Cleaning and Stain Removal - Candle wax on a velvet sofa

Some candle wax was spilled on my velvet sofa. It's more of a "splatter" than a glob I can scrape off. There's also candle wax on the brick hearth of my fireplace. Since they're both porous items, I'm at a total loss as how to remove either. If anyone has a viable solution, it would be very much appreciated.

PS I bought the optional Guardian furniture damage warranty and had a rep come out who decided I should make a claim since he didn't have any products to safely remove the wax from the sofa. I submitted the appropriate claim forms, but I've been getting the run around for sometime now from the company.

Bottomline.... I just want to remove all the wax if that's possible. Any suggestions are welcome; please email me at: *******@aim.com.

**Moderator Note** I removed the e-mail address only. For your privacy we do not allow them in the forums and the answers given may help someone else that has the same problem as you. Thanks.

I would start by blotting from the outside of the area to the center using a clean rag with rubbing alcohol on it. If that doesn't work, use mineral spirits. As always, test in an inconspicuous place first.

STOP! If your sofa is a flocked velvet, then Do Not apply alcohol or Any solvent to it. If you do, the fibers will come off immediately!

flocked velvet: your furniture should have a cleaning code that will determine what way is best for this

examples from a few searches i did on the net:

(W) Use only water-based cleaning agents or foam. Mix 2 tablespoons ammonia or ammoniated detergent to a quart of water. Wipe the stain gently with a cloth dampened with the solution. Continue, turning the cloth so you're always using a clean portion.

(S) Use only mild, pure, water-free dry cleaning solvent. Wet a cloth with the spot cleaner and follow the same procedure as described above.

(WS) Either of the above methods may be used.

(X) Clean fabric only by vacuuming or light brushing to remove soil. Do not use liquid cleaning agents of any type.


If its not marked test any dry cleaning solvent or water based cleaning in a hidden corner.

Rubbing alcohol is water based...even thou its a solvent. So if your cleaning requires a solvent and the fabric is solvent safe...go with a dry cleaning solvent.

If the fabric is water safe go with the rubbing alcohol. On a rag...NOTE: In my searches i did not see anything that said it would remove the fabric itself. All it said was if the fabric is rated as water-safe agents than i would assume since rubbing alcohol is water based its safe. But do your own testing.

What may be easier is getting a can of compressed air from a computer store the kind used to clean what we are typing on. Spray on at a distance and then gently try to peel it away.

Test any method first in a hidden place!

Do not use solvents on flocked velvet. It is constructed of short pieces of nylon implanted into adhesive coating on cotton, polyester, or other fabric. Solvents will dissolve the adhesive.

Real velvet is a silk fabric. Inferior qualities are made with silk pile on cotton or linen or made with other fibers such as nylon, acetate, or rayon. There is also cotton velvet which is imitation velvet. Thus, velvet is a tufted fabric that can be made from any fiber. Without knowledge of the construction of the velvet, it would be unwise to advise the use of any cleaning solution. Any DIY cleaning solution should be tested first in inconspicuous spot. If in doubt, call a professional.

I do not like to advise the use of the warm iron method for wax removal because it can drive wax deeper into fabric and the heat can set the dye of colored candles. And, a too hot iron may damage fabric. This method requires covering the wax with several layers of paper towels or brown paper bag and placing warm iron on the paper to heat the wax and allow paper to absorb it. Using this method could, however, remove wax without the use of solvents.

I found out (rather embarassingly) about flocked velvet during a school I took for upholstery/drapery cleaning years ago. We had samples of various fabrics, each with multiple stains that we had to remove. My material was flocked velvet. I did okay until to one particular stain that I couldn't remove. The instructor handed me a bottle of solvent potter and said, "Here, Dave, try this," then walked away. So I put a little on a towel and rubbed. The fibers released IMMEDIATELY and there was this glaring bald spot. Apparently I had a somewhat startled look on my face, because everyone started laughing since -- apparently -- the instructor and EVERYONE ELSE was watching. I still remember the embarassment everytime I see or even think of velvet. Good point... I never made that mistake at a clients home.