Cleaning up spilled candle wax can be a time-consuming task, but you can make it a bit more enjoyable by using common household items.
There are two main ways to clean melted wax: applying heat or freezing.
The choice of method depends on where the wax has spilled, as certain items are better suited for one approach over the other. This guide presents three heat-based methods for cleaning up spilled wax and one option for safely removing wax from items that can tolerate freezing.
Remove Candle Wax from the washing machine
If candle wax has accidentally dripped, splattered, or spilled on fabrics that can be washed, such as tablecloths, table runners, cloth napkins, curtains, or clothing, you can follow these steps to remove the wax:
Step 1: Scrape off Excess Wax.
Using a butter knife or the edge of a spoon (avoid sharp objects to prevent fabric damage), scrape off as much of the wax as possible from the fabric.
Step 2: Machine-Wash with Hot Water.
Refer to the care tag instructions for the fabric and machine-wash the item using the hottest water setting recommended for that particular fabric.
Typically, the wax will come off during the wash cycle without any additional effort.
Step 3: Check for Residual Stains.
After washing, inspect the item to ensure that the wax has been completely removed and there are no lingering stains.
If necessary, treat any remaining stains according to the fabric’s care instructions before drying.
Note: It’s important to always follow the specific care instructions for the fabric and item to ensure the best results while washing.
Get Rid of Candle Wax Using the Freezer
Freezing wax causes it to contract, making it easier to remove from hard surfaces.
If wax has spilled on small items that can fit in a freezer, this method provides a simple and relatively hands-off solution.
What You Will Need.
- Freezer.
- Spoon or butter knife (optional).
Instructions.
Step 1: Place the Item in the Freezer.
Put the item with the wax residue into the freezer.
Step 2: Remove the Frozen Wax.
As the wax freezes and contracts, it can be easily popped off the surface.
You can use a fingernail, a butter knife, or the edge of a spoon to remove the frozen wax.
Get Rid of Candle Wax with Boiling Water
This method is suitable for removing melted wax from items that can tolerate heat and are small enough to fit into a pot of boiling water.
What You Will Need.
- Large pot.
- Skimmer (optional).
- Tongs (optional).
Instructions.
Step 1: Boil Water.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Step 2: Submerge the Waxy Item.
Place the waxy item into the boiling water.
The wax will melt and rise to the water’s surface.
Step 3: Remove the Item from the Water.
Once the wax has melted off the item, use tongs to carefully remove it from the water, protecting your hands.
Alternatively, you can remove the pot from the heat, allow the water to cool, skim the wax from the top, and then take out the item.
Step 4: Skim off the Wax.
Remove the floating wax from the surface of the water and dispose of it in the trash.
Avoid pouring waxy water down the drain. You can use a skimmer to skim off the wax while the water is still hot or wait for the water to cool down and manually remove the wax when it’s safe to handle.
Get Rid of Candle Wax Using an Iron
Another heat-based approach to clean up spilled wax is using an iron to reheat the wax while utilizing brown paper to absorb it during the melting process.
What You Will Need.
- Iron.
- Brown paper.
Instruction.
Step 1: Heat the Iron.
Start by heating the iron on the lowest setting.
Step 2: Cover the Wax with Brown Paper.
Place a sheet of brown paper over the wax spill, and then position the iron on top of the paper.
The heat from the iron will cause the wax to melt, and the brown paper will absorb it.
Step 3: Monitor and Adjust.
Check the underside of the paper as the wax softens and gets absorbed.
Increase the heat setting on the iron if necessary, and rotate the brown paper as different sections become saturated with wax.
Eliminate Candle Wax Using a Hair Dryer
The most effective method for cleaning up wax spills and messes is to use a hair dryer to soften and melt the wax, making it easier to remove with paper towels.
Although the process is simple, it can be time-consuming and tedious depending on the amount of wax spilled.
What You Will Need.
- Hair dryer.
- Paper towels.
Instruction.
Step 1: Soften the Wax with the Dryer.
Turn on the hair dryer and set it to the lowest heat and airflow settings.
Hold the dryer about an inch away from the wax spill and adjust the distance, heat, and airflow as necessary to ensure the wax melts properly.
Step 2: Wipe the Wax with Paper Towels.
As the wax begins to melt, use paper towels to wipe it up.
Paper towels are ideal because they absorb the wax. Replace or rotate the paper towel as needed when it becomes saturated with wax.
Step 3: Remove the Wax in Sections.
Divide the area into sections and repeat steps 1 and 2 until all the wax has been removed.
*The information is for reference only.