How To Get Wax Out Of Carpet With One Simple Trick
As nice as carpet feels on the feet, it’s easy to stain. If you’ve had a candle spill, here’s how to get wax out of the carpet.
Wax dries fast but isn’t as hard to remove as you might think.
How To Get Wax Out Of Carpet
Follow these steps for a fool-proof way to get wax out of carpet.
What You’ll Need
- a butter knife
- ice cubes (in a baggie)
- a vacuum cleaner
- paper towels
- an iron
- carpet cleaner (or rubbing alcohol)
Freeze The Wax
Place a bag of ice cubes on the wax. Ice will harden it, making it easier to peel away.
If your bag of ice starts to “sweat,” wrap it in a hand towel. Doing so will prevent the wax from getting wet.
Scrape It Off
After a few minutes of ice, the wax should scrape off with a butter knife.
If you don’t have a knife, use a credit card or something else with a solid edge.
Vacuum Up
Vacuum loose wax left on the floor.
Melt And Absorb
If wax remains after you vacuum, use an iron to melt it off – heat the iron to a medium temp, hold it over the wax until it melts, and use a paper towel to wipe it from the carpet.
Replace your paper towel regularly.
Clean The Carpet
After the wax is removed, clean the area with a carpet cleaner. If you don’t have a carpet cleaner, spray a spot treatment spray or diluted rubbing alcohol on the wax stain and wipe with a dampened microfiber cloth.
Finally, brush the carpet with a soft-bristle brush, and you’re finished.
Different Types Of Wax
Wax that has stained your carpet is made from one of the following:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin is the most common type of wax used. Crayon wax, candle wax, and wax cubes come from paraffin wax. It contains petroleum and releases benzene under hot temperatures.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is popular. It is natural and safe for the environment. Small candle makers use coconut wax, but you won’t find it at large retail stores.
Unlike other natural wax, coconut is softer than paraffin and easier to remove from carpet.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is denser than paraffin wax and requires greater heat to melt. Most natural candles have soy wax.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another household favorite. It releases negative ions when burned that eliminate dust, mold, and other allergens.
If you spill beeswax on your carpet, it will lift off in one piece.
Palm Wax
Palm wax contains palm tree oil and is harder than other natural wax.
Rosin
Although rosin isn’t wax, it is often paired with it. For example, body waxes contain beeswax and rosin. It’s found in makeup, adhesives, and other household materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What Can Dissolve Wax?
Anything that dissolves oil and cuts through grease can dissolve wax. The most common of these are acetone and rubbing alcohol, both used in removing fingernail polish and simple cleaning. Be careful with both of these as they are quite strong.
What If I Don't Have An Iron?
If you don’t have an iron, there are a few other options you can try. A hairdryer on a hot setting can do the same thing. A pot of boiling water will work the same.
Will There Be Permanent Effects?
It is unlikely that wax will damage your carpet. If you remove it fast and brush your carpet afterward, it should be fine. Wax isn’t a harmful material. It will stick to your carpet after it solidifies.
Can The Wax Dye My Carpet?
Yes, it can. You can get rid of the stains after you get rid of the wax. Sometimes, a little peroxide or diluted bleach may do the trick. Find more tips in this how to get rid of slime in carpet guide. Slime contains dyes too!
How Do I Know What Type Of Wax I Have?
You can read the label of the wax that has stained your carpet. If it’s crayons, it’s paraffin. And if it’s body wax, it’s beeswax.
How Do You Remove Wax Crayon From Carpet?
When you discover wax crayon in your carpet, remove it asap. First, use a soft object to scrape the crayon wax residue from the surface.
Use a tiny amount of carpet cleaner and apply it to the stain. Next, use a clean rag or absorbent pad and blot the wax. You may have to repeat this process a few times.
How Do You Remove Eyebrow Wax From Carpet?
When you’re fixing your eyebrows, you might drop eyebrow wax on your carpet. Don’t panic, there is DIY method you can use to remove it.
Fill a small plastic bag with ice and place it over the wax until it hardens. With a soft-edged butter knife, scrape off the wax.
Use a small piece of paper from a paper bag or other absorbent material and lay it over the wax.
Use denatured alcohol to remove the remaining stains.
What Dissolves Hardened Candle Wax?
Candle wax has an oil-base. You’ll need a solvent that can eat through oil. One DIY solvent that most have is acetone. If you have nail polish remover, then this will work.
Acetone with rubbing alcohol will remove wax from your carpet.