This unusual but clever home trick has been used by many people to help remove stubborn grease, clean old pans, and restore shine without scrubbing endlessly. Using candles in a heated pan may sound strange, but it’s actually a smart cleaning shortcut—and very easy to try.
Here’s a friendly, step-by-step explanation of what happens and how to do this safely.
⭐ Why Candles in a Pan Work
When you place candles in a warm pan, the wax begins to melt, mixing with the warm metal surface and helping to:
- Loosen burnt grease
- Lift stuck-on food
- Break down old carbon stains
- Make scrubbing MUCH easier
Wax acts like a softening agent that helps old residue detach from the pan’s surface—without harsh chemicals.
⭐ How to Do the Candle Trick Safely
You Need:
- 4 small paraffin candles (unscented)
- Dirty or stained pan
- Stove (very low heat)
- Dish soap
Instructions:
- Place the pan on very low heat on the stove.
- Put 4 candles into the pan.
- Let them sit and begin melting for 2–3 minutes.
- The wax will start to coat the surface.
- Once the wax has melted, turn off the heat.
- Use a wooden spatula to gently move the wax around the pan.
- Allow it to cool slightly, then wash normally with warm water and dish soap.
✔ The result:
- Stuck grease lifts
- Burn residues soften
- Pan becomes much easier to clean
- The shine returns with almost no effort
⭐ Why This Works
Paraffin wax fills tiny cracks in the burnt residue and loosens the bond between the pan and the stains.
After this, normal washing removes everything quickly.
It’s especially useful for:
- Old frying pans
- Burnt pots
- Greasy baking trays
- Stainless steel pans with blackened bottoms
⭐ Safety Tips
- Keep the heat low—never boil the wax.
- Do NOT leave the pan unattended.
- Keep children away while doing this.
- Always wash the pan thoroughly after using the wax.
⭐ Bonus Tip: For Heavy Burn Marks
Add 1 tablespoon baking soda to the melted wax before washing.
It boosts the cleaning effect even more.
This simple candle trick is shockingly effective. With just a few minutes of melted wax, your old, burnt pans can look fresh and clean again—no pricey cleaners or endless scrubbing needed!
