How to Remove Candle Wax From Wooden Floor
Candle Wax is often considered an annoyance because of its tendency to leave sticky messes in hard-to-reach places like carpets, clothes, curtains, and furniture. However, removing candle wax from these surfaces is usually not difficult at all if approached with care and patience.
The best way to avoid ruining anything else when trying to clean up spilled or dripped candle wax is by using paper towels or rags instead of sponges, as they are less likely to leave behind lint and other residues. In this blog post, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to remove candle wax from wooden floor without damaging the wood or leaving behind any residue.
10 Ways to Remove Candle Wax From Wooden Floor:
Here are some ways you can remove candle wax from a wooden floor.
1. Rubbing Alcohol and Dryer Sheets:
If your floors aren’t finished with polyurethane varnish or lacquer, try using rubbing alcohol followed by dryer sheets to remove candle wax from the wood. Put a few drops of rubbing alcohol on the candle wax stain and see if it comes up.
Then, wipe the area with a dryer sheet and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Next, use another dryer sheet to wipe off whatever remains until you are left with clean floorboards.
2. Nail Polish Remover:
Nail polish remover is made of acetone, which can dissolve wax. However, you must ensure that the nail polish remover does not contain any other ingredients that may cause damage to your floor. Use a paintbrush to apply the nail polish remover to the waxed area. Wait a few minutes until the wax hardens, then use an old razor blade to scrape it off the floor. Then, clean up the remaining wax with a damp cloth.
3. Soft Scrub Cleanser:
One way to remove candle wax from wooden floors is to use a soft scrub cleanser (or cleaning pads) and water. Put a few drops of cleaning solution on the wax stain, and then use the scrubbing pad to wipe it off. Lastly, rinse the area until you’re left with clean floorboards again.
Note: Make sure you dilute the cleanser before applying it.
4. Ice Cubes:
A great way to get rid of candle wax and cool the floors simultaneously is by using ice cubes. Put an ice cube on top of the stain to freeze it, then scrape off the wax when it becomes hard and brittle after a few hours or overnight. Apply more ice if necessary. If the wax is still sticky after freezing, you can use a paste made of cornstarch and water to remove it. Apply this paste directly to the stain and let it stand for about 30 minutes.
5. Denatured Alcohol:
This method will help you to remove candle wax from your floors. Start by putting a few drops of denatured alcohol on top of the stain, then use your brush and wipe it around until the solvent is absorbed into the floor, which will take 2-3 minutes. You can speed up this process by using an iron to introduce heat.
Note:
Denatured alcohol may be harmful to wooden floors. Use this method with caution.
6. Citrus Oils:
Another way to lift off the wax is by using citrus oils, specifically orange oil or lemon oil (and a little olive oil for your convenience). Apply a small amount on top of the stain and wipe it with a paper towel.
Then, blot up the remaining oil by wiping it with another clean paper towel. You can use a toothbrush to scrub at the stain if necessary. Lastly, buff the area dry with a clean cloth and then wipe off any residue left behind with a clean cloth moistened in warm water.
7. Use Boiling Water:
Another way to remove candle wax from wooden floors is by pouring boiling water on top of the stain. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot up the wax after it has melted, and then wipe off whatever remains with a warm water-dampened cloth. Make sure you don’t use this method if your floor is finished with polyurethane varnish or lacquer.
8. Commercial Products:
If you don’t like the idea of using homemade solutions for removing candle wax from your floors, there are commercial products that can help with this task. You can purchase a commercial product to clean off candle wax at any home improvement store or supermarket near you.
9. Using WD-40:
If you use WD-40, spray a bit onto the candle wax stain and let it sit for 10 minutes so that it can dissolve the stain. Then, wipe up what remains with a clean cloth moistened in warm water. If you are dealing with soy wax candle stains, add a bit of white vinegar to the water and wipe it up.
10. Using White Vinegar:
You can make a home remedy using white vinegar to remove candle wax from wooden floors. Simply pour the white vinegar onto the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes to dissolve the wax. Then, wipe up what remains with a clean cloth moistened in warm water.
You Can Check It Out to Remove Wax From Carpet Vinegar
Step by Step Guide: How to Remove Candle Wax From Wooden Floor
Step 1:
Wipe off the excess wax with paper towels. If you are using this step, you might as well stop and consider your options. Wiping is likely to smear the wax into the finish of the wood floor rather than remove it from that area of the floor.
Step 2:
Make a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, or make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the mixture/paste to the affected area, sit for a few minutes (or longer), scrub, and wipe clean.
