Wax is ubiquitous. It can be found in candles, furniture polish, and even chewing gum. Wax coats wooden surfaces and leaves a glossy, slippery layer that is very difficult to clean off. It can be frustrating to remove, especially if you have a large piece of furniture that requires good waxing.
Whether you are trying to remove wax on your own or in the hopes of selling or restoring your old furniture, removing wax can be a challenging and time-consuming task. However, there are ways to remedy this problem! One of the most valuable methods to remove wax from wood is to freeze it. But they’re also other effortless ways to do it listed below.
4 Easy Ways To Remove Wax From Wood
The four following methods will assist you with removing the pesky deposits from wood surfaces and from articles that require some special care. When trying to remove wax from wood furniture, it is important to use distilled water as alcohol and chemicals actually exacerbate the issue by helping it harden up faster. Keep reading to learn more about methods to remove wax from wood.
Remove Wax From Wood By Freezing It
The best way to get wax off of freshly finished wood is to freeze it. To do so, simply place the affected area in a plastic freezer bag and submerge it in a container of ice for about 15 minutes. This should be enough time for the wax to come off, as well as softening the wax enough that you can scrub it off with a stiff nylon brush or towel.
Remove Wax From Wood By Melting It
This method will only work on unfinished wood. To melt the wax, you must use an iron. You can’t iron directly onto the waxed area because you will spoil a device.
You should place a cloth between the iron and the piece of furniture. A standard iron set to its hottest setting will eventually melt through any finish and get to the wax underneath, melting it away and allowing you to wipe it up with a damp sponge or cloth.
Remove Wax From Wood Using Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the best nontoxic cleaners for your home’s interior and exterior surfaces, with many uses, including furniture polishing. Simply rub the vinegar into the wax, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off with a damp sponge or cloth.
Remove Wax From Wood With Mineral Spirits
This method is much like using vinegar on your furniture, but you must use mineral spirits instead as they will dissolve through wax and leave no residue behind. Simply wipe the mineral spirits onto the wax, using a rag to protect your furniture surface from possible damage. A slight amount of residue may still remain in some instances, but it will come off with scrubbing and cleaning with soap and water.
How To Remove Wax From Wood Furniture
If you are trying to remove wax buildup from furniture, you can use a steamer. A professional-grade steamer will work wonders in removing wax. You need to water and steam the area where the wax is stuck. This will soften the wax, and you can easily wipe it off with an old towel. Make sure that the temperature on the steamer is set to a low level, though overheating may cause damage.
How To Remove Wax From Wood Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are a modern innovation made with bonded panels of wood that can be visually appealing but also prone to damage from normal day-to-day wear and tear. This modern material has increased the value of homes across the globe, but by no means does this mean it is immune to damage. You can easily remove wax buildup from your laminate floor by using vinegar, which should be mixed with a bit of water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture on the affected area and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before wiping it up with a damp cloth or sponge. This will soften the wax and allow you to wipe it off without any damage to your laminate surface.
The Bottom Line
There are a few obvious and easy ways to remove wax from wood. Remember that harsh chemicals may cause damage, and strips of wood will become dull after repeated cleaning, so please be careful.
When removing wax from wood, these methods work well for most household surfaces, so consider them a first step towards tackling the problem. After that, you can explore other ways to help remove the wax buildup on your furniture.