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How to Remove Wax From My Driveway

By: Mason Howard

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21 September, 2017

David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images

You can scrub all you want, but standard methods may never completely remove a wax spill from a paved driveway. Whether your driveway is made up of concrete, asphalt or paver stones, spills of hot wax will seep into the grain, texture and pores of the paving material, making unsightly and seemingly permanent stains. Wax is also water resistant, so the rain won’t be much help. Look to heat, wax dissolvers and a heavy-pressure spray of water as your best bets for effective and total eradication of wax from your driveway.

Step 1

Scrape up as much wax as possible, using a putty knife. Try to go out early in the morning, when the wax is still cold and will more readily chip away. It is also possible to make wax cold and stiff by packing ice cubes on top for several minutes.

Step 2

Heat the wax with a heat gun. When it melts, remove the heat gun and absorb as much wax as possible with paper towels or an old rag. Repeat several times to sop up as much wax as possible. If a heat gun is unavailable, a hair dryer will work but will not have quite the same melting power.

Scrape up as much wax as possible, using a putty knife.
When it melts, remove the heat gun and absorb as much wax as possible with paper towels or an old rag.

Step 3

Soak the remaining stain with spray lubricant or wax solvent. Opt for eco-friendly solvents to ensure the protection of surrounding soil and vegetation. Allow the solution to soak for several minutes.

Step 4

Spray the affected area, using a high-pressure washer, to blast away any last remaining bits of wax that are lodged in the depths of the driveway's surface. If a high-pressure washer is unavailable, a garden hose with a quality spray nozzle may suffice.