A Handy Household Staple Makes Removing Candle Wax A Breeze

Lighting a candle brings a warm glow and fragrant aroma into a room with its special ambiance. But spilled candle wax only brings a sense of panic. How did it happen? The truth is that it's easy for candle wax to drip unnoticed onto a table or the floor in the evening twilight, only to appear as a hardened blob in the morning. While you may worry and wonder if the spill will ever come up, the good news is that the solution to this problem is probably already on a shelf in your garage — a can of WD-40.

The reason that WD-40 is your go-to solution for candle wax spills is because the oil will dissolve the wax, making it easier to treat. When a candle drips onto a hard surface like a wood table or floor, it's simpler to remove if you first let the spill harden and cool. Scrape up the wax with an object like a plastic spatula (which is less likely to scratch the wood surface than a metal one). Once you've removed most of the wax, take the can of WD-40 and spray the area where the residue remains. After you've given the oil a chance to soak for a little while, wipe up the excess with a soft cloth, and the waxy buildup will disappear. Don't forget to clean up any traces of WD-40 so that the area isn't slippery.

It can be more challenging to remove wax that has dripped onto the carpet. By the time you discover what's happened, it has often become dried and stuck in the fibers. The dye from the candle may leave a stain as well. The first step is to scrape away as much of it as possible. You can also use a hair dryer and a paper bag to help remove more of the residue. With the hair dryer on a medium setting, position it toward the wax drippings. Then place a paper bag over the wax and press it with your fingers. The heat will melt the wax and it will transfer to the paper bag. Continue this process with a new bag until you're unable to lift any more of it from the carpet.

Then it's important to spray WD-40 onto the area and let it soak into the carpet. After a few minutes, wipe the area with a soft, absorbent cloth. Depending on the stain, it may be necessary to treat the area again with another dose of WD-40. The wax and stain will eventually disappear from the carpet. To be sure there are no traces of oil left behind, clean the area with rug shampoo either by hand or with a carpet cleaner. Then feel free to light your favorite candles and unwind, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere they create in your home.