Candle Wax & Rugs: Get Candle Wax Out of Your Rug in 7 Easy Steps
Candles are a popular décor item that provide fragrance and ambiance in many households. However, they do pose risks as a fire hazard. While you may be aware that you should never put out a grease fire in the kitchen with water, what many people don’t know is that candles pose a similar risk. NEVER extinguish a lit candle with water. Serious injury and burns can occur because the flames expand rapidly, engulfing a large area right where you’re standing. Extinguish candles by blowing them out or depriving them of oxygen. We recommend placing the lid on top of the candle to extinguish it. Do not leave burning candles unattended, and do not move the candle while it is burning.
Common surfaces candles are placed on include tables, countertops, and other flat furniture. It is not uncommon for candle wax to drip onto flooring, including rugs. Candles may drip while being transported to another room or flow down the sides of the container, off the table, and onto the floor. In rare cases, the glass holding the candle may even crack or explode due to high heat, spraying hot wax everywhere. This is why you should not let your candles burn all the way down, as this puts the flame too close to the glass and risks explosion.
Fortunately, there is a simple method to remove candle wax from fine rugs. While other stains may require professional rug cleaning, candle wax drips can be removed at home.
Candle Wax Removal
Step 1: Scrape the dried candle wax with a spoon or knife to remove large pieces
Step 2: Place a paper towel or brown paper grocery bag on top of the remaining dried candle wax
Step 3: Put your iron on top of the paper for 10 seconds on the high setting
Step 4: Remove the paper and throw it away if it has wax on it
Step 5: Repeat Step 3 with a fresh paper towel until all the wax has transferred off the rug
Step 6: Once all the wax seems to be gone, run a wet cloth over the area
Step 7: Run a dry cloth over the area
While candles impart beauty and fragrance in your home, always be aware of the risks and dangers they pose. Never leave children unsupervised in a room with a lit candle. Please watch the video below for more information about what happens when you extinguish a candle with water. Candles can cause second and third-degree burns if handled incorrectly. For additional candle safety tips, click here.