Step 3:
Use heat to melt the wax by holding an iron over the stained area at a medium temperature setting. Be aware that you may take some finish off with the wax. (If this happens, you can sand the surface lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and apply a fresh coat of finish.)
Step 4:
Dampen a clean cloth with denatured alcohol and blot at the stain. Continue until the stain is removed. This works on both varnished or unvarnished kinds of wood; however, it may not work well on wood surfaces that have been stained. Pour a solution of white vinegar and water (one cup of each) into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the wood surface and wipe with a clean cloth.
Step 5:
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub the stain with the paste, let sit for several minutes or longer to give it time to penetrate, then wipe clean. If the stain is old and set, scrape off as much as you can then dab on the paste. Let sit again and scrub away. Rinse with water and let dry completely before putting in the washer.
Step 6:
Use an electric sander to remove the wax from your floor. Be careful not to press too hard on the wood surface, or you could damage the floor’s finish. If you’re using a buffer, choose the right pad for the job. You’ll want a fine grit if trying to remove stubborn wax build-up.
Step 7:
Apply a solution of carpet cleaner and water to the stained area, let sit for several minutes or longer, scrub gently with a non-abrasive (soft bristle) brush, then wipe clean. You should be able to find this type of product at your grocery store in the cleaning supplies aisle. If you can’t find it there, try going to your local carpet store.
Step 8:
Moisten a clean cloth with denatured alcohol and dab at the wax stain. Continue until the wax is removed. This works on both varnished or unvarnished kinds of wood; however, it may not work well on wood surfaces that have been stained.
Step 9:
Use an electric sander to remove the wax from your floor. Be careful not to press too hard on the wood surface, or you could damage the floor’s finish. This works well for bare floors but may take some of the finish off a varnished or stained wood floor.
Step 10:
Use a damp cloth to wipe the wax off of the wooden floor surface. Be careful not to get too much moisture into the finish; this could soften it and make it vulnerable to damage.
Step 11:
Apply petroleum jelly or mineral oil (baby oil will do in a pinch) to an absorbent clean cloth and lay it on top of the wax. Let it sit for several minutes to absorb the wax, then wipe off with a clean cloth and repeat until you have removed all of the excess wax from your wooden floor surface.
Step 12:
Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to pick up as much of the wax as possible, being careful not to spread it around, or you will make the floor dirty.
7 Things to Consider When Removing Candle Wax From Wooden Floor
Candle Wax Removal from Wood Candle wax removal can be a tricky, somewhat time-consuming process. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
- Realize that it’s going to take elbow grease and patience for you to effectively remove candle wax from the floor, especially if it is a hardwood floor. (If your wooden floor does not come with a top coat, it will require more work).
- Use direct heat from a propane torch or hairdryer if you have one at home, but be careful not to burn the floor and ensure that it’s safe for the wood type you are dealing with before applying any heat source.
- Utilize a scraper and putty knife to help remove the candle wax. Start from the outer edges and work your way in towards the middle of any candle wax stain.
- You can also make your own homemade wood floor wax remover by mixing equal parts white vinegar, mineral turpentine, and olive oil together to create an effective wooden floor wax stripper.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals that contain ammonia or acid as they can damage the wood over time and also affect your health if you are in direct contact with them.
- If candle wax is a recurring issue, try adding felt pads under any furniture legs near the wood floor.
- If you have a lint roller, then use it to remove the candle wax from your hardwood floor easily and quickly.
- Remember that once you remove the stain, you should also try to give your wooden floors some extra attention by using a special cleaner or wax to help them shine and regain their original splendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Easiest Way to Remove Candle Wax?
There is no one easy answer to this question since it depends on the type of wax and the amount that needs to be removed. However, some tips that may help include using a hot, soapy water and sponge method or using a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment.
What Will Dissolve Candle Wax?
Candle wax can be dissolved using various liquids, including water, white vinegar, and dish soap. However, caution should be exercised when using harsh or acidic liquids because they may damage the wax surface.
Does Vinegar Remove Candle Wax?
Candle wax can be removed with vinegar, but it is not recommended as it can damage the wax. Instead, you should use a wax remover specifically designed for this purpose.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Dissolve Candle Wax?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can dissolve candle wax. However, it is important to note that this process is not recommended because it can damage the wax and cause a fire.
Conclusion
There are a few solutions to removing candle wax from wooden floors. We have covered the steps you can take to remove this type of residue and what products work best for that task. After reading this post, it is your choice on which solution would be most suitable for your situation based on the information provided below.
You can use a few simple household items to clean up that wax spill. We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to remove candle wax from wooden floors in your home. If not, please let us know, and we will be happy to provide additional information for you!
