How to clean silicone candle molds after making candles

Leftover wax and scent oils build up in silicone molds and make candles stick or come out dull. This guide shows you how to pop out wax residue, spray clean the mold and finish with a mild soapy warm water wash so teddy and flower candles demold cleanly. It suits anyone new to candle making.

How to Clean Candle Silicone Molds | Essential Candle Making Tips by Falguni, by Emotion Handmade Candle on YouTube. 2 min 17 s.

Video length
2 min 17 s
Time to do it
15 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Steps
8

What you need

Steps

  1. Let the candle cool fully, then flex the silicone mold gently and push from the base to pop out any leftover wax. Pick out small stuck pieces with your fingers, not a knife.

  2. Spray the inside of the mold with mold cleaner spray. Cover the cavities and any deep details like ears or petals, then let it sit for a minute.

  3. Wipe the spray and loosened wax away with a soft cloth or paper towel. Use a cotton bud for narrow spots so you do not scratch the silicone.

  4. Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Swirl it around to make light suds.

  5. Wash the mold inside and out in the soapy water, rubbing the cavities gently with your fingers or a soft cloth. Do not use hot water or harsh cleaners.

  6. Rinse the mold under clean warm water until no soap or spray is left. Soap residue can stop candles from releasing cleanly.

  7. Shake off the water and pat the mold dry with a soft cloth. Leave it open to air dry completely before you store it or pour new wax.

  8. Store the dry mold flat or lightly closed in a cool, dust-free place. Keep it away from sunlight and heat so the silicone stays soft.

Tips and common mistakes

Never scrape wax out with a knife or metal tool, as a nick in the silicone shows up on every candle you pour.

Skip very hot water and the dishwasher, since heat can warp thin molds and shorten their life.

Clean molds soon after demolding, while the wax is still soft and easy to lift out.

Check deep details like teddy ears and flower petals for leftover spray before you pour again.

Questions

Can I use rubbing alcohol instead of mold cleaner spray?

A light wipe with rubbing alcohol can remove scent oils, but test a small area first. Follow the mold cleaner spray label for the product you buy.

How often should I clean my silicone candle molds?

Clean after every few pours, or right away if you switch scents or colors. A quick spray and wipe between pours keeps demolding sharp.

Will cleaning stop my candles from sticking?

Clean, fully dry molds release much better, but wax temperature and a steady pour matter too. Let candles cool completely before you demold.

This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.

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