How to remove candle wax from tablecloths, carpets, wood and glass

You can remove candle wax in three steps: let it harden, carefully scrape off as much as you can, and warm the remainder through absorbent paper, which soaks it up. For a tablecloth or carpet, an iron on a low setting and white paper towels are enough. If a coloured stain remains after the wax, treat it with diluted rubbing alcohol. Test it on a hidden spot first, though.

Why you should let the wax harden first

Warm wax spreads easily and seeps deeper into fibres or joints. If you start wiping it straight away, the stain gets bigger. So let it cool. Hardened wax is brittle and can be peeled off the surface.

The Iowa State University advice service recommends first scraping off surface wax with a blunt knife. If that does not work, put the item in the freezer and the frozen wax will come off more easily (Common Holiday Stain Removal Guide – Iowa State University Extension). For a carpet or a large tablecloth that will not fit in the freezer, ice in a bag will do the job.

What you will need

• a blunt knife, a plastic scraper or an old bank card,
• white paper towels without printing or white absorbent paper (the print could transfer onto the fabric),
• an iron,
• ice or a cold pack in a sealable bag,
• rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and a clean white cloth for coloured residue,
• a pre-wash stain remover or laundry detergent,
• rubber gloves, if you will be working with alcohol or another solvent.

Wax on a tablecloth and clothing

Before you reach for the iron, look at the care label. According to GINETEX, one dot in the iron symbol means 110 °C at most, two dots 150 °C and three dots 200 °C. A crossed-out iron means do not iron (Care symbols – GINETEX). For wax, the lowest setting that melts the wax is usually enough. You do not need a higher temperature.

1. Let the wax cool completely. You can put a small tablecloth or napkin in the freezer for a while.
2. Carefully scrape off what you can with a blunt knife. Do not work with the sharp edge, so that the fibres are not torn.
3. Place the fabric between two layers of white paper towels. The University of Georgia advises ironing with a warm iron from the reverse side (Remove Stains From Candle Wax, Paraffin – UGA Cooperative Extension).
4. Iron without steam and only briefly. The wax will be absorbed into the paper.
5. Replace the paper with a clean piece for as long as wax is being absorbed into it.
6. Then place the fabric stain-side down on a clean towel and treat the stain with a stain remover. Leave it to dry and wash according to the label. Iowa State describes the procedure in the same way.
7. Before you put the fabric in the tumble dryer, check it. If the stain remains, treat it again.

Coloured wax

Coloured candles may leave a trace of dye after the wax is removed. The University of Georgia advises dabbing it with alcohol diluted in two parts water. It also warns that alcohol damages acetate, triacetate, modacrylic and acrylic fibres. So find out the fabric composition from the label, and always test the alcohol on a hidden spot first.

Alcohol is flammable. While you are working with it, do not leave a lit candle or any other open flame nearby. Ventilate the room and wear gloves. Do not mix solvents with other cleaning products. The article which cleaning products you should never mix explains why this matters.

Wax and wine often end up together on a table. A wine stain, however, is a different type of dirt and is dealt with differently. You will find the procedure in the article red wine stains: what to do immediately and what to do afterwards.

Wax in a carpet

With a carpet, watch out above all for moisture and heat. Iowa State recommends placing ice in a bag or a cold pack on the wax for at least ten minutes. However, water from the melting ice must not get into the carpet, as the stain would then be harder to remove.

1. Place ice in a sealed bag or a cold pack on the wax and leave it for at least ten minutes.
2. Peel off the hardened wax with a blunt knife or a scraper. Work from the edge towards the centre so that the dirt does not spread.
3. Vacuum up the remains.
4. Lay a white paper towel over the stain and apply a warm, not hot, iron. The tip of the iron will get in between the fibres. Move the paper and repeat for as long as wax is being absorbed.
5. Finally, carefully blot any coloured residue with alcohol on a white cloth. Do not rub. Test the alcohol first on an inconspicuous spot on the carpet.

