How to Get Candle Wax out of the Carpet in 4 Steps
Candles are so nice to have in our homes, they add a pleasant scent to the air and a warm glow to the room. Sometimes just lighting a candle is enough to start relaxing into your evening. So really, what’s not to love about them? As great as we think candles are, they do come with a fair share of risks, including a wax spill. Did you know most candle wax is actually made of petroleum byproducts? This means this mess can leave a stain. If a wax spill happens to you, no need to worry! Follow these steps to get candle wax out of the carpet.
Does Candle Wax Stain?
Yes. Coloring from candle wax can stain carpet if it’s not cleaned up quickly and correctly. Candle wax spills are stressful but removing candle wax stains from carpet and rugs can be easy, it just takes some time and finesse!
What You’ll Need To Remove Candle Wax From Carpet:
Gather your supplies together before you start to clean the wax spills and stains on your carpet. Your wax carpet cleaning kit should include:
- Ice pack or waterproof plastic bag with ice in it (plus maybe a towel to wrap it in too)
- Metal spoon or scraper
- Carpet cleaner spray, we recommend an oxy formula
- White or color-safe cloth
- Vacuum
How To Clean Candle Wax From Carpet
- Cool The Wax
If the wax is not completely dry or hardened, lay your ice pack on the stained carpet to harden the wax and allow it to freeze. Make sure you don’t get the wax wet from leaks or condensation because that will make it more difficult to get the stain up. Leave the ice pack on until you are sure the wax is completely hardened. - Scrape Up And Remove As Much Spilled Wax As Possible
Using the spoon or scraper, gently remove the wax off the carpet fibers. Take care when scraping not to damage the carpet fibers. Use a vacuum to remove the loose particles that you scrape out of the carpet. - Clean The Stain
The physical candle wax may be removed from the carpet, but we still need to remove the candle stain and any remnants of color left behind in the carpeting. We suggest using either an Oxy based carpet spot cleaner that works best for color or a carpet spot cleaner designed for tacking oil stains. Always test your carpet in an inconspicuous place for colorfastness before using any cleaner. Spray the cleaning solution on and let it sit for five minutes. If needed, use a white cloth to gently agitate and remove the stain, working your way from the edge of the stain inward toward the center. This helps contain the stain so it doesn’t grow larger. After the stain is removed let the area air dry. - Vacuum The Area
Once the wax and stain are removed from the carpet and the carpet is dry, finish off by vacuuming the area. This will help to get rid of any other bits that might have loosened after blotting the area with oxy cleaner.
If the mess is stubborn, try renting a portable spot cleaner – perfect for quick deep cleaning. The portable spot cleaner can reach messes that vacuums miss and deep clean carpet fibers. Fill the machine with hot tap water as the heat will help remove the last of the wax as it cleans.
Perhaps cleaning up this spill has inspired you to deep clean the whole room. Rug Doctor® by BISSELL® rental offers upright carpet cleaner rental machines to provide you with pro results at a fraction of the cost! Find a carpet cleaner rental near you.
Candle Wax Spill Prevention
The best way to keep wax stains off your carpet is by preventing spills in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent another wax stain:
- Never place a burning candle on carpet. Even if the candle is in a glass jar or candle holder, it should be placed on a hard, study surface to prevent tip-overs and spills. That goes for candle wax warmers, too. Placing candles and warmers directly on soft fabrics or carpet is also a serious fire hazard.
- Make sure the candle wax is completely cooled and hardened into a solid state before moving the candle.
- Replace the lid or cup the flame before blowing it out to prevent splattering.
Feel confident having candles all over your home! It’s easy to clean spilled candle wax stains. You’re one step closer to relaxation, so go ahead and light that candle.
