How to Clean Wax Seal Spoon Reddit?

The simplest and most common method discussed for cleaning a wax seal spoon, often found in communities like Reddit, is using hot water.

Keeping your wax seal spoon clean ensures accurate and crisp seals, preventing old wax residue from mixing with new colours. While various methods exist, the hot water technique is frequently recommended for its simplicity and effectiveness, especially for general cleaning.

Effective Wax Seal Spoon Cleaning Methods

When you're finished making wax seals, you'll likely have some leftover wax in your spoon. Here's a breakdown of how to clean it, incorporating a popular method shared by wax sealing enthusiasts.

Method 1: The Hot Water Soak (Recommended)

Based on advice often shared online, including discussions that mirror sentiments seen on platforms like Reddit, the most straightforward way to clean a wax seal spoon is using hot water.

If you are just trying to get the spoon clean, put it in a container of hot water and the wax will melt and float. Wait for it to cool otherwise the wax will stick to the spoon as you pull it out.

Here's how to do it:

1. Prepare Hot Water: Heat water in a kettle or on the stove until it's hot, but not necessarily boiling.
2. Submerge the Spoon: Carefully place the wax seal spoon into a heat-safe container filled with the hot water.
3. Melt and Float: The residual wax will quickly melt and rise to the surface of the water.
4. Cool Down: Crucially, allow the water and wax to cool completely. As it cools, the wax will solidify on the surface or along the sides of the container, separate from the spoon.
5. Retrieve and Wipe: Once cooled, carefully remove the spoon. The majority of the wax should be gone. You can wipe away any minor residue with a paper towel or cloth.

This method is particularly effective for removing large amounts of leftover wax without scraping or using harsh chemicals.

Method 2: Gentle Heat and Wipe

Another approach, sometimes mentioned for minor residue or quick changes between wax colors:

1. Apply Gentle Heat: Briefly hold the spoon over a heat source (like your melting lamp or even a lighter flame very carefully and briefly).
2. Melt Residue: Watch the wax just start to soften or melt.
3. Wipe Clean: Quickly and carefully wipe the melted wax out of the spoon using a paper towel or heat-resistant cloth.
   • Caution: Be extremely careful not to overheat the spoon or burn yourself. This method is riskier than the hot water soak.

Method 3: Scraping (Use with Care)

For stubborn bits, some users might gently scrape out cooled wax:

1. Cool Completely: Ensure the wax in the spoon is fully cooled and hard.
2. Gentle Scraping: Use a tool like a plastic scraper, wooden stick, or even a fingernail (carefully!) to chip away the hardened wax.
3. Avoid Damage: Be mindful not to scratch the surface of your spoon, especially if it's plated or has a delicate finish. Avoid using metal tools if possible.

Choosing the best method depends on how much wax is left and how quickly you need the spoon clean. For routine cleaning, the hot water method is often the preferred, mess-free choice.

Remember, keeping your tools clean extends their life and improves the quality of your craft!