Reading Time: 6 minutes How To Remove Wax From A Wall: Lessons From Parenthood
This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.
As the proud parents of twin four-year-old adventurers, we’re always on our toes. Our most recent escapade?
Our little ones managed to spill a candle they were innocently trying to smell. (don’t worry, they’re perfectly safe and we never let them handle candles without us around).
But now we were left with a stream of wax running down our wall. So we saw it as an opportunity to create this guide to show how to remove wax from walls.
We’ve captured two ways to remove spilled wax. The first way is to clean up spilled wax using heat. The second method shows you how to remove wax without heat. Both work.
Table of Contents
How To Remove Spilled Wax Video Tutorial
Here is a video we made that shows how to clean up spilled wax.
How To Remove Candle Wax From Walls
If you’ve found yourself facing a similar waxy wall situation, fear not. We’ve cracked the code and are here to share our comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to remove wax from a wall.
Step 1: Patiently Wait for the Wax to Cool
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cleaning wax. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. This may take a few hours, but it’s worth it.
Trying to clean the wax while it’s still hot or liquid will only smear it further and worsen the situation.
Step 2: Scrape Off the Excess Wax
Once cooled, it’s time to scrape off the excess wax. Using a plastic scraper or a credit card, gently nudge the wax off the wall.
Be mindful not to dig into the paint or wallpaper. This won’t get all the wax off, but it will remove the bulk of it, making the subsequent steps easier.
As parents of 3 little kids, Force of Nature is our go-to all purpose cleaner. It's nontoxic but is EPA approved for use against Covid-19.
We love vinegar, but we use Force of Nature every day.
Step 3: Apply Controlled Heat
Now, let’s deal with the residual wax. You’ll need to melt it without scorching your wall.
Place a paper towel, brown paper bag, or even an old t-shirt over the wax spot to do this. Then, using a hairdryer on the lowest setting, apply heat to the area.
Keep the hairdryer moving to avoid overheating one spot.
Step 4: Absorb the Melted Wax
As the wax melts, it will be absorbed by the paper or cloth. Continue this process, replacing your paper or cloth as necessary until all the wax has been absorbed.
This can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s incredibly satisfying to see that wax disappear!
Step 5: Clean the Wall
Once you’ve removed as much wax as possible, there may still be a slight residue left on the wall.
To clean this, mix a solution of warm water (1 cup), a few drops of dish soap, and a tablespoon of white vinegar.
This concoction will cut through the wax without damaging your paint or wallpaper. Gently scrub the area with a soft sponge or cloth until the residue is gone.
Step 6: Dry the Wall
Finally, dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry towel to prevent any water damage or mildew growth. Make sure to get into any crevices or textured areas.
Related: Creative and Practical Uses of Magic Eraser You Might Not Know
How to Remove Candle Wax from a Wall without Heat
If you’re dealing with a wax spill on your wall but would prefer not to use heat or store-bought wax removers, there’s still a way to remove it effectively using a homemade remedy.
Here’s our guide to removing candle wax from a wall without applying heat and using a DIY solution:
Step 1: Let the Wax Cool and Harden
Just as in the heat method, the first step is to let the wax cool and harden. This will make it easier to scrape off the bulk of the wax without smearing it further into the wall.
Step 2: Scrape Off the Excess Wax
Once the wax has cooled and hardened, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently scrape off the bulk of the wax. Remember to be gentle to avoid damaging the paint or wallpaper.
Step 3: Create a Homemade Wax Removing Solution
For the residual wax that can’t be scraped off, you’ll need to create a homemade wax removing solution. Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- A few drops of dish soap
Mix these ingredients together until well combined. The dish soap will help to break down the wax, while the vinegar will cut through any remaining residue.
Pro Tip: Before applying the solution to a large area, test it on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t damage your paint or wallpaper.
Step 4: Apply the Solution and Wipe Away the Residue
Soak a clean cloth or sponge in your homemade solution, then apply it to the wax residue. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the wax.
Then, gently scrub the area with the cloth or sponge to remove the wax.
Step 5: Rinse the Wall
After removing the wax, there may still be some soapy residue left on the wall. Rinse the area with clean water and a fresh sponge to ensure all the soap is removed.
Step 6: Dry the Wall
Finally, dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry towel to prevent any water damage or mildew growth. If needed, use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
In Conclusion: How To Remove Wax From Walls
We hope that our detailed guide will help you tackle your wax woes with confidence. Remember, when life gives you spills, it’s just an opportunity to learn how to clean up something new!
Stay tuned for more parenting adventures and home cleaning hacks from our household to yours.