How can I remove candle wax from a suede shoe?

Mammalu
by Mammalu

My husband accidentally knocked over a candle that was on the ground and wax got all over his new shoes (just one).

  8 answers
  • Nicki Petruzzella Kerns Nicki Petruzzella Kerns on Jul 07, 2018

    Oh no! If you wait for the wax to harden, can you simply peel it off? Hopefully the suede won't be damaged. If not, I'd take the shoe to a shoe repair place and ask for their help. Good luck!

  • Sandy Sandy on Jul 07, 2018

    I'm not sure if this will work for you, but... I have spilled wax on the floor and layed news paper over it and heated my iron and passed it over the paper until wax melted and soaked into the paper. Try it on your shoe.

  • Number5 Number5 on Jul 07, 2018

    I agree with Sandy. But try a paper towel and a Hair Dryer. I think it would be difficult ironing a shoe. LOL Place a paper towel over the wax on the shoe and set the hair dryer to the highest heat setting and aim at the spot or spots. If you can get the wax to melt, the paper towel will absorb it. A candle attacked my carpet! I used an iron with paper towels. I placed the paper towel over the wax and ironed, careful only to get the iron to the heat level of melting the wax without burning the carpet or paper towel. As the wax melted the paper towel absorbed the wax. It took several paper towels but all the wax melted and was absorbed. The carpet looked and felt great. The wax didn't even leave a stain. Good Luck!


  • Joanne Joanne on Jul 07, 2018

    I'd suggest following the instructions provided by the Show "This Old House" on how to remove candle wax from leather. I'd then follow it up with a cleaning using water and a mild soap as they suggest (not leather polish obviously). Then you'd need to let the suede dry and then brush the shoe with a stiff brush designed for suede footwear. Or you could always ask the local shoe repairman!

  • Joanne Joanne on Jul 07, 2018

    Here is the link

  • Amir Hyman Amir Hyman on Jan 03, 2023

    To remove candle wax from a suede shoe, you can try the following steps:


    1. Allow the wax to cool and harden. Do not try to remove the wax while it is still melted, as this can cause it to spread and become more difficult to remove.
    2. Once the wax has hardened, use a dull knife or a spoon to gently scrape off as much of the wax as possible. Be careful not to scrape too hard, as this can damage the suede.
    3. Dampen a cloth with warm water and gently rub the area where the wax was. This may help to loosen and remove any remaining wax.
    4. If the wax is still not coming off, you can try using a commercial cleaner specifically designed for removing wax from suede. Follow the instructions on the product and be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.
    5. Once the wax has been removed, use a suede brush to gently brush the suede to restore its texture.


    Remember to be gentle and use caution when removing wax from suede, as the material can be easily damaged.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 03, 2023

    Freeze with ice cubes in a plastic bag to harden the wax. Gently scrape the wax. If any stain remains, mix a thick paste of fuller's earth with water and apply it to the stain. Allow the paste to dry, then carefully brush it off with a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush.