How to Remove Wax From Hard Surfaces

Beautiful candles can create a waxy mess.

Most of the supplies you'll need can be found in your home or at your local grocery store.

1. Scrape as much wax as possible off the surface using a plastic scraper. A plastic scraper is best as a metal scraper can damage the surface with scratches and indentations.



2. Cut a brown paper bag, the kind you get at a grocery store, so it's open and creates one large piece of brown paper. Lay part of the bag over the wax stain.



3. Place the iron, warmed to a medium setting, over the brown paper bag and rub it back and forth over the wax-stained area. The heat from the iron will loosen the wax from the surface causing it to stick to the brown paper bag. Continually move the brown paper bag to a clean spot and keep ironing over the stain until the wax is removed.



4. Buff the surface with an old dryer sheet. This works especially well on smooth surfaces. The old dryer sheet will pick up any remaining wax residue, leaving a clean and shiny surface.

5. Sprinkle baking soda over textured or rough surfaces, such as concrete, and allow it to sit for at least two hours. The baking soda will soak up any residue left by the wax. Vacuum up the baking soda and check to see if you need to repeat this step for any leftover residue.

Tip

Place a small plate or wide candle holder under candles so they can't drip or spill onto other surfaces.

Warning

Be careful of small children and pets when using a hot iron to remove wax.