How and how to remove wax from a candle from furniture
Sometimes it happens that when you carelessly handle decorative candles, the material from which it is made, it drips and contaminates the surface. Wax spilled on furniture is one of the most unpleasant stains.
Not everyone knows how to remove wax from furniture, what means it is best to use and whether it is possible to eliminate it without leaving a trace.
Properties and features of wax
Wax has its own characteristics and properties. Therefore, in order to find out how to remove wax from a table or any other surface, you need to familiarize yourself with them. Wax is a natural substance that is not created by man, it mainly exists in nature.
Waxes are of animal origin, for example beeswax or chestnut oil wax. And they also distinguish vegetable: apple, plum. There is also a substance similar to wax - paraffin. The wax does not burn, but only gradually melts from the high temperature.
This produces soot. That is why candles are most often made from it, which have become part of the everyday life of many people. It is a very soft substance that is easy to cut even in solid form. It is pliable and flexible.
How to remove remnants of a candle from a table or sofa
The most common question after careless use of decorative candles is how to remove wax from them from a sofa or table. There are several ways to remove, but globally they are divided into two categories - hot and cold.
Since the properties of wax are ambiguous, then you can remove it using different methods. Everyone can choose a suitable method for themselves, based on where the pollution has got. Not everyone dares to run a hot iron on a natural leather sofa or pour boiling water over the suede.
Each method has its own advantages, disadvantages and features. More about them now.
Hot wax removal
The hot method, in turn, is divided into several. You can remove the wax with an iron, steam, boiling water and a hair dryer. Each is suitable for a specific material and scale of contamination. Therefore, everyone can choose the right one for themselves and get rid of the stain on any surface for sure.
With an iron
Note! The method is applicable only to fabrics that can withstand heat treatments at high temperatures.
If the contaminated fabric is in the category that can be heated, a known and effective method can be used to remove the wax. It consists in using only two "components" - an iron and paper.
Take paper (paper napkin), which is folded in several layers, 2-3 will be enough. It is placed on the wax spot. It is important to say that the method is suitable for both newly spilled wax and already hardened wax.Take a paper napkin or piece of paper folded several times and place it under the stain.
If it is possible to remove the upholstery, then it is better not to be lazy and do it. Then, on the second side, a paper base is also applied. The iron warms up slightly at medium temperature. Carefully iron the stain, starting first with the tip and then the entire surface.
Wax is fat. It will gradually start to melt and absorb into the attached paper. If the stain is large and cannot be removed the first time, several more attempts can be made to clean the surface. Each time, the paper bases on both sides change.
Steam removal
If the item is not exposed to high temperatures, then you can use the steam method. If the house has a steam generator, the task is simplified several times. It can be used to easily remove the wax stain from the table surface. This is done in the following way.
A cotton napkin is placed on top of the wax. It should be pressed very tightly. A hot jet of steam is directed directly at it. During this time, the wax will gradually soften and be absorbed into the attached material. You can heat it until all contamination is removed. Then everything is carefully removed, and the surface is wiped with cleaning agents.
Well, if there is no such device in the house, you will have to use another method. You need to take a pot of water and put it to boil. As soon as the water begins to evaporate, the soiled product is brought over it. Melted wax is also removed using paper or cotton material.
Important! Since the method involves close contact with hot air, all safety measures must be observed.
How to remove with boiling water
It is necessary to boil the required amount of water and place the soiled product in it.
But since the sofa or table cannot be placed in a pot of water, it is recommended to use the method according to the following scheme. Take a wide container and fill it with hot water.
It is carefully transferred to a room with a soiled product. Using a rag on a stick, so as not to burn yourself, the stain is wiped with water. Immediately wipe off the melted wax from the surface. Cotton cloth or paper will help with this. It is not necessary to make rubbing movements, it is simply placed locally on the stain. The action is repeated until the contamination is completely removed.
Note! Working with hot water can be dangerous. It is important to always remember this and warn yourself against injury. For this, all possible methods and means are used, since hot water cannot be touched with bare hands.
Hairdryer removal method
This hot method will again require a piece of cotton cloth. The method is good because it is suitable both for the surface of the sofa and for the table. The upholstery does not need to be removed from the sofa.
The stain, as in the previous methods, is covered with a cloth. The hair dryer turns on at the maximum temperature.
A stream of hot air is directed to the wax. It is necessary to hold it so until it begins to soften and be absorbed into the cotton material. You can try to remove the dirt several times in this way. The main thing is to cool the upholstery in a timely manner (if it is a table, then everything will be cleaned up much faster).
How to remove with the cold method
Cold removal involves, on the contrary, the hardening of the wax. This method is slightly safer if the contaminated materials do not support the hot critical temperature. You can try using cold water in the same way as hot water.
Only the fabric will no longer be used to absorb the wax, but to remove excess liquid. The fatty formation will gradually harden. After that, it must be torn off or wiped off with a brush with medium hairiness. If you have ice cubes in your home, you can use them too. This method is suitable for a table and or sofa made of leather.
Additional Information! You will not be able to remove the wax if you start to rub it in immediately after hitting it (this applies to the upholstery of the sofa). This will increase the affected area, and the ingested composition will be absorbed faster.
It is important to remember that some materials may not be able to withstand the impact, therefore great care must be taken.
You can eliminate the stain without a trace if you act quickly and correctly, following all the recommendations. The listed methods are also suitable for removing stains from clothes.
Video: how to scrub wax from furniture