Wax Stains

Dripping Wax on Candlestick
Dripping Wax on a Wooden Candlestick

How many times have you dripped candle wax on different things around the house and been unsure how to clean this stain? The cleaning method depends on the item that was stained. Here is a list of likely objects around the house and how to clean them:

METAL CANDLESTICKS – Pour boiling water over the candlestick. This will melt the wax off of the candlestick. Make sure to dump the water outside, not down the drain. Make sure the temperature of the water is not too hot if the wax is on fine crystal.

CARPET – Use a dry cleaning fluid, such as Carbona OR call a Professional if you cannot completely remove the spot.

CLOTHES – Freeze or cool the waxy spot with an ice cube, gently rub the fabric together and break off any remaining residue. Finish getting the color and rest of residue off with a dry cleaning fluid such as Carbona.

METAL – If the item is small enough (i.e. pewter candle stick), put it into the freezer. Once frozen the wax will pop right off. You can also pour boiling water over the wax to melt it, but again, be sure to dump the water outside, not down the drain.

WOOD – Scrape off as much of the wax as possible with a plastic card or plastic utensil. If the wax color remains, use mineral spirits to clean, then use a furniture polish or mineral oil to restore the wood to the original condition.

A WORD OF CAUTION! It used to be common practice to try to remove candle wax from clothing (table cloths, etc.) by ironing the wax between two pieces of blotting paper. We now know that this drives the stain deeper into the fabric, making it that much more difficult to remove. It more permanently sets the dye from the candle, making it difficult for the detergent or solvent to reach the wax portion of the stain. 

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

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