Cleaning Wax in Church: Tips from Nun Agrippina

Today we are going to share some tips on removing wax stains from various surfaces in the church. Since candles play an important role in our worship, wax drops tend to accumulate on different objects and surfaces.

We have previously discussed how to remove wax stains from vestments (click here to read this article), and some of you asked us to write a separate article on removing wax stains from the church floor. Today, we are fulfilling that request.

Today's advice comes from Nun Agrippina (whom you already know well) and Nun Valentina, who is responsible for cleaning the churches at our convent. They have both acquired a wealth of experience in caring for different types of flooring and are happy to share their tips.

Preventive Measures

Most wax stains can usually be found around large candle holders where parishioners light their candles. Despite our best efforts to maintain order, candles often drip both on and off the candlesticks. To make it easier to remove wax, our candlesticks are coated with lamp oil, but this oil can also drip onto the floor

To make cleaning easier, we often place a piece of linoleum under the candlestick, which can be cleaned, washed, and replaced with ease. In cases where large crowds are expected, we may use more radical options like metal sheets to cover sections of the floor.

Wax drops can also be left by priests, deacons, and altar servers, making preventive measures impossible. In such cases, it is necessary to learn how to clean the stains effectively.

Ecclesiastical carpets in the Holy Temple of Agioi Anargyroi of Anavyssos

Carpeting

We can use our previous experience with vestments to help remove wax stains from carpets. A hot iron can be just as effective, but instead of a paper towel, we recommend using a cloth napkin.

Dampen the cotton cloth in water and use the tip of the iron through it to iron out the wax stain, which will be absorbed by the cloth. Be sure to keep the whole soleplate of the iron above the damp cloth to prevent damaging the fibers of the carpet. The temperature of the iron can be increased, depending on the carpet.

Once the wax is no longer absorbed, treat the area with a carpet cleaning solution, wash it with cold water, and dry it. Vacuum cleaning can also be effective for cleaning small carpets.

Wooden Floors

Wax has a low melting temperature, which helps in removing wax stains from wooden floors. A household hairdryer can be used to heat the wax stain without damaging the surface of the floor. Heat the wax stain with the hairdryer until it starts to glisten, then use a clean cloth napkin to press it. Use a fresh spot on the napkin each time for more efficiency.

Paper towels can also be used, but they might be less effective depending on their quality, as wax typically can't be removed with only one touch, and the paper may stick to the floor.

In our convent churches, sisters prefer to use heat guns for larger surfaces, but they require more attention, caution, and experience. This is especially true for linoleum floors.

If the wax stain is quite thick, the process can be slightly sped up. Heat the stain until it softens, and then remove most of the wax with a plastic scraper like an ice scraper or a plastic card. Thin plastic works well, but something more substantial may be easier to hold. A putty knife may leave noticeable scratches.

For small wax stains on wooden floors when a hairdryer is not available, our sisters suggest using Lurex sponges designed for non-stick cookware. This process won't harm the surface, but it can take longer to complete, and some areas of the wood surface may still have traces of wax.

After removing the wax, the sisters treat the surface with dish soap to remove any greasy residues typically left after wax.

Stone Floors

Stone floors made of granite, marble, or a variety of tiles require a different approach. A hairdryer can still be useful here, but as the heat capacity of the material is much higher, a heat gun is more productive.

For quick cleanups, the sisters use metal scrubbers and spatulas, but it's important to be confident that your floor can withstand such an impact.

Granite and marble are relatively insensitive to this method and are more affected by sand from visitors' feet. However, different types of tiles have different degrees of wear resistance.

Therefore, the decision needs to be made in each specific case by consulting the manufacturer and observing surface changes after metal exposure.

In conclusion, there is an arsenal of solutions for wax stains. It takes patience and a bit of effort, but any work aimed at enhancing the beauty and order of the church carries special grace. It is no wonder that pilgrims love to help in this obedience.

We hope this issue has been useful to you, and we look forward to answering any new questions that you may have.