When the wax comes into contact with the concrete, it sticks quickly; depending on what you have available, you can use different methods to remove it, but don't worry, it's still a doable job!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Steam off the wax
A normal steam iron is effective for removing small patches of wax (e.g. liquid car wax).
Step 1. Rent a commercial steam cleaner
This is a tool that is sometimes available at home improvement stores, hardware stores, or even some well-stocked supermarkets.
Step 2. Direct the steam on the area to be treated until the wax begins to melt
Step 3. Continue to flow over the stained area until most of the wax has liquefied
Then collect it with absorbent material and repeat the procedure until you have completely eliminated the stain.
Repeat as needed
Step 4. Return the device to the shop where you rented it
Method 2 of 3: Remove the wax with the iron
This method is suitable for treating small areas.
Step 1. Place several layers of blotting paper, paper bags, or sponge rags over the wax stain
Have a pack of white spirit and a bucket full of hot water and dish soap handy.
The sponge rag absorbs more wax than paper, but use what you have available
Step 2. Turn on the iron by setting the maximum temperature
Step 3. Rub the iron over the paper
The underlying wax should melt.
Step 4. Remove the iron and paper layers
Quickly pick up the loose wax using paper towels (or rag) and white spirit.
Step 5. Remove solvent residues with a cleaning product and warm water
Wash everything thoroughly and let it dry.
Step 6. Repeat if necessary
Method 3 of 3: Remove the Wax with the Hair Dryer
Step 1. Prepare the cleaning products
Have a bottle of white spirit and a bucket full of water and detergent handy.
Step 2. Use a putty knife or similar scraper to remove as much wax as possible
Then throw it in a trash can.
Step 3. Place a sponge rag over the wax residue
This fabric will absorb much of the melting material, saving you a lot of work with subsequent cleaning. This is not a mandatory step, but an advisable one; if you don't have a rag, you can heat the wax directly.
Step 4. Set the hair dryer to maximum temperature
Direct the heat onto the wax to melt it. Keep the hot air flowing over the surface for as long as necessary to melt as much wax as possible.
Lift the rag to check if it has melted completely
Step 5. Collect and clean up the loose wax using white spirit and a rag or kitchen paper
You can then remove the solvent with a mixture of soapy water; let it dry in fresh air.
Step 6. Repeat the procedure if necessary
Advice
- If the wax is on another surface, such as a shirt, you can use a regular steam iron.
- An alternative to white spirit is white vinegar.
- If you don't have a terry cloth, you can use an old towel; cut into a square or other shaped piece, as needed. You can eventually buy old towels at discount stores or "all for one euro" shops; you can also decide to keep your own towels as they get older, to use them for cleaning or for jobs like this.
- When the concrete is hot (around noon), brake cleaner can remove the wax easily; keep a cloth handy to remove any that comes off the surface.
