How to remove candle wax from wood —tips and tricks

Candle wax melting (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Candles are the perfect way to create a cosy ambiance, and add a warm feature to mantelpieces or dining tables. But, when you're left with a puddle of wax after they've burnt out, y'all'll need to know how to remove candle wax from wood.

Most of the states have suffered from the inevitable candle wax drips, specially after we've blown them out or moved them around. And while information technology may seem like the end of the earth for our pristine wooden table or surfaces, don't panic!

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Knowing how to remove candle wax on woods may seem like a tricky task, but it'south fairly easy to do with these clever tips. What's more, it tin can exist washed without damaging or scratching the surface, saving you money on ownership new furniture.

So, whether you lot adopt to relax in the evenings with scented candles or savor hosting the occasional candlelit dinner, here's how to remove candle wax from wood without ruining it.

How to remove candle wax on forest using water ice cubes

What you need

Water ice cubes in a plastic bag

Old cloths/towel

Plastic scraper

Hairdryer

Iron

Distilled vinegar

Olive oil

Lint-free cloths

1. First, allow candle wax to absurd completely until information technology hardens. Never attempt to wipe upwardly spilled candle wax straight away as you may fire yourself or cause further damage to the woods surface.

two. A common play a joke on is to harden the wax with ice cubes placed within a plastic food storage purse. Leave the plastic bag on peak of the wax stain for about 20-30 seconds or until the wax starts to harden.

Hardened wax on wood table (Image credit: Shutterstock)

3. Side by side upwards, use a plastic scraper or plastic carte du jour to gently lift the hardened wax off the woods. Always use the edge of the plastic flat against the surface and not gouge at it to avert any dents. In add-on, never use metal spatulas which will scratch the wood and farther damage it.

four. Then, remove the loose wax with a dry fabric earlier cleaning any residue with a distilled vinegar and water solution. But mix 1 part distilled white vinegar into ii parts of water. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture, wring it out, then gently wipe over the surface, following the grain of the forest.

v. Some other trick is to employ olive oil on a soft fabric to vitrify the wood and requite it a shiny terminate.

Wiping down wood table with pink cloth — Wiping down wood tabular array with pink cloth (Prototype credit: Shutterstock)

How to remove candle wax on forest using estrus

1. First, allow the fe to heat up to the lowest temperature, and don't use the steam setting. If you don't have an iron at hand, you can use a handheld hairdryer and set it ideally on a medium heat.

two. Next up, have an erstwhile cloth or towel and identify over the wax stain to cover completely on the surface. Make sure to use a textile that is larger than the stain to protect the woods surface from further impairment.

Ironing over candle wax stain on table (Image credit: Shutterstock)

3. Now, place the iron on top of the towel and let it sit for nearly 20-30 seconds. Exist conscientious not to press the iron likewise long on one surface area as it may damage the forest. The heated wax volition gradually be absorbed into the towel.

4. Continue heating until you lot run into all the wax removed and absorbed into the towel. If you're using a hairdryer, simply direct the hot air onto the cloth over the stain following the aforementioned procedure.

5. Once the wax is completely removed, use a paper towel to remove any residue, and use a lint-gratis cloth to buff the wood with furniture polish.

This method peculiarly works well with unfinished wood equally it draws the wax stain upwards to blot into the towels.

Tealights in wooden tray (Prototype credit: Shutterstock)

How to avoid candle wax stains on forest

Candles on a tray (Prototype credit: Shutterstock)

Prevention is the key here, and if you desire to save yourself the hassle of removing candle wax on your wooden furniture, you lot can follow these simple tips:

i. Always place candles in a candle tray, holders, mason jars or lanterns to catch melted wax, and protect your wood tables and surfaces.

ii. Try to go along your candle holders away from drafts in the room. This volition cause candles to burn unevenly and drip more wax.

three. Avoid moving your candles around the habitation if the wax has melted or is still hot. Not only can this potentially cause burns, but it tin can likewise run a risk spilling wax on surfaces.

4. Rather than blowing out the candle flame, which tin cause a splatter of wax everywhere, use a candle snuffer like this Hudson Candle Snuffer for $12.99 on Amazon. It's a much safer way to put out your candles and less messy!

Cynthia Lawrence specialises in Homes ecommerce, roofing all things homes and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, 'must-have' abode appliances, writing buying guides and the handy 'how to' features.

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top 10 Reviews, Platonic Habitation, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she too has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she'southward not testing cool products, she'll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a keen bargain!