Warning: that $3 brass candlestick at Goodwill had 40 years of wax jammed in it and took me 6 hours to clean
I soaked it in hot water and dish soap for 2 hours, then spent another 4 picking wax out of the ridges with a toothpick and a bent paperclip. My thumb still hurts 3 days later. Anyone got a faster trick for old candle holders, or should I just leave them on the shelf next time?