Clean Resin, Wax from Tree Stands and Menorahs

Before storing sap-covered Christmas tree stands or wax-encrusted menorahs, take a little time to clean them up.

Let's deal with candle wax first. The simplest way of removing wax from candelabras, menorahs and votive holders is to put them in the freezer for an hour. When it's really cold the wax will pop right off. Rinse off any residue with hot water and dry with a soft cloth.

For wax on tablecloths, pry off as much as you can with a blunt knife. Lay the cloth over a folded paper towel on an ironing board, and another folded paper towel on top of the wax. Use a warm iron to draw out the wax from the cloth.

Sap oozes out of Christmas trees, coating the bolts and nuts that hold the tree in its stand. As the sap dries it turns into resin. By next Christmas, the bolts will be locked in place unless you clean the resin off now.

Here's how. Put all the nuts and bolts in a small pot (a deli container works well) and soak overnight in an inch or so of Goo Gone. Next day, scrub off the loosened resin with a stiff brush, rinse and dry.

Voilà. Doesn't get much simpler than that.

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