Ask A Scientist© General Science Archive

  >   name        DJ
 >   status      other
 >   age         30s

 >   Question -  WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO CLEAN WAX OFF OF A WALL?  AND
WHY?

It depends on the type of wax, and what's on the wall that you want to keep
there.  Waxes like paraffin and candle wax are difficult to break down
chemically; they can be dissolved by hydrocarbon solvents, which may also
carry off some wallpaper colors.  A strong detergent in hot water may also
help to clean up such materials, but the hot water may also loosen wallpaper
glue.

Waxes like floor way can be broken down chemically using wax stripper, which
is a caustic aqueous solution.  It works great, but you still must face the
issue of degradation of wallpaper glue, if you have wallpaper.

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois
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A stronger alkaline such as Simple Green will remove wax.  Waxes are
alkalines (a base).  You can neutralize a base with an acid, but it
better be weak acids because the acidity can also destroy the carbonates
that are used in the production of the wall material itself.  Main
thing, keep water nearby to quickly neutralize if anything is too
strong.  Good luck.

---Glenn
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