Those candles on the coffee table create a nice ambience, but one wayward move can create a waxy mess on your carpet. Don’t try to wipe the hot spill off your carpet or upholstery with a cloth! That’ll just smear the wax around. Here’s what to do: Cut off a section of a plain brown paper bag, and place it on top of the melted wax. With a medium-hot iron, press the paper for several seconds—long enough to soften the wax and have it transfer from the carpet or upholstery to the paper. If you have to repeat the process a few times, always use a new piece of brown paper. After the wax has been lifted, a stain may remain. Get some 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is less toxic than bleach and might not affect the dye in your carpet (but test an unseen section just to be sure). Dip a sponge in the peroxide, and gently blot the stain. After about 15 minutes of sponging, blot the stain with a dry paper towel. If the stain is lighter but still there, repeat the process.
Got spills and stains? Don’t be stuck…
