Or, you're just a less-than-stellar duster and now your candles are covered in a strong layer of gross gunk.

Either way, there's a quick fix!

The biggest mistake in trying to clean candles is wiping them down with rubbing alcohol. Don't! Alcohol is super flammable, and can quickly turn your lit candle into a mini bonfire.

Check out: West Elm

Instead, try one of these two tricks:

Strategy #1: If The Candle Is Only a Little Dirty

You'll need an old or cheap pair of pantyhose. Slide the candle into the hose and roll it around – the hose will gently scrape off and trap the dust without damaging the wax.

Strategy #2: If The Candle Is Filthy

If your candle looks beyond repair, this step will have it looking branding new in no time. Dip a microfiber cleaning cloth into lukewarm water and wring it out, then gently wipe the candle using short motions in the same direction (no back-and-forth wiping!).

Ta-da! Newly cleaned candle at your service.