How to Remove Depilatory Wax from Carpet

07/16/2018 A candlelit dinner, a birthday party, or just an unexpected power outage can cause wax or paraffin stains to appear on your carpet. The situation is extremely unpleasant, but there is a way out of it. How to remove wax from a carpet and return the coating to its original attractive appearance is described below.

Ways to remove wax marks

To quickly clean carpet of candles and all traces of melted wax, you need to use one of the following approaches:

Freezing. We take ice, apply it to the problem area, wait a few minutes. The composition should not just compact, but harden qualitatively. Then we break it with a hammer, collect large particles of the mass and scrape off the small ones with a blunt knife. To complete the manipulation, it is recommended to walk over the surface with a vacuum cleaner.

Tip: Before washing off the wax using this method, the ice should be packed in a plastic bag. If the material gets wet during processing, this will add problems, especially when working with long pile.

Warming up. This technique will work on both a fresh stain and an already dried formation. Cover the dirt with a paper towel, take a very warm iron and iron the surface. Regularly changing the towel, we process the wax trace until the composition can be completely removed. You should not heat the household appliance too much. This will not give a faster result, but in the process you can burn the pile.
Treatment with alcohol. This manipulation is carried out in case of greasy stains on the carpet after one of the listed cleaning methods. After the pile has cooled or completely dried, the problem area should be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Then dry the area with dry rags or napkins. Pouring alcohol directly onto the carpet is strictly prohibited; the material may fade.

After the activities are completed, we evaluate the final result. If there are residual effects, it is recommended to carry out the selected manipulation again; using a solvent is practically useless. This will only add more trouble and hassle.

How to clean stains left after waxing?

In addition to paraffin, depilatory wax contains synthetic and wood resins and various oils. It would seem that it is impossible to remove such a composition from the carpet, but if you use some tips, cleaning will go quickly and you will be pleased with the high quality of the result.

The most important thing is not to let the paraffin saturate the carpet pile. Cleaning must begin immediately after a stain appears.

After the depilatory agent has been applied to the carpet, it must be covered with ice packs (you can use frozen products), thereby stopping the process of absorption and spreading of paraffin over the surface.

Already frozen wax particles are scraped off with a blunt object (you can use a wooden ruler). If after cleaning there are tiny particles of depilatory wax left on the carpet, ironing them through a paper napkin will help remove them.

Methods for removing wax from carpet

The property of wax to harden when frozen and melt when heated can be used to effectively remove stains from carpets, carpets, rugs, paths made of natural, artificial, and mixed materials.

The cleaning agent is selected taking into account the composition of the product and the extent of contamination. Handmade carpets, items made of viscose and silk require a delicate approach, so it is better to entrust the matter to dry cleaning specialists. At home, housewives use readily available means that are found in every home to remove wax stains from carpet textiles.

Method 1: salt+vinegar+soda

Stains from paraffin candles must be removed immediately after staining occurs, so that dust does not settle on the paraffin, which can cause the carpet to darken. Using a mixture of table salt, soda and vinegar helps to quickly remove stains.

How to remove candle wax from carpet in a gentle way:

The components are combined in equal proportions.
Grind until a homogeneous mass is formed.
Apply the mixture to the stained area on the carpet.
Leave the composition until completely dry.
Clean the surface with a soft bristle brush.

The method is more effective for fresh paraffin stains. When the wax hardens, you need to preheat the remaining dirt using a hot spoon.

On video: how to easily clean a carpet (folk remedy).

Method 2: turpentine and ammonia

On light-colored carpets, traces of wax are more noticeable and more difficult to clean. Preparing a mixture of turpentine and ammonia will help solve the problem.

How to remove wax from carpet if the material is light and delicate:

Combine the components for the mixture in equal proportions.
Apply the resulting mixture onto the stain with a sponge.
Leave the product to dry for thirty minutes.
Gently wipe away any remaining dirt with a soft brush.
Allow the product to dry at room temperature.

Important! After treatment, it is not recommended to dry the carpet using a hairdryer or heating devices. Drying in this way can lead to deformation of the material.

Method 3: Aggressive

In case of extensive and deep stains, it is difficult to remove wax from carpet textiles. Therefore, housewives use a more aggressive method of influence. Products are cleaned with solvents, which include white spirit, kerosene, acetone, and refined gasoline.

How to clean stains from carpet using an aggressive method:

Soak a cotton pad in solvent.
You need to thoroughly clean the wax stain.
Clean the contamination until it is completely removed.
Clean using the traditional method - wash off the dirt using a soap solution, powder, or shampoo.

Important! Solvents must be used very carefully. When treating a product with a substance with a strong odor, the procedure is performed in a well-ventilated area.

