Hints From Heloise

Cleaning Candle Drips

Dear Readers: CANDLES are a beautiful accent. However, they can leave an ugly mess when they drip on the tablecloth and carpet. First, try to keep candles in holders with bobeches (plastic or glass collars) to contain the melting wax. Then use these hints:

To get candle wax off a tablecloth, put it in the freezer for several days to dry the wax until it is brittle. Scrape wax off with a dull knife. Place paper towels on both sides of the stain, and use an iron on the warm setting. Then, launder as you normally do.

On carpet, freeze the wax by putting a metal pan filled with ice cubes over the candle wax. When hard, take a small hammer to hit the wax, breaking it up. Vacuum or pick up the pieces. If there's some wax left, cover with paper towels and press with an iron on the "warm" setting. If there's some color left, apply a bit of dry-cleaning solvent and blot. -- Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com

FAST FACTS

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