Yikes! Cheap candles made a black spot on my ceiling!

[dookersmom]

And now I don't know how to get it off! They were so sooty when they burned, no matter how short I trimmed the wicks! I put my candles on top of my entertainment center to keep them away from the kids, so they're about three feet from the ceiling. Anyone have any suggestions? We have that stupid texturing stuff, so I can't really scrub it too hard. I tried the vacuum with the brush attachment, and sweeping it, but nothing is helping. I can't be the only person this has ever happened to!

[JrandMdB]

Hate to say this but there isnt going to be a lot you can do.. I worked in the candle industry for over 10 years and as the wick is burning you have to imagine its burning a wick thats been saturated with oils and paraffin. If the ceiling wasnt stippled you could wash it well with hot soapy water and you might have a little success but honestly the company that made them sounds as though they used a wick that was too large which will cause soot and or there is too much oil within the wax or both. You can also try a dry sponge and rubbing alcohol. Soak the sponge with the alcohol and dab at the ceiling since you cant rub at it too hard.. then use a terry cloth towel to wipe at it lightly. If that doesnt work.. you will have to paint the ceiling most likely and even then you may have to paint it a couple times if the sooting is too bad.

[JulieDB]

That has happened to me. I haven't used candles for many years and wouldn't unless it were a real emergency and I had no other option. I buy batteries at Costco. I have tons of flashlights, lanterns, lamps and even candles that are battery operated. That's what I use now.

[Rene S]

Aww, bummer. Have you tried a Mr. Clean eraser? That's the main reason I won't buy cheap candles anymore.

[KyAngel1975]

Is the ceiling white? Dab white paint over it and you will never tell...

[dookersmom]

Thanks, all! I sort of figured we'd have to paint over it. I just hate to, since we live in an apartment, and it's all some weird off-white color. I may have DH try the magic eraser on it first, just to see what happens. They don't call them "magic" for nothing, right? :)

[mom2lucas]

Magic Erasers get everything off! I think you'd have to extra careful because of the ceiling texture.