Removing Candle Wax From Fabric, Carpet or Wood

If you're trying to remove candle wax from fabric or carpet, it's best to let it harden first.

But if you're trying to remove it from wood, it's best to tackle it while it's warm.

Whether the wax is on a tablecloth, carpet or wood table, here are three tips for removing candle wax.

Remove Candle Wax from Fabric:

• Let the candle wax harden before you attempt to scoop it up. If you try to remove hot candle wax from fabric, you'll more than likely grind it deeper into the fibers of the fabric, making it that much more difficult to remove.
• Once the wax is dry, remove it by scraping it off the fabric. Lift the tablecloth up a little bit so you don't damage the table and scrape the wax off.
• Grab your iron. Turn it on to the lowest setting. Be sure it's not on "steam", as that may set the dye in the candle wax.
• Lay a brown paper bag on top of the remaining candle wax and place the iron on top it.
• Move the iron continuously over the paper bag to avoid scorching, The paper bag will absorb the candle wax.

Removing Candle Wax from Carpet:

To remove candle wax that has dripped on the carpet, follow the "harden", "scrape" and "iron" steps above. If dye remains in the carpet, make a paste of baking soda and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.

Apply the paste to the carpet, work it into the fibers and let stand overnight. In the morning, vacuum well.

The mixture should have removed any remaining dye. And, the baking soda will remove any lingering perfume that was added to the wax.

How to Remove Candle Wax from Wood:

Removing candle wax from a wood table is a little more difficult, because you don't want to use a knife or any other utensil that will scratch the wood.

In this case, you want to try and remove the wax while it's warm enough to be pliable but not hot enough to burn you.

• If the wax has dried, use a hairdryer on low to medium heat.
• Hold it over the dried wax until it starts to melt.
• Then, wipe it up with a clean, soft cloth.

If it doesn't come up immediately, mix 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of vinegar and stir well.

Dip the cloth into the solution, wring out the excess liquid and wipe the area. You may have to scrub a little bit, but the vinegar shouldn't damage the wood.

Just be sure to test it first, before you remove candle wax from the larger area.