How to Remove Candle Wax From a Piano Top

Don't try to wipe off the wax the moment it spills. Instead, let the liquid wax harden and become brittle, then use simple cleaning techniques to wipe it away.

1. Let spilled wax cool completely and harden on the piano before touching it. Be patient. Rushing to wipe off melted wax will only smear it across the instrument and make matters worse.

2. Place ice cubes in a resealable plastic bag and set the bag on the spilled wax. The ice will make the wax brittle.

3. Break off the wax and remove it with your fingernails. Don't use any sharp instrument, such as a knife, which could easily scratch the lacquered surface of a piano or damage a wood finish.

4. Wipe off wax crumbs with a towel.

5. Set a hairdryer to high and aim it at the remaining wax, which should be at most a thin residue.

6. Blot off the remaining wax with paper towels.

7. Shine and buff the finish with furniture polish.