Candles are an excellent addition to set the mood in your home, right? Lying down your bed with the aroma of peppermint just feels right; however, you have to worry about wax stains. That is why we are here to help candle lovers out there how to get candle wax off.
People might think that the only thing to do on how to get candle wax off is simply scraping it off. Well, I am here to tell you that it is not that simple! It makes a difference how you remove candle wax from whatever surface it is on.
It makes a difference in how you remove it, whether on glass, wood, or even our clothes. You must consider the sort of material you are working within addition to the wax. Luckily, we’ll show you how to get candle wax off from various surfaces.
Different Methods on How To Get Candle Wax Off Various Surfaces
Wooden Surfaces
Allowing the wax to cool before applying it is the first thing you should do. Allow the dripping wax to cool and harden completely before attempting to remove it. Then, lay an ice cube in a plastic food storage bag on the wax for 10 to 20 seconds in a pinch.
The next step is to scrape it away carefully. To remove the hardened wax off the surface, never use a metal scraper or the edge of a credit card. Instead, use a gentle hand to avoid gouging and keep the plastic’s edge level on the wood surface.
You should then remove the loose wax. Then, using a soft cloth or your fingertips, pick up the loose bits of wax. Lastly, clean and polish the wooden surface.
Dip a soft cloth in a mixture of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts water. Its purpose is to remove any wax residues or stains from colored wax on light wood surfaces. But, first, wring out the fabric well so that it is only slightly damp.
Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain. Move to a clean area of the fabric as the wax is transferred. Buff the surface with a soft, dry cloth or apply a thin layer of furniture polish to finish.
Leather Furniture
Remove any remaining hardened wax with a dull, flat-edged instrument, just as you would for a fabric sofa. If you discover the spills before the wax hardens, you can soak up the excess wax with a paper towel. To prevent spreading the wax, dab it up instead of wiping it.
To remove discoloration, use cornstarch or unscented talcum powder. It operates in the same way as a paper towel does on a fabric sofa. However, on a leather sofa, never use a paper towel and iron approach since it may permanently harm the leather.
Vinyl Floors
Pouring candle wax on a vinyl floor creates an ugly mess that, if left unattended, will deteriorate. In addition, as the wax collects dust and dirt, the mark may become more evident over time. Clean up the wax spill using the gentlest method possible, such as scraping, to avoid damaging or discoloring your floor.
So, how to get candle wax off from vinyl flooring? The removal of hard wax from vinyl can sometimes be as simple as picking at it with your fingernail. You should place ice cubes in a closed sandwich bag.
If the wax is somewhat flexible to the touch, seal the bag. Then, for at least five minutes, place an ice bag over the wax. Before removing the bag and picking at the polish with your fingertips, do this.
If you’re having difficulties removing the wax, try slicing underneath it with a piece of cardboard’s edge. Using the bowl of a plastic spoon, scrape out any stubborn wax. Always have a spare piece of paper on hand to lay wax bits and shavings on before disposing of them.
Clothing
It may sound weird, but first, don’t do anything — at least not until the wax has dried. Attempting to remove a wax stain before it has set is likely to aggravate the situation, spreading the stain and perhaps burning you. So, before you do anything, let the wax harden.
The following step is to scrape away as much of the solidified wax as possible. Next, take a sharp knife to cut the wax but not so sharp that it will harm the article of clothing. To avoid mishaps, always utilize strokes away from your body when using the knife.
Next, work on the wax to remove as much solidified debris as possible, leaving just the most embedded wax to remain. Although it appears to contradict the first step, the next step is to reheat the wax. Next, place a dishcloth underneath the cloth and then put two paper towels over the wax stain.
Set the iron to a low to medium setting and iron over the affected region. The heated wax will remelt and separated off the cloth, soaking instead into the paper towel. If it becomes soaked with wax, move it to a different position, start over, or replace it with a fresh sheet.
If you have blotting paper on hand, it will work just as well as, if not better than, paper towels. When using an iron, always use caution. This point should practically finish the wax stain removal process.
However, if the wax is colored, a stain will probably stay on the garment. If this is the case, fill a bowl halfway with water and an oxygen-based stain remover. Soak the stain in it for a few hours.
It should successfully eliminate the fabric’s final lingering stains. As a stain remover, you may also try applying a tiny amount of liquid detergent straight on the spot. Before widespread usage, always conduct a test in an inconspicuous place.
Finally, wash the clothing as usual – either in a machine or by hand if that is more suited. Suppose the damaged item is a piece of clothing made of particularly delicate material. In that case, you may want to see a professional cleaner who knows how to remove wax stains from clothing.
Conclusion
The process of how you remove candle wax differs from where it is located. May it be from wooden surfaces, leather furniture, or clothes, how you remove it is different. That is why take down notes on how to get candle wax off to avoid mishaps.