Wax Candle Cleaning Tips
Candles are a beautiful and sometimes aromatic way to add ambiance to the everyday and special occasions. Sometimes there are wax spills, but don’t despair--it’s much easier than you think to remove candle wax from a variety of surfaces.
- Let the wax dry completely before you attempt to remove it. If the candle wax is still pliable or sticky, use an ice cube and hold it on the wax. After the wax is completely hardened, use a butter knife or the edge of plastic credit card to scrape off as much wax as you can from the surface. Work gently so you don’t tear any fabric. If you are trying to remove the wax from furniture, don’t scrape, you will scratch your furniture.
- Heat an iron. Use a rag or disposable cloth to cover the wax. Set the iron to medium heat and gently iron until the candle wax is absorbed. Repeat these steps until all the wax has been removed. Use the process to remove wax from carpet.
- Wipe down the material or furniture with a damp cloth to remove any residue or whitening. If it's a washable item, just throw the cleaned material into the laundry. Use furniture polish or furniture oil to prevent residual wax buildup.
- Remove wax from glass votives by heating the oven to its lowest setting. Place your glass upside down on an aluminum pie pan. Put in the oven until the wax melts and runs into the pan. Carefully remove from the oven, being careful not to touch the very hot candleholders.
- On a glass tabletop, pour boiling hot water on it to melt the wax. Wipe away.