How to Remove Wax from Marble

There are several ways to remove candle wax, and most are safe to use on marble surfaces. If a candle has dripped beyond the holder or a spill has occurred, you can either remove the wax with heat or remove it with ice. Choose the method that is best for you.

You Will Need:

• Brown paper
• An iron

Steps to Remove the Wax:

1. Lay the brown paper over the wax. If using a paper bag, turn it inside out or be sure that any ink labeling is not against the marble. It is best to use two layers of brown paper in case the wax soaks through the first layer.
2. Set an iron to its lowest heat setting.
3. Gently rub the warm iron over the paper. Be sure to keep the iron moving.
4. As the paper soaks up the wax, rotate the paper to a clean area.
5. Continue until all of the wax has been absorbed by the paper.
6. If there is any dye stain that remains on the stone after the wax is removed, use the section below on Removing Candle Dye Stains.

You Will Need:

• An ice cube
• A towel
• A plastic scraper, such as
  • A credit card
  • A plastic spoon
  • An actual plastic scraper

Steps to Remove the Wax:

1. Rub the ice cube over the wax until it becomes hard and brittle. It is best to hold the ice cube with a towel so it is easier to hold and to prevent your body heat from melting it as fast.
2. Once the wax is brittle, use a plastic scraper to carefully chip if off. Do not use a metal scraper or any other sharp tool as you do not want to scratch the marble.
3. If there is any dye stain that remains on the stone after the wax is removed, use the section below on Removing Candle Dye Stains.

You Will Need:

• Rubbing alcohol
• Soft cloths or cotton balls
• Marble cleaner

Steps to Remove the Dye:

1. If the candle was colored, there may be a dye stain left where the wax was. This too can be removed easily.
2. Moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol.
3. Rub the cloth over the stained area.
4. Repeat until the stain is removed.
5. Once the stain is gone, clean the surface with a marble cleaner.
6. Buff with a dry cloth to restore the shine. If needed, apply a polish.

• Since marble has a smooth surface, a razor blade can also  be used to carefully scrape the wax off of the surface. Use caution to keep the blade moving smoothly across so that it does not dent or gouge the marble. The ice can still be used to make the wax brittle, allowing it to release from the surface more easily.
• Do not apply a protective wax coating to white marble. It can cause it to yellow.
• For additional cleaning and stain removal techniques, see our guide How to Clean Marble.