How to Get Wax off Walls

How to Remove Wax From Painted Walls

1. Soften the Wax

   If you catch a candle wax splatter while it is still soft, you can move to the next step. If the wax has hardened, use a hand-held hairdryer to soften the wax. Set the dryer to medium heat and hold it at least four to six inches from the wall to allow the heat to soften the wax.
   

2. Remove the Excess Wax

   Use a very thin-edged plastic scraper, the edge of an old credit card, or a rag to lift away the softened wax. Do your best not to smear the wax or gouge the wall.
   

3. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   In a large bowl, mix one-part hot water with three-parts distilled white vinegar.
   

4. Wash Away Wax Residue

   Dip a microfiber cloth in the vinegar and water solution. Wring until just damp, not dripping. Starting at the top of the wax-stained area, wipe down the wall using gentle pressure. Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the wax is transferred.
   

5. Dry the Wall

   Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry and buff the wall.

   Tip

   A microfiber cloth is recommended for removing wax from the wall because it is lint-free and the weave of the fibers provides a gentle abrasive surface to help lift the wax from the painted wall.

   The 7 Best Microfiber Cloths of 2023

How to Remove Wax From an Unpainted Wood Wall

1. Harden the Wax

   Place a couple of ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag and hold it against the wax for about 30 to 60 seconds.
   

2. Scrape Gently

   Use a thin-edged plastic scraper or the edge of an old credit card to scrape away the hardened wax. Hold the plastic edge flat against the wood surface and the wax may pop off the wood. Use a light touch to prevent scratching the wood's surface.
   

3. Remove Waxy Residue From Finished Wood Wall

   For wood walls that have a finished surface, mix one-part hot water and two-parts distilled white vinegar in a bowl. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring until just damp. Wipe away the wax residue.

   Finish by buffing the surface with a dry microfiber cloth.
   

4. Remove Waxy Residue From Unfinished Wood Wall

   Because unfinished wood has a rough surface (think barn wood), the wax residue may be harder to remove.

   Dampen an old toothbrush with water and dip it in dry baking soda. Following the grain of the wood, apply gentle pressure on the brush to remove any waxy residue from the grooves of the wood. Finish by wiping the area with the vinegar and water solution and buff dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Wax From Wallpaper

Removing wax from wallpaper is tricky because there are all different types of wallpaper finishes—grasscloth, paper, vinyl, foil. Always use a gentle touch and work slowly to prevent additional damage.

1. Harden the Wax

   Often, if the wax is hardened, it can be popped off with the edge of a credit card. Place a couple of ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag and hold the bag on the wax for 30 to 60 seconds. Use your fingernail or the edge of an old credit card to see if the wax will pop off the wallpaper. DO NOT gouge the surface of the paper.

   If you have vinyl washable wallpaper, this will usually remove the wax, and then you can wipe down the surface with your usual cleaner.
   
   

2. Soften the Wax

   If the all of the wax didn't come off, it's time to soften and absorb it. Place three to four layers of paper towels over the wax stain. Set an iron to the lowest heat setting. Press the iron against the paper towels. Lift the iron every 10 to 15 seconds to check the paper towels for wax absorption. Keep applying heat until the wax is fully absorbed. You may want to use fresh paper towels as the wax is absorbed to prevent retransferring wax to the wallpaper.