As much as we all love a scented candle, there are always times we wish we’d been a little more careful. Like when you spill hot wax all over your favourite rug. It happens to the best of us. Busy households result in spillages, knocks, and drops, may we say, a hot mess (pun intended)!
All is not lost though, we have prepared some simple tips on how to get wax out of carpet, rugs, and even cotton tablecloths. Plus, all without the use of chemicals or plastic you can continue to enjoy your candles, home, and any mess created – stress-free.
Understanding Wax Types
Different candle waxes behave differently, which can influence the cleaning method:
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Paraffin Wax: Has a low melting point, making it easier to remove with heat.
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Soy Wax: Similar to paraffin but softer, requiring less heat.
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Beeswax: Denser with a higher melting point; freezing is particularly effective for removal.
Knowing the type of wax can help tailor the cleaning approach for better results
How To Get Wax Out Of Carpet
For our chemical, toxin, and plastic-free method, all you will need is:
- Ice cubes
- A cotton bag or large porous cloth
- A butter knife
- An iron
- Brown paper (again something porous)
Step 1
Your wax is still hot, you’ll need to get this super cold as the harder it is the easier it will be to peel away from your carpet. We suggest still following this step if your wax is hot, soft or cold.
Fill your bag or cloth with ice and run it over the wax holding where needed to solidify and harden the spillage. Just make sure the wax doesn’t get wet.
Hack: if it's a tablecloth you’re trying to clean bung this straight in the freezer, just try to fold the cloth in on itself to avoid too much dampness on the wax.
Step 2
Once solid you can begin to gently peel away the wax, if needed you can use a butter knife to help with the process, just make sure you’re gentle to avoid any damage to your rugs or carpets.
Step 3
Hopefully, most of the wax has now been removed but it’s likely you will still have a few little bits here and there and possibly a stain left behind. This is where your iron comes in.
Heat your iron up to a low/medium heat and lay your brown paper over the stained area. Now just gently use circular motions over the paper. The paper will now begin to absorb the wax lifting it from the carpet. Continue to do this and replace it with fresh paper if needed until the marks have been lifted.
Your carpet should be looking as good as new!
Preventing Wax Spills
Prevention is always better than a cleanup. Here are some tips to avoid wax spills:
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Use Proper Candle Holders: Ensure the holder has a wide base to catch drips.
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Trim the Wick: Keep wicks trimmed to about 1/4 inch to reduce dripping and uneven burning.
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Avoid Drafts: Place candles away from windows, fans, or air vents to prevent flickering flames that cause spills.
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Stable Placement: Ensure candles are on flat, heat-resistant surfaces to avoid tipping or slanting.
We’ve all got busy lifestyles and it can be easy to grab the first item on the shelf or you already have your go-to brands for household bits and pieces. But there are small and easy steps we can all take to avoid using harsh chemicals and other cleaning alternatives.
