How to Remove Candle Wax Stains from Stone

Anne said, “Help! My red Yankee candle just fell off of my precast stone fireplace, crashing onto the precast base and living room carpet. I scraped the red wax off, but don’t know where to begin to clean the stain. It looks as if someone had thrown up on it. Is it better to call a professional? If so, who would know how to clean precast. I’m desperate! Thank you!”

You Will Need:

• Ice
• A dull knife
• A paper bag
• Paper towels
• An iron
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paint thinner
• A cloth

Steps to Remove the Stains:

1. Rub an ice cube on the wax until it hardens fully, then use a dull knife to chip off the wax.
2. If any wax remains, lay a paper bag or several paper towels over the area. Heat an iron on the lowest setting and rub the warm iron over the paper bag or paper towels until the wax soaks into the paper. Rotate the paper to a new area to soak up more wax.
3. Once the wax is removed, there may be a dye stain that remains. If so, moisten a cloth with some rubbing alcohol and use it to wipe the stains until they are gone.
4. If the stain is stubborn, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a paper towel, then lay the paper towel over the stain, pressing it firmly onto the stone. Leave the paper towel in place for several hours or until it dries. The dye stain should soak into the paper towel.
5. If the stain remains, you can try using paint thinner. Be sure to test this on a small, hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction though. If safe, pour a small amount on the stain, let it sit for a minute, then blot it up with a cloth or paper towels. Sponge the area with water afterward to rinse it.¹

• Try to avoid petroleum candles as they usually have stronger dyes that leave more difficult stains.

1. Haley’s Hints by Graham and Rosemary Haley