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How To Remove Candle Wax From A Carpet
Clean A Carpet Stain: Candle Wax. Whether you've had a romantic meal that's gone astray or things got messy at your latest Satanist cult meeting, candle wax in the carpet is a pain to remove. This film will show you how, in a few easy steps.
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The same process can be applied to coloured wax but be aware that some dye from the candle may remain. We'll suggest a way of removing this dye, but you may need to call in professional assistance.
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Step 1:
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You will need:
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Step 2:
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Check carpet type
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Different carpets react in different ways to stain removal techniques.
Using the wrong removal method could cause the stain to become permanent or leave a worse mark than the stain itself. In this case, carpet tiles held together with glue may come unstuck when using this treatment as it involves using heat. If you are in any doubt, as to your carpet's suitability contact a professional carpet cleaner.
Before applying any solution to your carpet, you should always do a patch test. Choose an out of the way area of the carpet and apply a small amount. Wait a few minutes to ensure that problems don't develop. If your carpet starts to go brown or lighter in colour, immediately rinse the solution with cold water. Do not continue and call a professional.
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Step 3:
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Carpet Cleaning Products
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There are many good carpet cleaning products on the market but experts tend to be wary of using them. They're not stain specific and may include ingredients which are not applicable to your stain and could do more harm than good. If you do intend to use them, you should watch VideoJug's 'How To Use Carpet Cleaning Products'.
Otherwise, keep following these steps.
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Step 4:
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The cold method
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There will probably be some wax residue left on the carpet. You will find it easier to remove this if is frozen. Place a few cubes of ice into the freezer bag and seal so that no water runs onto the carpet. Place the bag over the wax until the wax feels suitably frozen.
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Step 5:
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Scrape up excess wax
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Once the wax has set, gently remove as much of it as possible with a blunt knife. Don't be too violent or you could damage the fibers.
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Step 6:
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The hot method
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If there is still some wax residue on the carpet, you could try the hot method, but do so with care as it involves using a naked flame.
First place a piece of brown paper over the patch of wax. While wearing a heat resistant glove, hold the spoon over the flame of the lighter for approximately 5 seconds to heat it. You could use a match, but a lighter will give you more control
Softly rub the back of the now hot spoon over the piece of brown paper that co errs the wax stain. You should see the wax being absorbed by the paper.
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Step 7:
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Repeat as necessary
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Repeat this process as many times as needed to remove all the wax. Use a new patch of brown paper each time and reheat the spoon if it begins to cool and lose effectiveness. This may take some time but should remove all the wax eventually.
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Step 8:
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Coloured wax
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If it's a coloured candle and some dye remains you can treat this with a simple detergent solution. Add a quarter of a teaspoon of carpet shampoo to a litre of warm water. If you don't have carpet shampoo, dilute a quarter of a teaspoon of any mild, colourless washing detergent instead.
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Step 9:
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Apply solution
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Remember to carry out a patch test. Next, dampen a white cloth with the solution and lay it over the stain.
HANDY HINT: Use the bottom of a spoon to massage the solution into the stain. This will protect your carpet's fibres from the damage caused by excessive scrubbing.
Work from the outside of the stain in, this will prevent the stain from spreading. Blot the dampened area with fresh kitchen towel. Repeat until no more of the stain will come away.
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Step 10:
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Rinse
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To finish, spray with clean water to rinse the carpet. If you don't have a spray bottle to hand, apply warm water to a sponge and gently dab it on the stain. It's important to do this as any remaining detergent will attract dirt. Be careful not to over-wet the carpet.
Blot, and repeat until the detergent is gone
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Step 11:
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Dry
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To ensure that the stain is completely lifted and any remaining dampness is removed, stack a few pieces of kitchen towel over the stain. Cover with a heavy weight, like a book. If the weight is coloured put a plastic bag between it and the kitchen towel. This will protect the weight and prevent its dye from leaking into the carpet.
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Step 12:
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Wait
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Leave the weight on the damp patch, ideally overnight. The stain should now be completely gone, but if by any chance it is still visible when you remove the weight, it's time to call in the professionals.
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