How to remove candle wax

Lighting a few candles in a room can create the ultimate cosy atmosphere, and often create the final touch to a room or beautiful table setting. Unfortunately, candle wax can often drip and make stains, but it doesn't need to be difficult to remove candle wax. Read on for the best tips and tricks on how to remove candle wax.

When you remove candle wax from hard surfaces like a table or a windowsill, you must be careful otherwise you can damage the surface of the table or the windowsill. The surface can get easily scratched if you use a knife or sharp instrument, therefore try using a fingernail or a softer object instead. If this method is not sufficient enough, try washing with a soapy mixture first as this eases the wax off.

If wax has dripped onto your tablecloth you can freeze it to remove the candle wax stain. Place the tablecloth in a plastic bag before putting it into the freezer, then freeze for a minimum of two hours. In most cases you can then remove the candle wax from the tablecloth by simply scratching it off with your fingernail.

Iron the spilt candle wax off the tablecloth

If it hasn't been possible to remove the candle wax after it has been in the freezer, you can try to iron it off. Place the tablecloth on an ironing board with the stain facing upwards. Place a piece of paper towel or coffee filter both on the top and under the stain on the tablecloth. Then place the hot iron on the spot for about five seconds until the paper towel or coffee filter has absorbed the wax.

You must remember to move the paper towel/coffee filter around so you constantly use a dry spot. Repeat the process until the stain has disappeared. After ironing, you should wash the tablecloth according to the washing instructions. 

If you have candle wax on your rugs or carpet, then wait until the wax has completely dried then scrape the wax off. After, place four layers of paper towel on top of the stain and set your iron to the lowest heat. Place the iron over the paper towel on the stain until the wax is absorbed into the paper towel. Repeat this process until the stain has disappeared.

However, make sure that your iron is not warmer than what the carpet can tolerate. If you're in doubt, ask your carpet supplier first, then begin to iron once you have the all clear.

How do you remove candle wax from candle holders? The most effective way to remove candle wax from candlesticks is to melt the candle wax off the candlestick. Switch the oven on to 75 degrees and position the candlestick upside down. Place the candlestick on a baking tray with baking paper underneath, and then put the tray into the oven for about 20 minutes so that the candle wax melts down onto the baking paper. Finally, dry off any candle wax remnants with a coffee filter or a piece of paper towel.