How to Remove Candle Wax from Leather
Spilled Candle Wax on Your Leather?
Leather is a beautiful and durable material, but it can be damaged by candle wax. If you have ever spilled candle wax on your leather furniture or clothes, you know how difficult it can be to remove.
As you know, wax is one of the most challenging substances to clean from cloth or clothing. It becomes a tougher problem when the stain is on something you can't wash normally, such as leather. If the wax is still liquid, a quick wipe followed by buffing with terrycloth may remove it. In more serious situations, like set-in stains on suede or other rough leathers, you must extract the wax and soak it up.
There are many ways in which you can remove candle wax from leather. The most commonly known ways are freezing warm water, and methylated spirits. And though there are many ways to tackle this problem and different leathers (such as pigmented leather) require different approaches, the safest way to remove candle wax from leather is to heat the wax with a hairdryer. It can then be wiped away with a cloth.
image: hunker.com
So here are a few basic guidelines to follow if you run into this problem.
Wipe it away
The first step is to wipe away any soft or melted wax with paper towels. Always start at the lowest edge or point to prevent it from spreading or running. Wipe at these edges of the spill inwards to prevent it from spreading as well. Thinnest outer edge to the thickest middle section as a guide.
the Ice Bag method
Place a plastic bag filled with ice cubes on the wax stain.
Let the ice bag sit on the stain for 10-15 minutes, or until the wax hardens.
Use a dull knife or a plastic scraper to gently remove the hardened wax.
Blot the area with a paper towel to remove any remaining wax.
Give it a scrape
The third step is to scrape off any obvious wax residue with a soft plastic spatula or a disposable plastic knife. Again, working from the outside edges of the wax toward the center or thickest part. Pull the leather gently taut as you work, if necessary. Do not scrape the leather itself, even if the wax is deep in the grain.
Heat it up. Try the Hair dryer method.
The fourth step involves your hairdryer.
Set your hair dryer to the low setting.
Hold the hair dryer about 6 inches away from the wax stain.
Move the hair dryer back and forth over the stain until the wax starts to melt.
Use a paper towel to wipe up the melted wax.
Blot the area with a clean paper towel to remove any remaining wax.
Apply cleaner (if necessary)
The fifth step (if you see it necessary) is to apply just a touch of leather cleaner on the terry cloth if there is still wax remaining on the warm leather. Wipe the cloth on the leather in a gentle, circular motion, periodically reversing the direction until the residue is gone. “Wax on. Wax off.” Pun totally intended…. Now allow it to air dry.
Condition it
Lastly, whether you’ve worked on a leather glove, a luxury jacket, or fine leather furniture, this next step is important. Rub the entire leather area with a good leather conditioner on terry cloth. This will even out any residual discoloration and keep your leather looking like new!
Tips
If the wax stain is on a delicate surface, such as suede or nubuck, use the ice bag method instead of the hair dryer method.
Be careful not to overheat the wax, as this could damage the leather.
If there is still some wax residue after you have removed the bulk of the wax, you can try using rubbing alcohol to remove it.
Repeat as Needed
If the wax stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process several times. Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually be able to remove the wax and restore your leather to its former glory.
Prevention
The best way to prevent candle wax stains is to be careful when you are burning candles. If you do spill wax, clean it up immediately. This will make it much easier to remove the stain later on.
Here are some tips for preventing candle wax stains:
Place candles on a stable surface where they are less likely to be knocked over.
Use a candle holder that will catch any spilled wax.
Keep a paper towel or cloth nearby in case of a spill.
If you do spill wax, clean it up immediately with a paper towel or cloth.
By following these tips, you can keep your leather looking its best and avoid candle wax stains altogether.
Additional Tips
If the wax stain is on a small area, you can try using a cotton swab to apply the heat or cold.
If the wax stain is on a large area, you may need to use a hair dryer or a heat gun.
Be sure to test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the leather.
Once you have removed the wax, be sure to condition the leather to restore its moisture balance.
With a little care and patience, you can easily remove candle wax from leather and keep your furniture looking its best.
Color Glo Specialist Can Help
Color Glo International produces its own wax and silicone remover that is available to our franchisees nationally and globally. If you are unable to remove the wax yourself or the area is too large, consider contacting your CGI specialist for help on-site at your home or office.
Color Glo International is the industry leader in restoring furniture. Color Glo specialists can repair or clean anything from rips, tears, burns, frayed stitching, beverage & food stains, lipstick, ink stains, and everything in between. Give a Color Glo-certified technician a call. We are mobile and offer onsite service so there is little inconvenience to you, our customer!
Our repairs and cleaning are environmentally safe and children/pet friendly. We use water-based products so you don’t have the dingy chemical feeling after we’ve completed our service. We even have general cleaning kits to provide you for the next time you find yourself needing a spot removal product that really works!