Wax Removing - Melting Method

by Andy Van Berkum
(Columbia, South Carolina, United States)

Ever leave a candle burning on accident, or accidentally knocked a lit one over onto your carpet? Then you know that getting on your hands and knees and trying to remove the wax with your fingernails is an exercise in futility. But there happens to be a very simple means of removing the wax that you may not have thought of:


Melt the wax!


Your initial reaction to this might be, "But how can I do that without burning up my carpet (or rug)?" Simple. All you need is some newspaper, a pillowcase, and an iron.


First, locate the spot where the candle wax has dripped. If there are big enough chunks to remove easily by hand, do that. When you can no longer do it by hand, lay some newspaper on top of the candle wax. On top of the newspaper, lay your pillowcase.


Do not iron the newspaper without a pillowcase or it might burn, leaving you with an even bigger mess than you started with. On the other hand, if you have old fabric around, you can dispense with the newspaper, if you like.


Now, turn your iron on to a reasonably hot setting, and simply iron over the spot where the wax is. It will melt, and waxy residue will stick to the paper or fabric. Repeat this process until all of the wax has been lifted from your rug or carpet.