How to remove candle wax from wood —tips and tricks

Candle wax melting (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Candles are the perfect way to create a cosy ambiance, and add a warm feature to mantelpieces or dining tables. But, when you're left with a puddle of wax after they've burnt out, you lot'll need to know how to remove candle wax from wood.

Most of u.s.a. have suffered from the inevitable candle wax drips, particularly after we've blown them out or moved them around. And while it may seem like the end of the world for our pristine wooden table or surfaces, don't panic!

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Knowing how to remove candle wax on wood may seem like a tricky job, but it'south fairly piece of cake to do with these clever tips. What's more than, it can exist washed without damaging or scratching the surface, saving y'all money on buying new article of furniture.

So, whether you prefer to relax in the evenings with scented candles or enjoy hosting the occasional candlelit dinner, hither's how to remove candle wax from wood without ruining it.

How to remove candle wax on wood using ice cubes

What you need

Water ice cubes in a plastic purse

Former cloths/towel

Plastic scraper

Hairdryer

Iron

Distilled vinegar

Olive oil

Lint-gratis cloths

1. First, permit candle wax to cool completely until it hardens. Never effort to wipe upward spilled candle wax direct away as you may burn yourself or cause further impairment to the woods surface.

2. A common trick is to harden the wax with ice cubes placed inside a plastic food storage handbag. Leave the plastic bag on superlative of the wax stain for well-nigh xx-30 seconds or until the wax starts to harden.

Hardened wax on wood table (Image credit: Shutterstock)

three. Next up, use a plastic scraper or plastic card to gently lift the hardened wax off the woods. Always use the edge of the plastic flat against the surface and not gouge at it to avoid whatever dents. In addition, never apply metallic spatulas which will scratch the wood and further damage it.

four. Then, remove the loose wax with a dry out cloth earlier cleaning any residue with a distilled vinegar and water solution. Simply mix one office distilled white vinegar into two parts of water. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture, wring it out, then gently wipe over the surface, post-obit the grain of the wood.

five. Another trick is to utilise olive oil on a soft material to buff the wood and requite it a shiny finish.

Wiping down wood table with pink cloth — Wiping downwards woods table with pink fabric (Image credit: Shutterstock)

How to remove candle wax on wood using rut

1. Starting time, allow the iron to heat up to the everyman temperature, and don't use the steam setting. If y'all don't have an atomic number 26 at manus, y'all can use a handheld hairdryer and set information technology ideally on a medium heat.

2. Adjacent up, take an old cloth or towel and place over the wax stain to encompass completely on the surface. Brand sure to use a textile that is larger than the stain to protect the wood surface from further damage.

Ironing over candle wax stain on table (Image credit: Shutterstock)

3. At present, place the fe on superlative of the towel and let information technology sit for almost 20-30 seconds. Exist careful non to press the fe too long on i area as information technology may damage the wood. The heated wax will gradually be absorbed into the towel.

four. Continue heating until you see all the wax removed and absorbed into the towel. If you're using a hairdryer, simply direct the hot air onto the textile over the stain post-obit the same procedure.

v. Once the wax is completely removed, employ a paper towel to remove whatsoever residue, and use a lint-free material to buff the woods with piece of furniture polish.

This method specially works well with unfinished wood as it draws the wax stain upward to absorb into the towels.

Tealights in wooden tray (Paradigm credit: Shutterstock)

How to avoid candle wax stains on wood

Candles on a tray (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Prevention is the cardinal hither, and if you want to relieve yourself the hassle of removing candle wax on your wooden furniture, you can follow these elementary tips:

1. E'er place candles in a candle tray, holders, mason jars or lanterns to catch melted wax, and protect your woods tables and surfaces.

ii. Endeavor to keep your candle holders abroad from drafts in the room. This volition cause candles to burn unevenly and drip more wax.

iii. Avoid moving your candles around the home if the wax has melted or is notwithstanding hot. Not merely tin this potentially cause burns, but it tin can too gamble spilling wax on surfaces.

four. Rather than bravado out the candle flame, which can cause a splatter of wax everywhere, use a candle snuffer similar this Hudson Candle Snuffer for $12.99 on Amazon. It's a much safer fashion to put out your candles and less messy!

Cynthia Lawrence specialises in Homes ecommerce, roofing all things homes and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial feel testing the latest, 'must-have' home appliances, writing ownership guides and the handy 'how to' features.

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top X Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she as well has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she's not testing cool products, she'll be searching online for more decor ideas to bandbox upwards her family dwelling or looking for a great bargain!