How to Clean Up Melted Plastic and Wax

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: November 5, 2024 References

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Whether it’s caused by a cookware mishap in the oven or a dripping candle on the bedroom floor, melted plastic or wax causes an unsightly 3D stain that can be a huge hassle to remove. Once the substance has hardened on the ill-fated surface, it may seem like it’s there to stay. However, there are a few resourceful tips that have been proven to remove even the trickiest and most stubborn of stains.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing from Fabrics or Carpet with an Iron

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Set it to the highest heat setting. If it has a steam setting, turn this off. Dry heat is best for removing the melted plastic or wax.^{[1]
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An alternative for the brown paper bag is wax paper. Be careful not to use thin paper, as it can overheat the plastic or wax and cause a worse mess. Avoid paper with any writing on it, because the heat can cause the ink to transfer onto the fabric or carpet.^{[2]
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Don’t push down too hard or stay on one section too long, because you do not want the substance to melt farther into the carpet or fabric. The goal is to get the plastic or wax to stick to the bag.
This should be done while the paper is still warm from the iron. The plastic or wax should stick to the paper, leaving the surface clean.
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Repeat as necessary. If there are still bits stuck to the carpet afterward, try gently scrubbing the area with a carpet cleaner, fabric cleaner, or rubbing alcohol. The remaining pieces may budge with a little bit of friction.
- If the plastic or wax still doesn’t come off, try freezing it with an ice pack and breaking it apart once it’s frozen. Vacuum the pieces when you’re finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing from Hard Surfaces with Chemicals

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This can be done by lightly heating the mess until it is soft enough to scrape off. By getting as much of the mess off as you can manually, you’ll allow the cleaners to work best. After you’ve chipped away at the mess as best you can, allow it to cool.
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Apply nail polish remover to the melted mess. Plastic is soluble in acetone, so this can be effective in removing the nasty stain.^{[3]
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Research source}Acetone is found in most nail polish removers, which can be found at your local pharmacy.^{[4]
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- Be careful, acetone can stain certain surfaces. If you think acetone is your best option for removing the melted plastic or wax, try testing it out on a small- and preferably hidden- spot first. This could be the underside of the table you're working with or a part of the floor that is usually covered with furniture. See how the acetone reacts before dousing your stain with it.^{[5]
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- Make sure that there is absolutely no acetone left on the surface. Acetone is highly flammable, and if there is acetone left over on your surface, especially if that surface is a stovetop or oven, you could have a larger problem on your hands than a little melted plastic.^{[6]
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Once the acetone has soaked into the melted remains, it should be pretty pliable. With a little bit of force from your knife, it should come right off.
This is only necessary if there is still remaining plastic or wax. WD-40 is a lubricating & penetrating spray product that can be used to remove the leftover gunk by dissolving its bond with the hard surface.^{[7]
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Research source}Like you did with the acetone, test the WD-40 on a smaller, out-of-the-way spot before applying it to the stain.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing from Hard Surfaces with Heat

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1
Chip away at the substance with a putty knife or something similar. The plastic or wax should have softened with the heat, and you can begin scraping it off with a flat, sharp edge. This will require some elbow grease, but be careful not to scratch or chip the surface you are cleaning.
- If you do not have a putty knife, you can use a butter knife or a razor blade.
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Heat up the plastic or wax. Be careful while doing this step, because overheating the stain can make it worse. The trick is to make the mess malleable because it won’t budge while it is hardened.^{[8]
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- If the mess is in the oven, preheat the oven at the very lowest heat setting. Stay by the oven to make sure the stain doesn’t overheat and start smoking.
- If the stain is on another hard surface like a table or wood floor, try using a hair dryer to warm the substance.
If there isn’t much of a mess left, this can be achieved with mild soap and a damp rag. In the case of more persistent stains, you may want to use a more heavy-duty surface cleaner and a rough sponge or scrubber.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

My ceramic stove top was hot and when I wiped it with a microfiber cloth part of it melted onto the stove top. How do I get that off of my stove top?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Start by covering the melted-on stain with a baking soda and water paste. Let it set in for several minutes, and spray with vinegar. Scrub the stain and residue away. If there is still some melted mess left over, you can try to scrape at it, very carefully, with a plastic scraper, or even a razor blade.

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I peeled off plastic from the sides of my laptop and it left dirty residue. How do I clean the dust/dirt off?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

You can try a few different options. First, apply vinegar to the residue, and try to scrub it off. You can also try to use acetone to remove the residue. Finally, a commercial product such as GooGone will be effective in removing the dirty residue.

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Question

How can I clean off white marks caused by a senior's walker?

Community Answer

You can usually use a product like "Goo Gone" to remove the marks.

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Tips

If you do not want to use a strong chemical like acetone on your surface, you can whip up a quick cleaner with more natural ingredients. Rubbing a paste made of baking soda and vinegar into the melted plastic stain can sometimes do the trick as well.^{[10]
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For leather, warm the wax or plastic with a hair dryer, being careful not to damage or burn the leather. Wipe away the residue with a clean cloth, then wipe the area with a leather conditioner or mild soap to re-hydrate it.

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Warnings

Trying to clean a hot stove or oven is dangerous. Use caution to avoid burning yourself.

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Burning plastic causes a terrible smell, and sometimes even adverse effects on your health. Open windows to create ventilation in the area and/or wear a mask if dealing with melted plastic.^{[11]
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Use the lowest heat possible if you’re working with nylon since it can melt at higher temperatures.^{[12]
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