OK, so I‘m a big dumb guy with a girlfriend who loves candles. I’m over at her apartment and I’m reaching back for the remote on the side table by the couch, not looking of course because I can always “feel” where the remote is. Somehow, unbeknownst to me, my girlfriend had strategically place a burning candle between me and my target. Though I have the reflexes of a stealth fighter pilot, I managed to knock over said candle, spilling its contents not only on the table, but also on the carpet below. My solution of “scissors” didn’t set too well with my girlfriend. So I ask, what on earth can I do to get the wax out of the carpet? And while you’re at it, is there a way to get it off the table without scratching it? Surely this has happened before.


No, you’re not the first person to run into this problem. In this situation, your first step is to apologize to your girlfriend and buy her a nice new candle. And maybe some flowers. As for your spill, removing candle wax isn’t as bad as you might think. Just leave the scissors in the drawer.

For the table, assuming it is wood, you can apply an ice pack to the wax to harden it. Then gently scrape off as much wax as you can with a plastic credit card. A tiny bit of the wax may remain on the wooden table, especially if you have been extremely careful not to scratch the surface. Simply use a soft, clean cloth and apply a bit of cream furniture wax to the area. Rub gently and remove the remainder of the wax residue. Even though you spilled wax on it, you may have to wax or polish the table again when you’ve finished.

For the carpet, again, easy to remove, but a little time consuming depending on the size of the spill. Start again by placing an ice pack on the spill to harden the wax and then chip or break off the big pieces, being careful not to pull out the carpet fibers. Once you’ve gotten as much of the big pieces out as possible, pull out the iron and some paper grocery bags or paper towels to get the wax that has soaked into the fibers.

Take the bag or paper towel and place it on the spill and run over it with the iron, heating the wax and melting it onto the paper towel. Keep moving the bag or towel so that a fresh spot is always over the wax. Once you notice that no more wax is soaking into the towel, you’ve soaked up all the wax.

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Before following any of the cleaning information, methods, advice or suggestions above, always test a small area that is less visible first. Also, you should consult the manufacturer's care instructions and warnings before trying any of the above. Due to the general nature of the advice in this material, neither Merry Maids, L.P.®, nor its individual franchises assumes any responsibility or accepts liability for any loss, damage or injury, which may be incurred as a result of any action inspired by information, advice or suggestions through this material.