24 MARCH 2007, Page 79

Q. I have a pair of solid silver candelabra which

make my table look spectacular. The problem is that they become so badly clogged after one use that they take hours to clean. Is it acceptable to fit them with cardboard ‘collars’ such as those used on dog’s necks to stop them scratching?

C.T., London SW3 A. No, this is not acceptable. You can clean them quickly the next day by blasting them with a hairdryer till the wax runs off on to blotting paper.