How to remove paraffin from carpet using traditional methods

Traditional methods help remove wax from carpet using products that every housewife always has on hand. The cost of materials for “folk” cleaning rarely exceeds one hundred rubles, so everyone can afford such a procedure.

How to Remove Wax from Carpet with Vinegar

This method is suitable for “fresh” stains that have not yet completely hardened. To create the cleansing mixture you will need:

vinegar;
salt;
soda.

Substances must be taken in equal proportions based on the size of the contamination. Mix vinegar, salt and soda until smooth.

Apply the finished mixture to the contaminated area and leave until completely dry. After drying, carefully “remove” the mixture along with the stain using a soft brush. If you don’t have a brush, a toothbrush with soft bristles or a sponge will do (use a clean sponge so as not to stain the rug).

How to remove wax from carpet with salt

In order to clean paraffin from a carpet using this method, you need regular table salt. It is advisable to use fine salt, then the cleaning will be more efficient and in a shorter time.

Sprinkle a small amount of table salt onto the stain. Rub the stain area with a soft brush for 2-3 minutes (do not press). Then carefully sweep the table salt with the remaining paraffin onto a scoop.

Repeat the procedure until the wax is completely removed from the coating.

How to remove wax from carpet with alcohol

For this type of cleaning you will need:

cotton pad (bandage, rag);
medical alcohol.

Apply alcohol to a cotton pad and wipe the stained area until completely removed. Wipe the stain with soft, even movements. Under no circumstances should you vigorously rub the area of contamination. Intensive cleaning can damage the pile and leave a “sleek” stain on the coating.

Instead of alcohol, you can use a soap solution (a few drops of dishwashing detergent or 50 g of soap shavings per 0.5 liter of water).

How to remove wax from carpet by freezing

Freezing is the most effective and easiest way. Place ice cubes in a bag and apply to the stain.

Leave the ice on the paraffin until completely hardened. Then break the wax stain with a small hammer or the back of a knife. Remove large fallen parts with a vacuum cleaner or broom. Small parts are removed using a soft brush or rag (sponge).

How to Remove Candle Wax from Carpet with an Iron and Cloth

Remove the candle from the carpet using an iron and a napkin in stages:

Place a napkin on the stained area.
Turn on the iron to the minimum temperature (under no circumstances set high temperatures, they can damage the rug).
Move the iron back and forth over the napkin (under the influence of temperature, the paraffin melts and is absorbed into the napkin) - carry out the procedure for 2-3 minutes.

If there is still paraffin left after cleaning, repeat the procedure. Remove residues with alcohol or soap solution.

How to Remove Paraffin from Carpet with a Spoon

You can use a spoon instead of an iron. Proceed according to the same principle:

Place a napkin (thin cloth towel or paper) on the hardened wax.
Heat the spoon (you can heat it with a stove, candle, lighter).
Apply a heated spoon to the stain.

Remove any remaining dirt with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or soap solution.

Instead of an iron and spoon, you can use a hair dryer.

Features of removal from various materials

When choosing a carpet cleaning method, it is very important to know what material it is made of. Understanding the specifics of removing wax from various surfaces will help extend the life of carpeting:

Wool carpets are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and prolonged contact with water (especially hot water). For natural wool carpets, local cleaning with ammonia, salt and soda or the freezing method is best.
Synthetic carpets tolerate various types of cleaning (both folk remedies and chemicals).
The only thing you need to remember is that synthetic carpets will lose their appearance if you clean the anti-lint coating with hard brushes, or treat wax stains with boiling water.
A jute carpet woven from plant fibers requires special, careful handling.
Jute carpets can only be cleaned dry. It is strictly forbidden to use hot water, as under the influence of high temperature the jute fibers swell and the carpet loses its shape and strength. The best option for removing wax stains from natural jute coating is freezing. In a situation where traces of a candle have managed to be absorbed into the carpet, special cleaning products will come to the rescue.

Wax and paraffin: features

Natural waxes come from plants, fossils, and animals. Paraffin is a mixture of synthetic but absolutely safe components; it is made from petroleum. During contact with fire, the wax intensively melts, and the paraffin burns completely, releasing a huge amount of soot. The first is soft, its consistency is somewhat reminiscent of plasticine, the second crumbles in your hands. Most often, it is wax that causes stains on carpets. When cleaning the coating from such contaminants, it is worth considering a number of recommendations:

Do not wipe off the melted substance from the product. Firstly, it smears, and secondly, you can burn your skin. You need to wait until the mixture hardens completely, and then remove it with a blunt object: a plastic knife, a bank or hard discount card;
Do not tear off the wax, otherwise part of the pile will separate from the carpet along with it;
You need to properly care for the carpet, removing stains immediately after they appear.

