Candles make holidays, dinners and power cuts feel cosier, but one careless drip leaves a hard wax spot on the carpet. Rubbing it with a wet cloth does not work: the wax only goes deeper into the pile and leaves a greasy mark.
Below is how to remove wax in two stages: first lift off the bulk mechanically, then dissolve the residue trapped in the fibres so the stain disappears completely.
What you will need
- WD-40 Smart Straw with its straw for precise application
- blunt knife, plastic card or scraper
- ice in a bag (for a thick layer of wax)
- several clean cotton cloths or paper towels
- carpet cleaner or warm soapy water
- vacuum cleaner
Important: Test the product on a hidden area of the carpet first, especially if it is wool, silk or brightly dyed. Work with a window open and away from lit candles and open flames.
Step 1
Let the wax set
Do not touch a fresh spot while the wax is liquid: you will only spread it. Wait until it has hardened completely.
If the layer is thick, hold a bag of ice on it for 5-10 minutes. Cold wax becomes brittle and breaks away from the pile easily.
Step 2
Remove the bulk of the wax
Carefully chip and scrape the wax off with a blunt knife or plastic card, working from the edges towards the centre. Vacuum the crumbs straight away so you do not tread them back in.
Do not rub hard or pull the pile: only a thin film trapped in the fibres should remain.
Step 3
Apply WD-40 to the residue
Raise the straw on WD-40 Smart Straw and spray the stain precisely. Use enough to cover the remaining wax without soaking the carpet down to its backing.
WD-40 penetrates between the fibres and softens the wax, so it lets go of the pile and does not spread any further.
Step 4
Wait a few minutes
Leave the product for 3-5 minutes so it soaks in fully and dissolves the wax. On an old stain you can apply a little more and wait longer.
Step 5
Wipe the stain and rinse the pile
Blot and gently wipe the stain with a clean cloth from the edges towards the centre. As soon as the cloth gets dirty, switch to a clean part so you do not transfer wax back.
When the stain has gone, wipe the area with carpet cleaner or warm soapy water to remove any oily trace. Blot with a dry towel and let the carpet dry, then brush the pile with your hand or vacuum it.
Tip: A coloured candle can leave a pigment shadow on a light carpet. Treat it as early as possible and do not heat the stain with a hot iron through paper until you have removed the wax with WD-40: heat sets the dye in the fibres.
What next
The same method helps remove wax from floors, tiles and metal candlesticks. Keep WD-40 Multi-Use or WD-40 Smart Straw at home: they also come in handy for squeaky hinges, locks and sticky residues.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».