Carpet Cleaning Tips: 6 Steps to Get Rid of Waxy Stains
Using candles, especially the scented ones come with a lot of benefits. They give such a safelight that sets the perfect mood and atmosphere for memorable moments/events. But like most things, they also have a downside – their waxy stains.
The use of candles has grown and become popular that spilling candle wax on the carpets have equally grown.
Getting waxy stains out of carpets, especially rug carpets, can be a bit of a challenge. However, with the right tools and method, getting wax out of your carpet can be just as easy as vacuuming.
Before we continue, I should stress that candles and carpets are a terrible mix. Whenever you use candles on carpets, ensure you are careful and use your candles in candle jars.
Tools you’ll need to get rid of wax on your Carpet
- Credit card or something similar
- Vacuum with a hose
- Clean towels
- Paper bags
- Iron
How to get the waxy stains off your Carpet
- Use the credit card to remove the butt wax, paying attention to the pressure you apply to the wax so you don’t damage the fibers. Scrape away at the wax as gently as you can manage. Keep at it until the bulk of the wax has been removed.
- Now you just want to vacuum the way you’ve just scraped. Vacuum, not brush. If you brush, you risk spreading tiny fragments all over your carpet. The wax has to be confined to a small area so you easily get all the way out.
- You’re going to melt the residues that are left so they come off easily. Use your iron and ensure it is at it’s lowest setting. You have to pay strict attention to the heat and ensure you don’t burn the fabrics. When the wax melts, wipe the spot with the paper bag. The paper bag will absorb the wax from the carpet.
- If after the previous step you still have some wax, blot the remainder with a rag soaked in a mixture of ammonia and water. Don’t rub on the carpet. Doing so will ruin your carpet. If the wax is colored, an easy way to know if all the wax is out is if the color is not transferred to the cloth. Therefore, blot with a white rag until no more color is noticed on the rag.
- If the previous step fails, mix baking soda with water in an equal amount so that a paste is achieved. Smear the paste on the wax stain and let it dry. Vacuum the paste. You should notice the stain come off with some of the colors. Repeat this method as required until there is no color in the baking soda.
- Rinse the area with a clean towel soaked in cold clean water. Make sure to dry off excess water. Vacuum the area afterward.
Experience top-quality carpet cleaning with Accents in Cleaning! Call us today at 925-565-9255. for professional and reliable service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to remove waxy stains from carpets?
The best way to remove waxy stains is to first scrape off the excess wax with a credit card, vacuum the area, and then use a low-heat iron with a paper bag to absorb the remaining wax. If needed, blot the stain with an ammonia solution or use a baking soda paste for colored waxy stains.
Can I remove waxy stains from carpets using just a vacuum?
No, a vacuum alone cannot remove waxy stains. You must first scrape off the hardened wax, then use heat and absorbent materials like a paper bag to lift the wax before vacuuming any leftover particles.
How do I remove colored waxy stains from my carpet?
For colored waxy stains, after scraping and melting the wax, apply a paste made of equal parts baking soda and water. Let it dry, then vacuum the area. This helps lift both the wax and any dye from the carpet fibers.
Will rubbing waxy stains make them worse?
Yes, rubbing waxy stains can push the wax deeper into the carpet fibers, making removal more difficult. Instead, always blot gently with a clean cloth or use an absorbent material like a paper bag when applying heat.
Can I prevent waxy stains from forming on my carpet?
Yes! To prevent waxy stains, always use candles in jars or holders, place them on a stable surface away from carpets, or opt for flameless LED candles to eliminate the risk of wax spills altogether.