How to Remove Wax from Clothes

Whether it’s a children’s birthday party or a dinner party with friends, celebrations often mean candles and as accidents can easily happen, candle wax can get spilt. Follow the simple steps below to quickly and easily remove candle wax from clothes and tablecloths.

Always check the wash care label on the clothing before attempting to remove spilt wax. Some fabrics may need specialist care, while others can be tackled with a good quality laundry detergent like Breeze.

How to Remove Wax Stains from Clothes in Five Steps

1 – Do nothing

The first step is to do nothing – at least until the wax is dry, in any case. Attempting the wax stain removal method before it has set is likely to exacerbate the problem, spreading the stain and possibly even burning you. So let the wax set before taking any action.

2 – Give the stain a scrape

Next step is to remove as much of the hardened wax as possible. Take a knife that is sharp enough to do some damage to the wax, but not so sharp that it risks damaging the item of clothing. Take care when handling the knife; always use strokes going away from your body to avoid any accidents. Work on the wax to remove as much of the hardened matter as possible, leaving behind just the most embedded of the wax.

3 – Re-melt the wax

This may appear to contradict the first step above, but the next move is to reheat the wax. Place a dishcloth or a towel under the item of clothing or tablecloth, then put two paper towels over the top of the wax stain. Set an iron at a low to medium heat and iron over the area. The heated wax will melt again, and come away from the fabric, soaking instead into the paper towel.

If you find that the paper towel is becoming saturated with the wax, move the towel along to start again on a new spot, or replace it with a new sheet. If you have any blotting paper to hand, this will work just as well, if not better, than paper towels. Always be careful when using an iron.

4 – Leave to soak

By this stage, the wax stain removal process should nearly be complete. However, if the wax is coloured, there is almost certainly going to be a stain remaining on the clothing or tablecloth. If that is the case, prepare a bowl with a solution of water and an oxygen-based stain remover and leave the stain soaking in the bowl for a few hours. This should effectively remove the last remaining stains from the fabric. You could also try applying a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the stain as a stain remover. Always test on an inconspicuous area first before widespread use.

5 – Give it a wash

Finally, give the clothing or the tablecloth a wash in the usual way – either a machine wash with Breeze detergent, or by hand if that is more appropriate. And any remnants of the wax spillage should now be gone!

If the affected item is of an item of clothing of a particularly sensitive material, you may wish to refer to an expert cleaner with specialist experience in how to remove wax stains from clothing.

Caring for Delicate Fabrics: Wax Removal Techniques

Delicate fabrics require special attention when it comes to wax removal. Firstly, avoid scraping or rubbing the wax as it can damage the fabric. Instead, cool the wax with ice or a freezer pack and gently crumble it with your fingers. Remove excess wax with blotting paper or paper towels. Use a warm iron or hairdryer over a paper towel placed on top of the wax spot. The paper will absorb the wax. Afterward, gently wash the fabric with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid hot water and scrubbing to preserve the fabric's integrity. Follow these guidelines to effectively and safely remove wax from delicate fabrics.

The freezing and heat-based method for wax removal

When it comes to removing wax from clothes, two popular methods are the freezing and heat-based approaches. Each method offers a unique way to tackle this common stain issue.

Freezing Method:

1. Preparation: Begin by letting the wax harden. If it's a candle wax stain, place the garment in the freezer for about 30 minutes. For soft wax like crayon marks, use ice cubes wrapped in a plastic bag to freeze the wax.

2. Scraping: Once the wax is frozen and brittle, gently scrape it off with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card. Be cautious not to damage the fabric.

3. Heat and Absorption: Place a paper towel or brown paper bag over the remaining wax stain. Then, apply a warm iron (set to low heat) over the paper. The heat will melt the wax, and the paper will absorb it.

4. Launder: Launder the garment as usual, checking for any residual stains. If necessary, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.

Heat-Based Method:

1. Protection: Protect your ironing board with a cloth or paper towel. Place the wax-stained garment on top, with the wax stain facing up.

2. Paper Towel or Brown Paper Bag: Put a paper towel or brown paper bag over the wax stain. This will act as an absorbent barrier.

3. Ironing: Set the iron to a low heat setting (no steam) and gently press it over the paper. The heat will melt the wax, and it will be absorbed by the paper.

4. Check and Repeat: Check the stain, and if any wax remains, reposition the paper and iron until the stain disappears.

Both methods are effective for removing wax from clothing, but it's crucial to be patient and gentle to avoid damaging the fabric. With the right approach, you can salvage your favorite garments and keep them looking fresh.

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