Candle wax is the most common type of wax to be spilled on carpet, and one of the most difficult waxes to remove due to the high heat and coloring of the wax during the spill.
Other types of waxes that can find their way into textiles include those used in polishes, cosmetics, hobbies, cooking and more — but these are usually easy to remove with extraction and dry solvents.
Customers may think that the removal of candle wax should be easy… and at times removing the visible wax is easy, but there often are residues and colors left behind that make the job much more difficult than originally anticipated.
Understand wax before cleaning
Wax can come from many sources, such as from beehives, petroleum products, plants, animals, etc.
Most waxes used in candles come from petroleum by-products, commonly referred to as paraffin wax. It typically melts slow and allows the user to enjoy a burning candle for hours, if not days.
In order to appreciate how wax can bind with fibers, think of the characteristics of fibers.
Olefin and polyester are oil loving fibers, and thus will tend to bond faster and stronger with anything petroleum based — like candle wax.
Although it may not be noticeable during cleaning, to some degree you will often find olefin and polyester somewhat more difficult to remove the “greasy” aspect of the candle wax, but at the same time, repelling the colors that can be in the wax.
Nylon may be more forgiving to the waxy part of the spill, but not as forgiving to the colors in the wax.
Wool is mostly a nightmare when it comes to removing wax, but it can be done.
Bottom line for cleanup of wax on carpet is call your carpet cleaner quickly and while they are on the way, keep the area slightly damp with hot water and a WHITE ONLY towel.
Aaron Sabartinelli