Candles an carpets are a recipe for disaster in my opinion.
There’s no denying that the dim glow of candlelight makes for a beautiful time, however, the mood changes quickly if the candle ever hits the floor and coats your carpet in wax.
If you’ve unfortunately had a romantic evening turn into a cleaning disaster – then read on as we’ve got you covered.
We’ve detailed and summarised the best methods to remove wax from carpet (without an iron) to get your flooring back to top condition. We’ll be exploring how to prepare your carpet before attempting any cleaning process and introducing several alternatives that don’t involve using an iron.
Plus, we’ll also provide some helpful tips on preventing future spills as well as advice on when it’s time to call in the professionals for difficult stains.
1.) Preparing the Carpet for Wax Removal
Vacuuming the Carpet:
From orange juice spills and red wine stains through to dog smells and removing nail polish – vacuuming your carpet thoroughly will always be the first step.
When it comes to cleaning wax stains specifically – this will help pick up any dirt or debris that may be embedded in the fibers of the carpet and prevent it from being pushed further into the fabric when removing wax.
Vacuuming also helps loosen any remaining particles of wax that have already dried on top of the carpet fibers.
Identifying the Wax Stain:
Wax can often appear as an orange-brown discoloration on lighter-colored carpets or even as white spots on darker fabrics. If you are having trouble locating where exactly the spill occurred, try using a flashlight or black light to identify areas with residue more easily.
If you’ve read any of our other cleaning guides you’ll know we always recommend dealing with any kind of spill as soon as possible if you can.
So, assuming you have a fresh wax spill – use paper towels to blot away any hot wax you can. Do this gently as the goal here isn’t to push it deeper into your carpets fibres!
2.) Removing Wax from Carpet without an Iron
Removing wax from carpet without an iron can be a tricky task. Fortunately, there are several methods that you can use to get the job done.
1.) Using Ice Cubes to Freeze the Wax:
One of the most effective ways to remove wax from carpet is by using ice cubes.
Place a few ice cubes in a glad bag and then place that on top of the wax. Let them sit for about 10 minutes or until it has hardened completely. Once frozen, you should be able to easily scrape off with a credit card or knife. Just remember not to press too hard when scraping away at frozen wax as this could cause further damage, so take care when doing this step.
Quick Note: Don’t break your credit card! Maybe use an old BlockBuster card just to play it safe 😉
2.) Cleaning up Remaining Residue with Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar Solution:
To clean up any remaining residue left behind after scraping off the frozen wax, mix together equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist over the affected area before blotting dry with paper towels. Alternatively, you can also try using vinegar solution instead which works just as well but may have more of an odor than rubbing alcohol does so keep that in mind when deciding which one is best for you.
More Alternatives to Ironing Out Wax Stains from Carpet
While using an iron can be an effective way to remove wax from carpet – it is not the only way. The method we detailed above is a teat option – however, if it hasn’t worked as well as you’d hoped – here are some other methods that may help you out.
1.) Applying Heat with a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
If your wax stain is old and it has set deep into your carpet – using heat on the wax stain can be effective in loosening it up and making it easier to remove.
A hair dryer or heat gun set at low temperature should do the trick.
Make sure you keep the appliance moving so as not to damage your carpet fibers by applying too much heat in one spot for too long.
2.) Absorbing the Wax with Cornstarch, Baking Soda, or Salt
Another way of dealing with a wax stain is by absorbing it out of your carpet fibers using cornstarch, baking soda, or salt.
Once you’ve heated the weas and made it liquid again – simply sprinkle some over the affected area and let sit for 10-15 minutes before scraping and vacuuming up any residue left behind.
This method may take multiple attempts depending on how deep into your carpet fibers the wax has gone but will eventually work if done correctly and patiently.
BONUS TIP: Here is another innovative and effective method for removing wax from carpet if you don’t have an iron.
Tips for Preventing Future Wax Spills on Carpet
Using candle holders and trays to catch drips and spills is an effective way of preventing wax from spilling onto carpets.
Candle holders are designed with a lip or edge that catches any dripping wax before it has the chance to land on your carpet.
Placing candles away from high-traffic areas in your home can also help reduce the risk of accidental spills. Keep lit candles out of reach of pets and children, as they may accidentally knock them over or touch hot wax.
When using candle holders, make sure you choose one that is large enough for the size of your candle so that all sides are covered by the holder’s lip or edge. If you have multiple candles burning at once, use separate holders for each one to avoid overcrowding which could lead to accidents. Additionally, if you plan on moving a lit candle around your home, be sure to place it in a tray first as this will help contain any possible drips while transporting it safely across rooms.
Professional Cleaning Services for Difficult Wax Stains on Carpet
Hiring Professional Cleaners for Tough Stains:
If you are unable to remove a difficult wax stain from your carpet on your own, it may be best to hire professional cleaners who specialize in eco-friendly cleaning services.
These professionals have the right tools and techniques to get rid of tough stains without damaging the fibers of your carpet.
They can also provide advice on how to prevent future spills and stains from occurring.
FAQs:
Can you get dried candle wax out of a carpet?
To do so, start by using an ice cube to harden the wax and then use a butter knife or spoon to scrape off as much of the wax as possible. Once most of it is removed, apply heat with a hairdryer set on low until the remaining residue melts and can be blotted up with paper towels.
If any stain remains after this process, try dabbing it with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar before blotting again.
What dissolves wax on carpet?
How do you get wax out of carpet without ice or iron?
Can hot water remove wax from carpet?
Conclusion
Preparing the carpet for wax removal, using alternatives to ironing out wax stains, preventing future spills on carpets and professional cleaning services are all viable options when it comes to removing wax from carpet without an iron.
With patience and dedication, you can get rid of any stubborn candle wax stain on your carpet in no time.