Stain Removal: Candle Wax

Candle wax on a wooden surface can be removed by softening it with a hair-dryer, then remove most of it with a paper towel. Wash with a solution of vinegar and warm water, then dry polish.

On washable material, place the cloth in the refrigerator; when cold scrape off as much as possible. Place blotting paper over and under the wax, and press with warm iron. Repeat with fresh paper until clear. On non-washable material: cool area with ice cubes in a plastic bag. When cool scrape off as much as possible. Place blotting paper over the wax and press with a warm iron. Repeat as necessary.

Candle wax can be removed from a surface by warming a knife over a candle flame. Use the heated knife to gently lift the wax from the surface. If the candle wax has left a stain, dab it with a cotton-wool bud dipped in methylated spirits. You can get rid of candle wax by covering it with brown paper and running a warm iron over it. Change the position of the paper as the wax is absorbed. This works well with greases, too.

On carpet: Once it has hardened, scrape off as much as possible. Cover what's left with blotting paper, brown paper or kitchen paper towel and press with the tip of a warm iron. The heat will melt the wax so it is absorbed by the paper. Don't let the iron touch the carpet it might scorch or melt it.