How to Remove Wax from Carpets (with Video!)
Candles And Wax Melts: Spilled wax on carpet or upholstery? Learn how to harden, lift and remove leftover wax safely, plus how to treat dye stains without damaging your fabric.
Written in the UK by a wax-melt maker. This guide explains how to remove wax from carpet and upholstery safely using cold, gentle scraping, low heat and careful stain treatment. Last updated: .
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Glossary
- Carpet pile
- The fibres of a carpet. Wax can sit on top or sink between fibres.
- Upholstery
- Fabric coverings on furniture like sofas and chairs.
- Tealight warmer
- A wax burner that uses a tealight candle underneath to warm the dish.
- Kitchen roll
- Absorbent paper towel used to soak up melted wax.
- Greaseproof baking paper
- Non-stick paper used as a barrier between an iron and wax.
- Low heat
- Iron setting that melts wax without scorching fabric. No steam.
- Spot test
- Test a cleaner on a hidden area first to avoid discolouration or damage.
- Rubbing alcohol
- Alcohol solution used to help lift dye stains (spot test first).
Alright, listen up, butterfingers!
So, you've had a bit of a wax melt mishap, eh?
Don't worry, we've all been there. I once knocked over an entire tealight warmer onto my cream rug, not my finest moment, let me tell you.
But fear not, because even the clumsiest amongst us can conquer this waxy mess. Just follow my lead.
Step 1: Chill out (harden the wax)
Resist the urge to immediately attack the wax with a hairdryer and a prayer. Let it harden completely first.
Think of it like dealing with a toddler tantrum, sometimes you just gotta let them cool off before you can reason with them. To speed up the process, grab an ice pack or a bag of peas from the freezer and place it over the wax for a few minutes. It's like giving the wax a little time out.
Step 2: Channel your inner archaeologist (scrape safely)
Once the wax is solid, gently scrape it away with a dull knife or a plastic scraper. No sharp objects, please, we're not trying to recreate a slasher film here.
Think of it like carefully excavating a precious artefact, except this one smells like: Fairy Magic instead of ancient history.
Step 3: Heat things up (iron or hairdryer)
Now for the real magic!
Start by layering a few sheets of kitchen roll (around four sheets) directly over the wax to absorb it as it melts.
Then, cover the kitchen roll with a sheet of greaseproof baking paper (it’s best to use two flat sheets for extra protection for your iron).
The baking paper acts as a non-stick barrier, protecting your iron from direct contact with the wax, though it’s wise to use a low heat setting and ensure the paper stays in place.
Gently glide your iron over the baking paper, no steam to melt the wax, which will be absorbed into the kitchen roll.
Repeat this process as many times as needed, replacing the kitchen roll when necessary, until all the wax is gone.
If you don’t have an iron (because, let’s be honest, who does anymore?), a hairdryer can provide the heat needed to achieve the same result.
If you don't have kitchen roll, use multiple sheets of baking paper to protect your iron and repeat the steps above.
Step 4: Vanquish the villainous dye (stain removal)
If your wax melt was coloured and left a stain, don't throw in the towel just yet. Dab the area with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol (or a carpet/upholstery stain remover if you're feeling fancy). It's like a superhero swooping in to save the day!
Step 5: Dry and celebrate (finish up)
If you used rubbing alcohol, simply open a window and let the area air dry. If you used a stain remover, follow the instructions on the bottle. Once it's dry, give yourself a pat on the back. You've conquered the waxy beast!
Wax removal made easy (watch the video guide)
See? Not so scary after all. Now go forth and enjoy your wax melts without fear of mishaps (though maybe keep a watchful eye on those clumsy elbows next time).
Need a visual aid? I've got you covered! Check out my YouTube channel for a step by step guide on how to remove wax from carpets and upholstery. It's like a DIY tutorial
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