There are three foolproof methods for getting rid of candle wax from wood.

1. Try this if you feel like scrubbing

This method is physically demanding and requires that you scrub the affected area vigorously. If that doesn't sound too appealing to you, move on to the next technique.

Begin by wiping the stained area with warm water to remove any dirt that might be sitting on top of it.

Then, pour a generous amount of white spirit onto the wax stain. If you don't have white spirit at hand, you can use a vinegar and water solution instead. To make the solution, mix half a cup of white distilled vinegar with half a cup of water. Add a quarter cup of cream of tartar to the mix if you want to make the solution stronger.

Using a clean cloth, rub the white spirit or the vinegar and water solution into the affected area in the direction of the wood grain. Make sure to apply enough pressure to the wax stain to lift the wax residue.

Can't get all of the wax off? Try scrubbing the area with fine steel wool.

If you notice some of the wax stuck inside grooves or carvings, dip a toothbrush in your chosen cleaning solution (white spirit or vinegar and water mixture) and use it to scrub inside the crevices.

Finish by mopping the area with a clean, dry cloth.

2. You can melt it away

Candle wax melts. That's how it dripped onto your wood floors or furniture in the first place. Therefore, to remove it, all you have to do is make it liquid again. You can do so by using a blow dryer.

Start by scraping away excess wax using a plastic spatula or a spoon, but be careful not to scratch the wood as you're removing the wax.

Next, plug in your blow dryer and set it to medium heat. Direct it towards the affected area to gently heat the wax. Once the wax softens, use a clean cloth to wipe it away.

If you don't have a blow dryer, you can use an iron instead. However, you'll have to cover the wax stain with a towel (or better yet, an old rag) before applying heat to the area.

Make sure to set the iron to either low or medium temperature with no steam. Don't let the iron sit in one area for too long as you could end up scorching your floor or furniture.

Finally, use floor or furniture wax to get rid of any additional residue.

3. Or do the complete opposite

If you don't own a blow dryer or iron, you obviously can't make the candle wax liquid. But don't worry, you don't have to resort to scrubbing the wax off of your wooden floor or furniture (as discussed in method one) if you don't want to.

Instead of melting the wax, freeze it by placing an ice cube over it until it hardens. Then, scrape the wax off using a spatula, a plastic ruler, or a credit card.

Finish off by applying cream floor or furniture wax on the once stained area to remove any remaining wax residue.

You might have successfully removed the candle wax, but that doesn't necessarily mean that your wood floors or furniture now look as good as new. In fact, you could have a nasty candle color stain on your hands.

Don't worry, though. Getting rid of a color stain is easier than learning how to remove candle wax from wood. All you need is a magic eraser. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, which is available in most grocery stores, works well.

You'll need to scrub the area quite forcefully, but the stain will eventually come out without damaging the wood.

Now that you know how to remove candle wax from wood, you no longer have to worry about causing permanent damage to your floors or furniture.

That being said, no one likes to spend their free time scraping away candle wax, which is why it's best to take certain precautions when you light a candle. Always place your candles on a drip tray. The tray will collect the wax that drips down the sides of the candle, saving you a ton of time and effort.

Alternatively, purchase candles that come in containers. We have a broad selection of soy wax candles and wooden wick candles available in sturdy jars.

Are there any tips you'd like to share on how to remove candle wax from wood? We'd love to hear from you in the comment section below!