How to Remove Candle Wax Marks on Bluestone

Q. How do I remove melted wax rings from candles on a Bluestone outside fireplace mantle?

A. Bluestone is porous, so the candle wax has made its way into the pores of the stone. This will need to be removed first, and then if any staining has been left behind, that will need to be treated, as well.

To remove wax from stone surface: Begin by scraping any solid wax material from the surface of the stone with a plastic scraper. Avoid using metal or any tool that can scratch the stone.

To remove the candle wax, place a white paper towel over the spot and use a hot clothing iron (preferably one you don’t mind getting wax on) to warm up the paper towel. The heat will soften the wax and the white paper towel will absorb the wax. Use new towels and repeat this process until no more wax transfers to the towels.

To remove residual stains: Apply a few drops of either degreaser or ammonia to the spot and wipe it with a clean, water-moistened white cloth. Rinse the stone with water and allow it to dry.

If any staining remains, you will need to use a poultice to pull the stain from the pores of the stone. Use a solvent such as mineral spirits or acetone as the liquid poultice ingredient. You can purchase acetone in the paint department at Home Depot or Lowes. For additional information refer to our Stain Management App.