How to Remove Candle Wax from your Carpet
In homes across the county, candles are seen as a household staple. We all have a reason for having candles in our home — whether they're used for their decorative qualities, or for the warm ambiance they bring to your home.
Unfortunately, because of their prominence, there is a chance that wax can drip its way into your carpets.
If you're here because you've found yourself stuck in this very situation, we understand — and we are here to help.
Candle wax can prove to be a unique problem for carpets, and therefore will require unique solutions to remove any wax and its residue from your carpet fibers.
In this article, we'll go over two separate ways to ensure you have the best chance at restoring your carpet or area rug.
NOTE: Prior to attempting either removal method, become familiar with your carpet's material.
It is important to understand what your carpet is composed of prior to attempting to remove the candle wax. Certain materials have sensitivities to heat, and if wrongly treated, can result in additional damages.
Common carpeting materials include wool, nylon, and polypropylene.
Removing Wax from Carpets Utilizing the Cold Method
Using the Cold Method to remove candle wax from your carpet is not only simple, but also caters to any concerns you may have about using heat on your carpet.
Wool carpets, for example, should not be exposed to high temperatures. This makes the Cold Method a prime candidate for a temperate rug.
- Gather Ice
To begin the process of removing wax from your carpet using the cold method, begin by putting some ice into a sealable plastic bag — for example, a ziplock. It is important to make sure that no condensation that may have formed on the outside of the bag is exposed to the wax you are trying to remove. Remove any condensation by routinely wiping it with a rag or cloth of your choice.
- Use Ice to Cool and Harden Wax
Hold the pack of ice on the wax for two to three minutes, applying gentle pressure during the application process. Make sure to protect your hands from direct exposure to the ice by using a thin barrier such as a towel or cloth.
The application of the ice will allow the candle wax to harden and reinforce the integrity of the wax so it can be easily removed in the following step.
- Scrape Wax
Once the wax has cooled and is now firm to the touch, you can begin the scraping process by using a dull object of your choice. Ensure that nothing sharper than a butterknife is used as sharp edges pose a risk of cutting the fibers of your carpet. The wax should begin to lift. Any remaining debris left behind by the wax can be vacuumed up.
Using Heat to Remove Wax
If you have a carpet made from synthetic materials (such as nylon), the use of heat to remove wax is permissible. These synthetic carpet fibers are more durable than their natural counterparts and can withstand heated treatments. Note: It's always a good idea to test this method out on a hidden area of carpet, or a carpet remnant.
- Dampen a Paper Towel
To start the removal process using heat, you begin by grabbing paper towels — just enough to cover the affected area. Dampen (do not soak) the paper towels and then fold them in half while placing it on the area affected by the wax. The paper towel will serve two purposes: to serve as a protective barrier between your carpet and the heat being applied, as well as a means to soak up the wax as it melts.
- Apply Heat
Using an iron on low setting or a hair dryer, apply consistent heat to the area for around thirty seconds. If you find that the area coated in wax is too large, try the scarping method to lessen the amount of wax prior to applying any heat.
- Soak Up Wax
Now that the heat has been applied, the melted wax will begin to separate from the carpet fibers and be absorbed by the paper towel. Pat as much residue as possible, changing out paper towels as needed.
You may need to repeat these steps several times with fresh paper towels until the wax has been completely removed.
Other Tips For Your Carpet
Even if all of the wax has been removed, there are still the unfortunate situations in which the spilled wax contained a color that has now been transferred to your carpet.
We are happy to include some tips and tricks on how to remove any residual color from your fibers.
Mixing Baking Soda and Vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda are two staples that can likely be found in almost every household. While not only easily accessible, when mixed together they provide a powerful tool in removing various types of stubborn stains.
Begin by applying a small heap of baking soda onto the discolored area. Allow it to sit for a moment before slowly pouring vinegar on top of it. Add vinegar until the baking soda is completely dissolved. The chemical reaction between the two will gently lift the stains while protecting the integrity of your carpet.
Once the solution has set for a few moments, begin to dab — do not scrub — the area dry using a white paper towel or rag. We suggest starting the dabbing process from the outer edges of the stain, moving inwards, to avoid spreading the stain.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
If you have rubbing alcohol at your disposal, you can create a solution of rubbing alcohol and water to assist in removing the stain. Combine one part rubbing alcohol to three parts water in a spray bottle to create your solution.
Spray the stained area generously, allowing the rubbing alcohol to thoroughly saturate the carpet fibers. Once applied, let the solution rest for 30 minutes before blotting up any remaining liquid.
Call One of a Kind Pros
Let us handle the mess! If you've found yourself with a particularly hard carpet stain, please feel free to contact us directly at One of a Kind Pros. Our professional solutions and equipment, plus our years of knowledge and expertise, means that we can handle even the toughest of situations of your carpet.
We're always here and happy to help!
Conclusion
If you are in doubt about tackling wax removal yourself, give us a call, we'll be glad to help.
For any type of stubborn stains, you might need a professional carpet cleaner with the specialized tools, pro solutions, knowledge, and experience to remove stains of all kinds.
To arrange for a professional carpet cleaning, contact us today for a free estimate.
832-581-5555
We're here to help!
Thank you for reading our article.
We hope you find it to be helpful.
If you have any questions about this article, or suggestions for another article — anything related to cleaning carpet, upholstery, tile and grout, and maintaining a healthy home — please feel free to contact us.
