How to Remove Beeswax From Hardwood

Dripped or spilled beeswax on a hardwood surface can be an unsightly mess. It can stain the wood if left on too long. Beeswax is easy to remove with a few household items if you work quickly. The longer the wax stays on the hardwood, the more damage it can do to the finish of the wood. In most cases, if removed immediately, no harm will come to the hardwood finish.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic storage bag
• Washcloth
• Butter knife or plastic scraper

Instructions

1. Fill a plastic storage bag with ice. Close the bag securely.

2. Wrap the ice filled bag in a washcloth or other clean rag.

3. Lay the ice on the beeswax spill. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. The time depends on how large the spill is. If only a few drops of beeswax is present, the time can be shortened to less than a minute.

4. Remove the ice. Make sure the beeswax is thoroughly hardened. You can do this with your fingernail or with the tip of the butter knife. If either slides into the wax easily, reapply the ice. Try again in another minute or two.

5. Gently slide the butter knife or plastic scrapper beneath the hardened wax once it is frozen. The wax should cleanly lift from the surface of the hardwood.

Tips & Warnings

• If staining does occur, you can either sand the affected area or refinish where needed or you can refinish the entire piece. You can also remove beeswax from hardwood using a moist washcloth and an iron. Lay the cloth over the beeswax. Use a hot iron to melt the wax. Wipe the wax away with the cloth. This method can more easily harm the finish on the hardwood. You can use this method for removing any candle wax from hardwood or other surfaces.