Prevent wax spills before they start! Here are some tips:
Keep burning candles away from drafts. Even beeswax candles will drip if they are in a draft while burning. Make sure the candles are not near open windows, fans or vents.
Use a candle holder big enough to contain spillovers.
Use a snuffer for extinguishing candles. Blowing out a candle can spray wax. If you don't have a snuffer a small glass held over the wick will work just fine.
Don't move a candle until the wax has solidified.
Removing wax from common surfaces:
Removing wax from carpets Let wax solidify. Scrape away excess wax. Using a warm iron and a clean cloth or paper bag, place the cloth or paper on top of the wax. Then use a warm iron and iron the spot. The wax will adhere to the cloth/paper. Move the cloth/paper around so you are always using a clean section of cloth/paper.
Removing wax from fabric Let the wax solidify. You may be able to place the fabric in the freezer for a few minutes to speed the process and make it easier to remove excess wax. Then follow the instructions above for removing wax from carpets. Launder the fabric as usual.
Removing wax from candle holders Put the candle holder in the freezer for an hour or so. The cold will make the wax brittle and much easier to remove or pop off the surface of the holder. If the holder is water-safe you can also submerge the holder in a bath of warm water. Discard the waxy water outside. Do not pour the waxy water down a drain as it will clog up the pipes when the wax cools and solidifies.
Removing wax from wood surfaces, floors and painted walls Soften the wax with a hairdryer. As the wax melts wipe it off with a soft cloth. Then wipe the area with a mild vinegar solution and polish as usual.