Expert Advice for Home Improvement & DIY Repair
Candle Wax in Carpet
Candles make for beautiful, soft indoor lighting. However, the by-product of burning most candles is an excess of liquid wax.

When wax pools on many hard surfaces, it can be easily removed. However, when it gets onto a fabric surface such as carpeting, it presents a much greater challenge.

To remove wax from carpeting (as well as tablecloths and upholstery), you'll need a household iron, paper towels, home dry-cleaning solvent, and a mild detergent.

First, lay a dry, absorbent paper towel across the wax stain. Then, press a heated iron lightly against the surface. This will re-melt the wax, which will then get absorbed by the paper towel. Make sure not to leave the iron in one place for long, as it can burn the carpet beneath the paper towel without you seeing it.

If the surface still shows signs of wax residue after this procedure has been repeated a few times, try taking a small amount of home dry-cleaning solvent and applying it with a slightly damp sponge or cloth. Blot the affected area, using as little of the solvent as possible so as not to damage the carpet backing.

You can also try mixing a mild detergent with a small amount of warm water and blotting the affected area with a cloth or sponge. Make sure the detergent contains no bleach or alkalides, as this will damage the carpet.

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