Though not for everyone, waxing is a popular method for getting rid of unwanted body hair. Some people find the process somewhat painful, however, and it can prove to be even more painful if you spill hot wax where you don't want it. If you do spill some wax, don't panic. Scoop up as much of it as you can with the wooden applicator and then set about cleaning up any residue left behind.
When removing wax, the key is to work carefully and keep your head. It's easy to lose your cool when you fear you may have just ruined your carpet or your favorite jeans. Often, however, hasty and poorly planned wax removal methods cause much more damage than the wax itself.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
How to Remove Wax From Soft Surfaces
Pulling hot wax out of fabric is more difficult than removing it from hard surfaces, but it can be done. It may take some patience and persistence to get the job done, but you can succeed whether it's carpet or clothing you wish to save.
- Place a clean, damp towel over the wax.
- Run a clothes iron over the towel to keep the wax warm. As you heat the wax, it will lift out of the fabric and adhere to the towel.
- Check the towel often as you work. As one portion of the towel becomes saturated with wax, adjust it so that a fresh clean spot is over the wax.
- Remove any remaining wax residue with a little rubbing alcohol.
- Wait for the wax to cool. If any remnants of wax remain, pick them off with your fingernail or a soft plastic scraper.
Tip
If you've spilled wax on leather, you can remove it in a similar manner by heating and blotting the wax with a clean towel. In this case, however, use a hair dryer to heat the wax rather than an iron and keep it moving constantly so you don't overheat and ruin any part of the leather.
How to Remove Wax From Hard Surfaces
Removing wax from hard surfaces is an easy chore. It is important, however, that you exercise caution when doing so. You'll need to scrape off some of the wax, so make sure you use a scraper that won't gouge or cut into the surface.
- While the wax is still hot, press one of your wax removal strips into it and pull quickly, just as you do when you wax your body. If you're lucky, most of the wax will come away with the strip.
- Allow the remaining wax to cool. If you're in a hurry, you can set an ice pack on the wax to speed the process.
- Scrape the hardened wax off the surface with a plastic scraper. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and push only hard enough to get under the wax. Take care not to scratch the surface itself.
- Examine the surface closely after scraping away the wax. If any residue remains, heat it with a hair dryer and wipe it up with a paper towel when it melts again.
- Purchase a commercial depilatory wax remover if you're still struggling with wax remnants.