Wax cannot be dissolved with water, but you can try using alcohol and other aggressive substances. Remember that an incorrectly selected product can lead to fading of the coating, as well as a change in the structure of the pile. Be sure to test any cleaning mixture on a small area of the carpet!

Before performing work, inspect the underside of the carpet, because there may be a label on it indicating the composition and acceptable methods for cleaning the product. These recommendations must be followed, because wool coverings do not tolerate thermal effects well, and silk carpets are sensitive to moisture.

How to restore the color of a carpet

Often, independently removing stains from a carpet with chemicals leads to its discoloration. How to restore the color of a carpet? To do this, you will need ordinary acrylic paints, which can be purchased at any artist store. Select a paint color that most closely matches the color of the carpet pile. Using a thin brush, carefully apply paint along the entire length of the bleached fibers.

Instead of paint, you can also use a felt-tip pen or marker of the appropriate color.

Alternative methods

If the dirt is deeply embedded in the surface, freezing or heating will help remove candle wax or paraffin. Before using any method, you need to let the dirt harden, carefully scrape off any remaining wax with a knife (blunt side), and remove the crumbs with a vacuum cleaner. After rough cleaning, a greasy stain will remain on the rug. To remove it, use cold ice or a hot iron.

Freezing wax

Using ice cubes helps the paraffin harden quickly, making it much easier to remove dirt. To wipe off the remaining grease stain, you need to proceed as follows:

Ice is packed in a plastic bag.
Apply to the contaminated area.
Leave until the wax hardens completely.
Use the blunt part of the knife to remove dirt.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining candle wax.

After some time, the carpet needs to be washed using an aerosol, soap solution, shampoo or dry cleaning product.

Before using chemicals, you need to check whether the carpet is not shedding due to the use of the compounds in an inconspicuous area. Some dyes dissolve easily and may leave white stains on the carpet.

Warming up the wax

To remove traces of dried or fresh stains, an effective and simple method using an iron and paper towel is suitable. Housewives successfully use this method when cleaning textiles made from different materials.

How to clean paraffin from a carpet or remove wax by heating:

Place a paper towel on the stain; you can use a brown paper bag.
Turn on the iron at the lowest heating temperature with the steam generation option disabled.
Slowly iron the paper towel or bag several times, without pressing too hard.
The dirt is gradually absorbed into the paper; if traces remain, the procedure is repeated.
The towel is removed, a clean cloth is placed on the ironed area, and the iron is set to steam.
Iron the fabric several times; the carpet must be vacuumed to remove any remaining dirt.

Do not heat the iron too much so that the wax does not flow and burn the pile. You can use a hair dryer instead of an iron, and replace the paper towel with thick bags.

Removing wax stains from carpets takes little time if you start cleaning right away. It is problematic to wash delicate items so as not to damage the material; it is better to entrust this work to professionals, and coarse carpets can be cleaned yourself using improvised means. To completely remove traces of contamination, finishing treatment is performed with household chemicals designed specifically for carpets.

How to remove wax and wax stains from clothes and textiles (2 videos)

How to remove wax from a carpet using household chemicals

If folk remedies do not help remove the stain from a church (decorative) candle, then household chemicals come to the rescue. Such products help to effectively remove wax from carpeting. You can find them at any hardware store.

Dr. Beckmann PreWash

The stain remover has a high bile soap content. Thanks to this, it acts on the difficult stain from the inside and corrodes it. Effectively cleanses stains from wax, alcohol, and grease. Has a pleasant lemon scent.

Apply the stain remover to the contaminated area using a brush (included with the product). Rub with small, gentle movements. Then leave the “medicine” on the stain for 20 minutes.

Remove any remaining wax from the carpet using a cotton pad soaked in soapy water.

Cost of Dr. Beckman PreWash: from 200 to 350 rubles. The price varies depending on the region of residence and the chain of stores.

Medera Anti-Wax

Sold in large containers (1.5 thousand rubles for 5 liters of product). Medera Anti-Wax cleans tough stains. Has no smell.

To ensure quality cleaning, it is recommended to open the windows. The room temperature should not exceed 20 degrees.

Proceed according to the principle described above. Apply to stains and leave for 20 minutes. After this, remove the product from the coating using a cloth soaked in soapy water.

Stain remover Frosch

The cost of the stain remover starts from 150 rubles for 75 ml. Apply to the carpet and leave for 10-15 minutes. Then remove the contaminated area with a soft brush.

Remove the product with plain water.