How to Remove Candle Wax from Any Surface
Carpet is the most common surface for candle wax stains. To begin, you should use ice cubes to lower the temperature of the candle wax and freeze the area of the carpet affected so the stain does not spread when you attempt to remove it. Then using the back end of a butter knife, carefully remove as much of the wax as possible from the carpet.
You then want to use a cleaning fluid specified for candle wax use to remove the last of the stain on the carpet. Test the cleaning fluid on an inconspicuous area of the carpet for colorfastness. Apply the cleaning fluid in small amounts to the carpet, blotting with a towel after ever application. Sometimes, if the candle wax had dye in it, a faint halo will remain on the carpet, marking the edges of the stain.
To get rid of this carpet stain, you can use a homemade solution of diluted rubbing alcohol. In a bottle, combine one part rubbing alcohol for every two parts water. Again, using small amounts, apply the rubbing alcohol solution to the carpet and then blot with a tower to remove the dye and excess moisture. Repeat as needed until the spot has been completely removed from the carpet.
If candle wax has stained your tablecloth, you can use another method to remove it. If the table cloth can be ironed, you can use a iron to heat the wax and remove the stain.
Begin by freezing and scraping as much as you can from the cloth. Then place piece of blotting paper on each side of the stain. You can use paper towels or a brown paper bag if you do not have blotting paper.
No matter what paper you use, the next step is to turn the iron on low and press over the area of the stain. Move the blotting paper around after one area is saturated. Be careful when heating the fabric that you do not accidentally spread the stain.
You can then use the cleaning fluid and then the rubbing alcohol solution to fully remove the stain. After stain removal is complete, wash the fabric completely before storing.
For wood surfaces, you should freeze and scrape up as much of the spot as you can. Be careful not to damage the surface underneath when removing the spot. After the candle wax has been removed, you should buff the wood with a dry, soft cloth.
For those silver candlesticks, practice the freeze and scrap method to remove a spot. Use a plastic spatula to prevent any scratching. When the spot has been removed as thoroughly as possible, you should then wash the candlesticks in hot sudsy water. After rinsing thoroughly, dry and buff to restore their shine and prevent tarnish.
With solid, non porous surfaces, candle wax should be removed by freezing and scraping. Any residue can be removed with rubbing alcohol solution or even dishwashing liquid and water depending on the surface.
Like any stain, candle wax is best removed soon after the stain occurs. To find a cleaning fluid that will help you remove any last remnants of any spot, go to any large laundry section and check the label. The right product combined with the right technique will let you forget you ever had a stain.
