(Some candles even contain dye that can leave a permanent stain.)

We’ll explore different ways to remove wax from wood surfaces.

Always start with the most gentle, basic steps and then move on to advanced wax removal as needed.

Burning candlestick with dried wax spilled on to wooden floor

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Be patient and work slowly!

Do not use a heavy hand and keep the edge of the plastic flat against the wood surfaceno gouging.

Wring the cloth well so it is just damp.

Materials and tools to remove wax from every type of wood surface

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

Wipe the surface following the grain of the wood.

Move to a clean area of the cloth as the wax is transferred.

Finish bybuffing the surfacewith a soft, dry cloth or apply a light coat of furniture polish.

Ice cubes in plastic bag placed over wax to cool before removing

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

pick the Iron Temperature

Allow the iron to heat on thelowest temperature setting.

Do not use a steam setting.

If you do not have an iron, use a handheld hairdryer set on medium heat.

Plastic scraper edge removing cooled wax from wooden floor

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Cover the Wax Stain

Cover the wax stain with an old cloth.

Use a cloth that is larger than the stain to protect adjacent wood from the heat of the iron.

The heated wax will be absorbed into the towel.

Yellow soft cloth picking up loose pieces of wax

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

If you do not see an oily spot on the towel, repeat the heat for another 15 seconds.

Polish and Buff the Wood Surface

Use a clean cloth to buff the wood.

Use a bit of furniture polish, if needed.

Soft cloth dipped in mixture of white distilled vinegar and water to remove small traces of wax

The Spruce / Cristina Tudor

It should take less than 30 to 60 seconds for the wax to become hard.

Hold the plastic edge flat against the wood surface and pop off the wax.

Sprinkle the area with talcum powder to help absorb the wax from the grooves.

Clothing iron temperature setting turned on

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Apply Heat

Remove Any Residue

Allow the wood to cool completely.

Use a stiff-bristled nylon brush or a handheld vacuum to remove any talcum powder residue.

Repeat the process if needed.

Microfiber cloth placed over wax stain on wood floor

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Clean With Vinegar Solution

Iron placed flat on cloth to heat wax stain

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Furniture polish sprayed over stain to buff wood

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Plastic bag with ice cubes placed over wax stain to harden

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Hardened wax scraped off with credit card edge

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Talcum powder poured over wood grooves

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Iron applying heat over talcum-powdered area with cloth in between

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Stiff-bristled nylon brush scrubbing talcum powder residue

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Wax stain removed with vinegar solution and cloth on wood

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska