Is it possible to clean a candle that's older than I am?

Annisele

I know this is an odd topic, but does anyone know a way to de-yellow old wax?

I want to clean a candle that's in the shape of a snowman (a bit like this, but cuter and much older). The snowman's face used to be white/cream, but now it's very definitely yellow. I want to restore him to his former glory, but I'm afraid I'll make it worse.

Does anyone have any ideas?

(I could just buy a new one, but this particular one has sentimental value. My parents bought it the first year they were married, and my whole life Christmas has started with the snowman coming out of his box).

whitewing

It looks to me that the yellowing is from ultraviolet light, which makes me think it can't be reversed, although I am happy to be proved wrong.

Dusty candles can apparently be cleaned by rolling gently in a pair of tights.

I say keep the yellowing candle if it's cute - it will have its own charm.

globalds

I am sure there is a joke here about yellow snow ??

But I would treasure the difference ..A time served snow man should be able to yellow with grace

Maybe buy a new one ..do they do snow women ..give him a a gift this Christmas

meritaten

awww - he has earned his yellow skintone! I have some old church candles and think they look even better now they have 'mellowed'. after all this time I would think the wax will have hardened and the yellow colour would be all the way through. I have washed candles in soapy water - but it doesn't do anything for the colour - just cleans them!

trolleyrun

Maybe he ate too many carrots and got a bit of a tan that way?