T USE ANY ACID. IT WILL NOT WORK AND MAY WELL DO DAMAGE.
2. Freezing will make the wax more brittle and will help you physically remove
any wax that you can reach.
3. There are commercial products for removing
waxy materials. One I am familiar with is called
"Goo Gone". It is very effective in removing wax, chewing gum, etc. Of
course, try it out on a spot to make sure you will not damage the Hanukia.
4. "Mineral Spirits", which you can find in any paint or hardware store will
also work.
5. If you need a more active solvent, you can try xylene, also
available in hardware and paint stores.

In all these cases check to make sure the solvent(s) do not attack the "glue"
you mentioned. You may have to repeat the process several times, so be
patient.

Happy Hanukkah,

Vince Calder
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Howard,

Paraffin (candle) wax is soluble in any kind of hydrocarbon-based paint
thinner -- mineral spirits.  Though it may take a while to do the job,
because the space is so small, I think it might work quite nicely in your
application.

Regards,
ProfHoff 383
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