How To Easily Remove Wax From Your Carpet
Carpet flooring has been in style for ages –– it's a classic. This, according to Flooring Stores, is because of its durability and how comfortable it is to the feet.
Although carpet flooring may be durable, it is not immune to awful accidental spills and grime. And speaking of which, splashes of melted candle wax are the most invasive of all carpet-damaging disasters. While the purpose of burning candles (such as for creating settings for romance, meditation, and self-expression, per Lit Up Candle Co) is understandable, the resulting melted wax can be a nuisance.
Ordinarily, carpet cleaning is one of the most gruesome house chores, and candle wax stains on your carpet can make it even more difficult. But you're not alone this time around. We at House Digest are here to support you with some of the easiest ways to remove wax from your flooring. FYI, the materials required to remove candle wax include vinegar, an ice pack, a dull knife, an iron, and an absorbent towel.
Freeze the wax and scrape it off
Removing wax from your carpet does not have to be difficult, and as with all stains, wax can be removed with little difficulty if you notice the stain quickly. Thus, to facilitate ease, ensure the wax is hardened before you clean the carpet. You can hasten the process by wrapping an ice pack in an absorbent towel and placing it on the affected spot. The towel prevents water from dripping on the wax, according to Oh So Spotless.
When the wax appears to be solid enough, use a dull knife (or a butter knife) to scrape it off your carpet. However, if you realize that your carpet fibers are coming off with the knife, use a substitute, such as a credit card. To finish this procedure, use an upholstery brush and a vacuum cleaner to remove any wax that might still be lodged between the carpet fibers.
Use a towel and an iron
If you notice that there is still wax on your carpet, the fast, easy, and cost-effective way to remove it is by melting it with heat. So, how do you go about it? Start by getting an iron (or a hairdryer) and paper towels, an absorbent cloth, or a paper bag. According to Architectural Digest, it's important to keep your iron on the lowest temperature setting to prevent the heat from melting the carpet fibers. If your carpet is made from wool, it's best to use a hairdryer to remove the wax.
First, place the paper towel, or a substitute, on the stain and gently rub the iron over it, and remember to keep the steam setting off. The paper towel will absorb the wax and leave your carpet looking good as new. Keep changing the paper towel to prevent the wax from seeping back into the carpet.
Use a solvent to remove the wax
Sometimes, the wax might be tough and may have dyed your carpet, which can be hard to remove with the methods mentioned above. In this case, the final touch is to use a carpet cleaner or rubbing alcohol to get rid of the dye. Carefully dab the wax with an absorbent cloth that has been dipped in the solvent.
If you're worried that these chemicals would be too harsh and damage your carpet, Oh So Spotless recommends a homemade solution that is milder, using vinegar and water.
To create the solution, mix a few drops of vinegar into a cup of water and spray it on the affected area. This solution should sit for half an hour before you proceed to the next step. Finally, place the absorbent towel on the spot and let it absorb the wax dye. Use a vacuum cleaner for a neater finish.