How to Remove Candle Wax From Any Surface, According to a Cleaning Expert

Nothing compares to the soft glow of a burning candle, whether it's candlesticks decorating the dining table, a scented candle in the bedroom, or tea lights lining the bathtub. The only downside: Wax drips on clothing, carpets, and wood furniture can be a hassle to clean—but they don't have to be.

Luckily, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab, shares step-by-step directions to remove candle wax, whether it's hardened drips or color stains. Plus, we've got expert advice for cleaning wax out of jars—ideal for your next DIY project.

Whether it's wax dribbles on a tablecloth or splatters on your sweatshirt, accidents happen. You can remove wax from most fabrics—especially if they can be machine-washed.

1. Allow the wax to fully cool and harden. If the wax is still soft, put the item in the freezer for a few hours.
2. Gently scrape off as much of the wax as you can with a dull knife.
3. Sponge the stain with a solvent-based cleaning fluid or adhesive remover, like Goo Gone, an acetone-containing nail polish remover, or white vinegar to remove as much of the dye as possible.
4. If any wax remains, place clean paper towels on top of and under the stain and press the area with a warm, dry iron. Rotate and replace the towels as they absorb the melted wax.
5. Rub liquid laundry detergent into any remaining stain and wash the fabric in the warmest cycle that the care tag allows. Add fabric-safe bleach if the wax was colored.

If you frequently burn candles in the living room or bedroom, you're bound to drip wax on a rug or carpet at some point. Before you panic, hardened wax is relatively easy to clean.

1. Allow the wax to harden—you can apply an ice cube wrapped in a small plastic bag to help.
2. Scrape off the excess wax with a plastic scraper or dull knife.
3. Sponge the surface with a carpet and upholstery spot remover.
4. Cover the stain with a clean white cloth and press, using the tip of a warm iron to transfer the wax to the cloth. Repeat, using a clean portion of the cloth until all the wax is transferred from the carpet to the cloth.
5. If a color stain remains, sponge the stain again with the carpet and upholstery spot remover or hydrogen peroxide. Rinse and blot dry.
   

After a romantic dinner burning candlesticks on the dining table, a few wax drips are likely. Carefully remove wax without damaging the finish on wood furniture or flooring.

1. Let any wax that's settled onto the wood harden.
2. With a plastic spatula or scraper, gently scrape up the brittle wax. Goo Gone also does a good job removing wax from surfaces.
3. Once the wax is removed, buff the area with a clean cloth and furniture polish to blend and camouflage the repair.

Everything You Need to Remove Wax Stains

Goo Gone Adhesive Remover

$16 at Amazon

Woolite Stain Remover

$24 at Amazon

$24 at Walmart

Dreamfarm 2-in-1 Scraper

$12 at Amazon

When the wick burns out, removing the candle wax from your pretty jars lets you reuse them—think a catchall dish, vase, or desk organizer.

1. Place the jar in a bath of very hot water, replacing the water as needed when it cools.
2. As the wax softens, you can remove it by hand or with a spoon.
3. Clean away any remaining residue with an adhesive remover or laundry stain remover spray and wash well.

Alyssa Gautieri

Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Expert consulted:Carolyn Forté

Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.