How to Get Wax Out of Carpet in Six Easy Steps

When it comes to keeping your home clean and spotless, one of the areas you are likely to focus on is the carpeting. While many people have the right equipment and techniques to tackle unexpected stains, very few know what to do when they get wax on their carpet. If you love candles and enjoy the warm ambiance of candlelight, then you should learn how to get candle wax off of carpet. The good news is that getting wax out of your carpet is not as difficult as it may seem, provided you tackle the problem right away.

Here is a simple guide on how to get wax off carpet while protecting the material from damage.

Six steps to getting wax out of the carpet

Once you notice a wax stain on your carpet try to remove it as soon as possible since waiting will make it harder to clean. Here are five steps to go about it seamlessly:

Step 1: Get the right supplies.

First, you’ll need to get your supplies ready. The materials you will need include a table knife, several ice cubes, a plastic bag, a vacuum cleaner, a few paper bags large enough to cover the spill, an iron, and carpet cleaner or rubbing alcohol.

Step 2: Freeze the wax.

Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and place it directly over the wax stain. You should wrap the bag with a towel to keep the wax from getting wet as a result of leaks or condensation. Placing this bag on the wax will get the wax cold so that it solidifies and easily lifts up from the carpet fibers.

Step 3: Scrape the wax off.

Once the wax is frozen, scrape it off using a dull knife (like a butter knife). Scrape off as much of the wax as you can, making sure you are not too rough on the carpet to avoid cutting the threads. You should then vacuum up all the pieces of wax that you have scraped off. If there is some remaining wax on the carpet, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Prepare and iron the stain.

Place a paper towel or paper bag on top of the stain and turn your iron on at a low temperature. Make sure that the iron is not too hot as it will melt the fibers on your carpet. You should also avoid having the iron on the spot for too long and be sure to use a steam setting. Rub the iron gently over the towel or bag, allowing it to absorb the wax. Reposition the towel on fresh areas and repeat this process until all the wax has been absorbed.

Step 5: Clean the carpet.

Use rubbing alcohol or a commercial cleaning solution to remove any remaining bits of wax from the rug. Blot the carpet with a clean white cloth until the stains have disappeared and the moisture is gone.

Step 6: Vacuum the carpet.

When the carpet is completely dry, vacuum it with an upholstery brush attachment to restore its texture.

Products and tools you’ll need to get candle wax out of carpet

Part of learning how to get wax out of carpet involves knowing which products and tools you will need. Below is an overview of the materials and their functions.

• Bag of ice: The bag of ice serves the important purpose of freezing the wax so that it is easy to remove from your carpet. In this way, you will also protect the carpet fibers.
• Iron or hair dryer:
• Paper towel or brown paper bag:
• Dull knife: This tool comes in handy when scraping and removing wax from your carpet. The knife has to be dull to prevent the carpet fibers from getting damaged.
• Vacuum and rubbing alcohol: The rubbing alcohol or cleaning solution helps in cleaning your carpet after removing the stain and the vacuum is used to restore the carpet’s texture once it is dry.

The bottom line

Candle wax impacts not only the aesthetic of your carpet but also its texture. However, with the right tools and procedure, you can easily get rid of candle wax from your carpet. With the above techniques, holiday and birthday parties will not have to end on a sour note, and there will be no need to cry over spilled wax.

Frequently asked questions

What will dissolve candle wax?

Because candle wax is an oil-based stain, removing it will require a solvent that dissolves oil. Some of the solvents that you can use at home are acetone that is found in nail polish remover and isopropyl alcohol that is commonly used in rubbing alcohol.

How do you get candle wax out of carpet without an iron?

If you manage to remove all the wax by scraping it off with a knife, you can proceed to clean and vacuum your carpet. However, using a flat bottomed pot of hot water or a hairdryer in place of an iron will still get the job done.

Can wax cause permanent damage to my carpet?

Generally, a little unexpected wax on the carpet will not cause permanent damage to your plush carpeting. However, you should try to remove the wax stain as soon as you notice it.

How do I remove colored wax stains?

If the spilled wax is from a colored candle, it may leave a colored stain on your carpet. In case the color remains after you have cleaned the wax, you can use a homemade carpet spot cleaner to treat it. However, you should first check for colorfastness by testing it in a hidden area.