How to Remove Color Stains From Candle Wax
A candle wax spill creates a hardened mess with greasy residue. When candle wax is removed from a surface, you may find that a color stain still remains. The color, from the dye used to add color to the candle, can stick around after the candle wax and oil are gone. You can tend to the color stain and remove it using supplies that are readily available. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sponge
- Drycleaning solvent
- Clean cloths
- Laundry detergent
- Oxygen bleach
- Bowls
- 2 tbsp. ammonia
- 1 cup white vinegar
Instructions
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A sponge is soft enough to use on most any surface. Wet a sponge with drycleaning solvent. Once all the candle wax has been removed, blot at the remaining color stain with the drycleaning solvent. Rinse the sponge to remove dye and continue to blot.
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Dampen a clean cloth with water and rinse your surface to remove the drycleaning solvent. Pat the surface dry with a clean cloth.
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3
Launder washable fabrics in the warmest water possible, using laundry detergent and oxygen bleach to remove any remaining pigment from the candle wax. Before placing fabric in the dryer, make sure all of the wax stain has been removed. Repeat the first two steps, if needed, to remove any further candle wax dye.
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Rub a few drops of laundry detergent into non-washable surfaces, such as upholstery or carpet. Dab at the site of the remaining candle wax pigment stain with a damp cloth. Work from the outside of the stain inward to lift as much as possible.
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Remove the laundry detergent soap suds from the surface by blotting it with a damp cloth. Rinse your cloth frequently, wring it out, then continue to blot.
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Use a mixture of 2 tbsp. ammonia and 1 cup lukewarm water to clean up any last traces of candle wax pigment. Sponge the stain repeatedly to lift.
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Neutralize the ammonia solution on your surface by applying a solution made of 1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups water. Press a cloth dampened with the vinegar solution into the surface where the ammonia was applied.
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Old, absorbent towels come in handy for stain removal. Dry your surface by wicking moisture out with clean, dry cloths. Stand on the cloths or place something heavy over them to help draw out the moisture. Change to a dry cloth, as needed. Then let your surface air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Place decorative disposable tablecloths underneath colored candles to protect your table and fine linens.
Cheap candles tend to sputter and splatter more. Buy higher quality candles go avoid candle wax splatter stains.
Bring dry clean only garments to the dry cleaners for dye removal.
References
- Photo Credit three red candles image by Oleg Mitiukhin from Fotolia.com sponge image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com towels image by Ekaterina Lozanova from Fotolia.com
