Nothing quite compares to the gentle ambiance of a flickering candle, whether you're using candlesticks to illuminate a dinner party, a scented candle to create a relaxing bedroom, or tea lights for a spa-like bath. The main drawback? Stubborn wax drips on clothes, carpets, and wood that can seem like a cleaning nightmare—but they don't have to be.

Fortunately, we've written step-by-step instructions for removing candle wax, from hardened drips to colorful stains. Additionally, we have expert tips for cleaning wax from jars and glass.

How to Remove Candle Wax from Clothing and Fabric

Accidents happen, whether it's a wax dribble on a festive tablecloth or a splatter on your favorite shirt. You can successfully get wax out of most textiles, especially those that are machine-washable.

1. Harden the Wax: Let the wax cool and solidify completely. To speed this up, you can place the garment in the freezer for a few hours.

2. Scrape Excess: Gently chip off as much of the hardened wax as possible using a dull knife or the edge of a credit card.

3. Treat the Dye: Use a sponge to apply a solvent-based cleaner, such as Goo Gone, an acetone-based nail polish remover, or white vinegar, to lift as much of the color as you can.

4. Melt and Absorb: Place clean paper towels both over and under the wax stain. Press the area with a warm, dry iron. The heat will melt the remaining wax, which the towels will absorb. Rotate the towels to clean sections as they become saturated.

5. Wash It Out: Rub any remaining spot with liquid laundry detergent and wash the item on the warmest cycle recommended by its care tag. If the wax was colored, add a fabric-safe bleach to the wash.

How to Remove Candle Wax from Carpet

If you often burn candles in your living spaces, an eventual drip on a rug or carpet is almost inevitable. Before you worry, remember that hardened wax is fairly simple to remove.

1. Solidify the Wax: Let the wax harden on its own, or apply an ice cube inside a small plastic bag to accelerate the process.

2. Scrape It Off: Use a plastic scraper or a dull knife to carefully remove the excess solid wax.

3. Apply a Cleaner: Lightly sponge the area with a dedicated carpet and upholstery spot remover.

4. Use Heat to Transfer: Place a clean white cloth over the stain. Using the tip of a warm iron, press down on the cloth. This will transfer the melted wax from the carpet fibers to the cloth. Repeat with clean sections of the cloth until the wax is fully lifted.

5. Address Color Stains: If a colored stain remains, re-apply the carpet spot remover or use hydrogen peroxide. Rinse by blotting with a damp cloth and then blot dry.

How to Remove Candle Wax from Wood

After a cozy dinner with candlesticks, you might find a few wax drips on your wooden table. You can carefully remove this wax without damaging the furniture's finish.

1. Let It Harden: Allow any wax on the wood to become completely hard and brittle.

2. Gently Scrape: Using a plastic spatula or scraper, carefully lift the brittle wax off the surface. A product like Goo Gone can also be effective for removing wax from hard surfaces.

3. Restore the Shine: Once the wax is gone, buff the spot with a clean, soft cloth and a bit of furniture polish to blend the area and camouflage the repair.

​How to Get Candle Wax Off Glass

Because glass is non-porous, removing wax from surfaces like tabletops, windows, or candle holders is usually quite simple. The key is to avoid scratching the surface during removal.

Option 1: The Freezing Method (for smaller items)

Chill the Wax: Place the glass item in your freezer for about 20-30 minutes. The cold temperature will cause the wax to harden, shrink, and become brittle.

Pop It Off: Once frozen, the wax will often pop right off in one piece with gentle pressure from your thumbnail or a plastic scraper. It will be too brittle to smear.

Option 2: The Heating Method (for flat surfaces or stubborn spots)

Gently Heat the Wax: Use a hairdryer on a medium heat setting, holding it a few inches away from the glass. Move it back and forth over the wax until it begins to melt.

Wipe It Away: As the wax softens, wipe it away with a stack of paper towels or a soft, disposable cloth.

Final Step: Clean the Residue

After you've removed the bulk of the wax, a greasy or hazy film may be left behind.

1. To remove this residue, wipe the area with a paper towel dampened with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
2. Follow up with your favorite glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.
3. Pro-Tip: Always use a plastic scraper, the edge of an old credit card, or your fingernail to pry off the wax. Avoid using metal knives or sharp objects that can easily scratch the glass.

How to Remove Candle Wax from a Jar

When your candle's wick has burned down, you can remove the remaining wax to reuse the beautiful jar as a vase, desk organizer, or catchall dish.

1. Create a Hot Water Bath: Place the jar in a sink or bowl and fill it with very hot water. As the water cools, replace it to keep the process going.

2. Scoop It Out: As the wax softens and melts, you can easily remove it with a spoon or by hand.

3. Clean the Residue: Wipe away any remaining waxy film with an adhesive remover or a laundry stain remover spray, then wash the jar well with soap and water.