7 expert-approved methods to remove candle wax from carpet

Lighting a few candles is undoubtedly the quickest and easiest way to create a cozy atmosphere, but accidents do happen. 

Learning how to remove candle wax from the carpet will help keep floors looking great and for renters, it can potentially save a dent in your deposit. 

Below, cleaning experts have shared their best cleaning tips to get rid of wax on rugs and carpets. So whether you need to clean an area rug pronto or are wondering how to deep clean a carpet, keep scrolling to remove any sign of candle wax.

How to remove candle wax from carpet

The best candles set the tone in entryways and on coffee tables. If you're dealing with spillage, here's how to clear it up.

Andrii Gurskyi is the co-founder of HomeClean (opens in new tab). As a professional in the cleaning industry, he has seen his fair share of candle wax spills and stains. 

'Don't worry, removing candle wax can be a simple and straightforward process if you know what you're doing,' he assures. Here are his top tips for removing candle wax from various surfaces in your home.

Andrii Gurskyi

Andrii is a serial entrepreneur who runs two of the most successful home services companies in the New York and Miami areas, Mr. Glazier and HomeClean.

1. Let it cool

'The easiest way to remove candle wax is to first let it cool and harden, then gently scrape it off with a dull knife or credit card,' Andrii advises. 'If any residue remains, you can use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot it up.'

Avoid using sharp objects that could scratch or damage the surface.

2. Act quickly

Candle wax stains can often be removed if treated quickly. Andrii says it is important to act fast to prevent the wax from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove.

3. Use an iron

'Place a clean cloth or paper towel over the wax and press down gently with a warm iron,' says Andrii. 'The heat from the iron will cause the wax to transfer onto the cloth. Repeat until all the wax has been removed.'

Avoid using excessive heat because this may cause the wax to spread, making the stain harder to remove.

4. Freeze the wax

Keith, an interior designer from the home renovation and cleaning company Renos Group (opens in new tab) shared a hack for removing wax that uses ice. 'Simply place a bag of ice over the wax for about 10 minutes, and then use a dull knife or a credit card to scrape the wax off,' he says.

5. Use white vinegar

'Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and dab it onto the wax. Be careful not to over-saturate the carpet, as too much moisture can cause damage,' says Keith. 'Once the wax has been removed, use a clean cloth to blot the area and remove any residue.

6. Use a plastic bag and a spoon

Alternatively, you could try this cleaning method that requires a plastic bag and a spoon: place a plastic bag over the wax and then use a spoon to press down on the bag. The heat from your hand will transfer to the wax, causing it to soften and stick to the plastic bag. Once the wax has transferred to the bag, dispose of it properly. 

7. Use baking soda

'Sprinkle baking soda over the wax, and then use a brush or a cloth to gently scrub the carpet,' says Keith. 'This will help to lift the wax and absorb any remaining residue. Vacuum the area to remove the baking soda.'

How do you get dried candle wax out of carpet?

Keith from Renos Group, a renovation and cleaning company, says that if the wax has dried and hardened, you may need to repeat one of the methods above a few times to completely remove it. The longer the dried wax is left on the carpet, the harder it can be to remove.

Joanne Archer from Expert Home Tips (opens in new tab) has an unconventional method: 'Saw it off with dental floss. Once the wax has hardened, you can try using a piece of dental floss to "saw off" the wax,' she says. 'It's perfect for getting in the gaps between the fibers and the wax.'

How to get candle wax off a baseboard or wall

To clean candle wax off a wall or baseboard, cleaning expert Andrii Gurskyi suggests using a solution of equal parts vinegar, at Walmart (opens in new tab) and water, or a commercial cleaning product designed for removing wax. 'Apply the solution to a clean cloth and gently rub the affected area until the wax has been removed,' he says.