The Carpet and Rug Institute advises testing every cleaning product on an offcut or an inconspicuous spot of the carpet. Apply the product to a white cloth, not directly to the carpet, and only blot the stain from the edges towards the centre. More product does not mean a better result (Cleaning and Maintenance – The Carpet and Rug Institute).

Carpets made of synthetic fibres can be sensitive to heat. Follow the carpet manufacturer's instructions and leave the iron in place only briefly. If a dull patch remains after the wax, a general cleaning will help. The article how to clean a carpet at home and when it is time for upholstery and carpet shampooing describes the procedure.

Wax on wood

A wooden table, chest of drawers or windowsill usually has a surface finish: varnish, oil or wax. Each finish needs different care. Because this is a specific material, follow above all the instructions of the furniture or floor manufacturer. Take the following steps as a gentle starting point.

1. Let the wax harden. If you wish, place ice in a bag on it for a few minutes. Take care that no water drips onto the wood.
2. Carefully lift the wax with a plastic scraper or a card. A metal knife could scratch the varnish.
3. Wipe off the thin residue with a soft dry cloth along the grain.
4. If a greasy film remains, wipe it with a cloth only lightly dampened and dry the spot immediately.
5. Use heat (an iron through paper or a hairdryer) only if the manufacturer of the finish allows it. Test it on a hidden spot first.

On varnished or oiled wood, do not use aggressive solvents or abrasive sponges until you have checked in the instructions that the surface can withstand them. The same applies to floors. Gentle cleaning of wooden floors, laminate and vinyl is described in the article how to clean a wooden floor without damaging it.

Wax on glass, candle holders and windowsills

Wax usually comes off glass, ceramics and tiles most easily because it does not soak in. On a smooth surface, mechanical removal is enough.

1. Let the wax cool and harden.
2. Scrape it off with a plastic scraper. Do not use steel wool or sharp metal on glass, as they could scratch it.
3. Wash off the greasy residue with warm water and washing-up liquid and polish dry.
4. With glass candle holders and tea light jars, avoid sudden changes in temperature, for example moving them from the freezer straight into hot water. The glass could crack. If the candle holder's manufacturer gives cleaning instructions, follow them.

Remove wax from window glass or a windowsill in the same way. Then wash the glass and polish it dry.

Overview by material

Surface	How to harden the wax	How to remove it	What to watch out for
Tablecloth, clothing	freezer or ice in a bag	scrape off, iron through paper, treat the stain, wash	temperature according to the label, no alcohol on acetate and acrylic
Carpet	ice in a bag for at least 10 minutes	peel off, vacuum, warm iron through paper	do not soak, blot, do not rub
Wood	let it cool, or ice in a bag if needed	plastic scraper, soft cloth	surface finish manufacturer's instructions, no solvents
Glass, ceramics	let it cool	scraper, warm water with washing-up liquid	no steel wool, no sudden temperature changes

What you should avoid using

• A hot iron and steam on textiles and carpets. A warm iron is enough, and a higher temperature can damage delicate fibres. Follow the care label.
• A sharp metal knife on wood, glass and delicate fabrics.
• Strong solvents without checking that the surface can withstand them. If you do use a product, read the label, ventilate, wear gloves and keep open flames away.
• Mixing products. Never mix products containing chlorine with acids or ammonia.
• The tumble dryer before you have checked that the stain has gone. If it remains, treat it again and wash.

Prevention before Advent and Christmas

The least work comes from wax that never drips in the first place. A stable candle holder with a rim or a saucer under the Advent wreath will help. Do not place candles in a draught, where the flame flickers and the wax runs down. You can put a placemat that is easy to wash under the wreath. Never leave candles burning unattended.

If you are planning a bigger clean for the holidays, you will find useful the pre-Christmas cleaning plan for the four weeks of Advent. If wax has stayed in upholstery and you cannot deal with it at home, Úklid 1-2-3 offers sofa upholstery shampooing.