A whole week of eating potato pancakes, winning chocolate gelt, lighting candles with family, and honoring the strength of the Maccabees — what could be better? Hanukkah might be one of our most beloved holidays, but once the eighth night comes to a close and the last flame dwindles, there’s something we must do that takes a different kind of strength: We must clean the menorah. While we may only get up to nine candles lit, each Hanukkiah goes through 44 candles during the holiday. That means millions of candles all over the world are melting, their wax dripping and sticking to menorahs every year.
Menorahs have certainly evolved since the time of Maccabees, and they are now available in a plethora of shapes, sizes, colors and metals. Just one household can have an eclectic array of all different kinds of menorahs. This creates a beautiful display full of color and style — but each one may also require a unique method of cleaning.
Sterling silver is cleaned differently than brass. And those adorable (albeit messy) homemade menorahs that come home from school need to be treated with care so as not to destroy all of the carefully constructed papier-mâché, glitter glue and crayon.
The first step in cleaning your menorah is identifying its material. Each material requires a different cleaning approach to ensure that it is not damaged nor marred during the cleaning process.
Once you’ve identified the material of your menorah, you can decide on the best method for cleaning it. Over the years, people have developed a variety of techniques to deal with wax buildup, and each method has its advantages and potential pitfalls. Below are some of the most popular ways to clean a menorah after Hanukkah.
Oven
One of the most effective methods for removing wax buildup is by using the oven. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or wax paper and lay your menorah flat on its side on top of the sheet. Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet and menorah on the center rack and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the residual wax has melted.
Boiling Water
Choose a pot large enough for your menorah to be completely submerged. Before adding the menorah, fill the pot with water and heat on the stovetop until the water boils. Carefully place your menorah into the pot using oven mitts or tongs. Allow the wax to melt and float to the surface. Remove the pot from heat and, after the water has cooled, remove the menorah. Dry completely with a clean towel.
Alternatively, you could gently pour boiling water over the menorah in the sink, being careful not to send the wax down the drain and clog your pipes.
I did not attempt the boiling water method on my menorah, as many experts warn that ceramic could experience “thermal shock” and crack from the sudden change in temperature.
Freeze
Leave your menorah in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. After freezing, gently remove the wax with your fingers or tweezers and wipe away any remaining residue with a soft cloth.
This method is not suggested for ceramic menorahs, as it can cause the surface to crack. I’ve used this process with glass candleholders before, with little success. The frozen wax did not simply pop out of glass. Instead, I used a butterknife as a quasi-icepick and slowly chipped away at the wax, being careful not to scrape the material.
Blow-dryer
A less conventional method of cleaning out candle wax is with a blow-dryer. Simply plug in and turn on your blow-dryer and hold it over each candle holder until the wax begins to melt.
When I tried this method, the air pressure from the blow-dryer made the wax go flying. Unfortunately, it did not remove all the wax from the menorah, and it splashed all over my blow-dryer.
Vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, spray the menorah, and then wipe it clean with a soft cloth. This method works especially well for removing waxy residue from menorahs made of brass or stainless steel.
How to Prevent Wax Buildup
While cleaning your menorah is essential, there are a few strategies you can use to prevent wax buildup in the first place.
Many Judaica websites sell drip cups that can be placed inside the candle holders. These are removable and can be easily cleaned, depending on their material.
If you don’t own drip cups, you can reach for this simple household item. Many people choose to line their candle holders with foil; it’s easy to simply lift the foil off the menorah and dispose of it.
If you prefer the appearance of your menorah without foil, try spraying the candle holders with some nonstick baking spray.
Or if you want to avoid the process altogether …
Consider investing in an LED menorah! There are literally hundreds of great options on the market, from plug-in to battery powered, from white lights to rainbow colored.
In the grand scope of the Hanukkah celebration, cleaning a menorah can seem like a minor chore, but it’s crucial to maintaining the object’s beauty and functionality.
Whether you use a blow-dryer, boiling water or the oven, maintaining your menorah will keep it looking nice for many years to come. A focal point of family get-togethers during the Festival of Lights, the menorah is more than just a candle holder — it’s a symbol of the Jewish faith and a reminder of miracles.