How to Clean Candle Wax Stains on Flat Surfaces

Colored candle wax can create a multi-layered mess when it melts onto floors, counters, tables and other flat surfaces. Cleaning up the solidified wax is only the beginning; many candles can leave faintly colored stains behind as well. If you're having a tough time working these stains out, just follow these easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Facial tissues
• Clothes iron
• Flat butter knife

Instructions

1. Let the wax cool and solidify. When it is cool to the touch, scrape up the solid wax and throw it away. A flat butter knife works great for this, but you can also just use your fingernails.

2. Set your clothes iron to its lowest setting and allow it to get warmed up. In the meantime, create a layer of about five tissues and set the stack over the stain. If the stain is on a vertical wall, you'll have to just hold the tissues up against the stained section of the wall at first.

3. Gently run the iron back and forth over the stack of tissues. The wax should begin to melt and get absorbed by the tissues. If you see wax bleeding all the way through the stack, continue with a clean stack of five tissues. Keep repeating this process until all of the wax has been lifted up and the stain is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a close eye on your tissues. If they become singed, replace them right away and consider turning your iron down to a cooler setting, if possible. One of the important reasons why tissues are used in this process is to prevent you from burning or scorching your surfaces.

• This method should not be attempted on plastic surfaces, surfaces that have been covered in any type of plastic or synthetic coating or any surface that would otherwise melt or warp under high temperatures.