How to Get Candle Wax Out of Fabric or Carpet

Candle wax can set into a carpet causing stains the color of the wax.

Once candle wax drips onto your fabric or carpet, this scented household delight becomes a problem. Candle wax hardens and dries as it cools, leaving a crusty texture that adheres to cloth and carpet fibers. If your find yourself scraping away at candle wax to no avail, take measures to remove the wax and residual stain to bring your fabric or carpet back to prime condition.

Things You'll Need

• Butter knife
• Ice cubes
• Iron
• Paper bags of paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cloths
• Water
• Fan

Instructions

1. Scrape the candle wax with a butter knife to remove loose pieces. Work slowly to prevent pushing the wax further down into the fabric or carpet.

2. Place ice cubes on top of the wax for about one minute to harden it. Scrape more wax off.

3. Set your iron on a low heat setting and allow it to heat up. Place a brown paper bag or a paper towel on top of the wax. Iron over the paper bag or paper towel to heat the wax on your fabric or carpet. This turns the wax into a liquid state that absorbs into the paper bag or paper towel. Lift the paper bag or paper towel up to pull off the wax. Repeat the process with a new paper bag or paper towel to lift remaining wax.

4. Pour rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and dab stains left behind by the wax to lift them. Rinse the area with cold water and pat it dry with a clean cloth. Place a fan in front of the carpet or fabric to dry it, preventing musty odors and mold from setting in.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use the iron method with paper towels that have ink on them because the ink can transfer onto your carpet, causing a stain.

References

• Housecleaning Central: Candle Wax Stain Removal
• Good Housekeeping: Removing Candle Wax from Carpets; Heloise