How to Remove Wax From a Brick Floor

Remove wax from brick floors by changing its consistency to a hardened or liquid state.

Brick floors are charming and durable, but the deep crevices are difficult to clean. Spills and stains, including those caused by melted wax, need special attention. Commonly used waxes, such as beeswax, carnauba (plant) wax and paraffin (petroleum) waxes have similar characteristics. The same removal procedures work for all of them. Removing wax from a brick floor takes some elbow grease, but you're unlikely to cause damage.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Ice
• Credit card or dough scraper
• Paper towels
• Scrub brush

Instructions

1. Fill a plastic bag with ice and place the bag on the candle wax to harden it. (reference 3)

2. Use a dough scraper or credit card to lift off the hardened chunks of wax. (reference 1)

3. Apply the heat of a hair dryer to the remaining wax for 1 minute to melt it.

4. Lay a paper towel over the wax and press down firmly with your hand. Most of the wax will transfer to the paper towel.

5. Scrub any wax remaining in the crevices of the bricks with a stiff scrub brush to loosen.

6. Blot with the paper towel again. If the wax hardens, melt it again with the hair dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• Attend to the spill immediately before it hardens if possible by blotting it with paper towels.

• Seal brick floors with a penetrating sealer containing tung oil, according to Michigan State University Extension. (reference 2)

References

• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Wax
• Michigan State University Extension: Brick-Traits and Cleaning
• How to Clean Stuff: How to Remove Wax From a Brick Floor

Resources

• Utah State University Extension: Making a House a Home