How to Remove Candle Wax From Wood

Remove candle wax from wood once it hardens for best results.

If candle wax drips or spills onto wood, follow the appropriate techniques to remove it without damaging the wood. Dyed candle wax can leave behind a stain, especially if you allow it to sit for a long time. Once you notice the wax on the wood, remove it as soon as possible to minimize the damage. After you remove the wax, assess the damage and determine whether you need to replace the wood or re-stain it.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Iron
• Plastic zipper-sealed bag
• Ice
• Plastic paint scraper
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 tbsp. white vinegar
• Washcloth
• Oil soap or wood polish

Instructions

1. Allow the wax to harden. Removing the wax while it is still wet may cause you to smear it and make the stain worse.

2. Place newspaper over the candle wax and heat a clothes iron to medium.

3. Place the iron over the newspaper. The newspaper will absorb the wax as it melts and remove it from the wood.

4. Fill a plastic bag with ice. Place the ice-filled bag onto any wax that remains and freeze it so that it becomes brittle. Use a plastic paint scraper to remove the wax from the wood.

5. Remove any lingering residue with 2 cups of warm water and 2 tbsp. of white vinegar. Soak a washcloth in the solution and wipe the wax off the wood. Dry the wood completely to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

6. Polish the wood with oil soap or your preferred wood polish.

References

• Merry Maids: Candle Wax Removal from Upholstery, Wood or Carpet
• Mrs. Clean USA: Remove Candle Wax
• Beeswax Candle Company: Wax Removal Tips