How to get wax out of clothes
A romantic candlelit dinner, a relaxing aromatherapy session, or even a child’s birthday party can leave you with an unexpected souvenir: hardened wax on your clothes. Seeing a colorful splotch of wax on your favorite blouse or tablecloth can be disheartening. It seems impossible to remove, almost like it has become one with the fabric.
But don’t despair and definitely don’t discard the item. With a bit of patience and some common household items, you can effectively lift that wax stain and restore your garment to its former glory. This guide from Instacare will walk you through the process, ensuring you handle the stain correctly without causing further damage.
The First Steps: Freeze and Scrape
Before you apply any heat or liquid, your initial goal is to remove as much of the surface wax as possible. Trying to treat the wax while it’s soft will only spread it and push it deeper into the fabric fibers.
- Harden the Wax: Place the garment in the freezer for about an hour. If the item is too large for the freezer, place a bag of ice cubes directly on the wax stain until it is completely hard and brittle.
- Scrape it Off: Once the wax is frozen solid, use a dull knife, the edge of a credit card, or your fingernail to gently scrape away the hardened wax. It should flake off easily. Your goal is to remove the bulk of the wax sitting on top of the fabric. Be gentle to avoid snagging or tearing the material.
After scraping, you will likely be left with a waxy, oily residue that has seeped into the fibers. The following methods will help you tackle that leftover stain.
Method 1: The Iron and Paper Towel Technique
This is the most common and effective method for removing wax from durable fabrics like cotton and linen. It uses heat to melt the remaining wax and an absorbent material to lift it out of the fabric.
What You Need:
- An iron
- Paper towels or brown paper bags (unprinted)
- An ironing board or a flat, protected surface
Steps:
- Set Up Your Station: Lay the garment flat on an ironing board, with the wax stain facing up. Place a paper towel or a piece of a brown paper bag underneath the stained area.
- Cover the Stain: Place another paper towel or piece of a paper bag directly on top of the wax stain. This will absorb the melting wax.
- Apply Heat: Set your iron to a low to medium setting with no steam. The steam can set the oily part of the stain.
- Press Gently: Press the warm iron over the paper towel for a few seconds. The heat will melt the wax, which will then be absorbed by the paper.
- Lift and Repeat: Lift the iron and the paper towel. You should see a waxy, oily spot on the paper. Move to a clean section of the paper towel (or use a fresh one) and repeat the process. Continue until the paper no longer absorbs any wax.
- Treat the Residue: Even after the wax is gone, a colored or oily spot may remain. Treat this with a pre-wash stain remover before laundering.
Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol for Oily Residue
Sometimes, especially with colored candles, a dye stain is left behind even after the wax is removed. Rubbing alcohol is excellent for breaking down these oily and colored residues.
What You Need:
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
- A clean cloth or cotton balls
Steps:
- Test First: Always test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous spot of the garment (like an inside seam) to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
- Dab the Stain: Moisten a clean cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.
- Blot Gently: Blot the stained area. Don’t rub, as this can spread the stain. The alcohol will help dissolve the remaining dye and oil. Continue dabbing with clean sections of the cloth until the stain is gone.
- Rinse and Wash: Rinse the area with cool water and then wash the garment according to its care label.
Handling Delicate Fabrics Like Silk and Wool
Delicate fabrics require a much gentler approach, as high heat from an iron can cause permanent damage.
- Use Low Heat Carefully: If you try the iron method, use the lowest possible heat setting (the setting for silk or synthetics). Work quickly and don’t let the iron sit in one spot for too long.
- Blow Dryer Alternative: A hairdryer on a low heat setting can be a safer alternative. Hold the dryer a few inches from the fabric to melt the wax, and blot with a paper towel as it liquefies.
- Trust a Professional: For expensive, sentimental, or extremely delicate items, the safest bet is to seek professional help. A small mistake can ruin the garment, and it’s often not worth the risk.
For Stubborn Stains, Trust the Experts at Instacare
While DIY methods are effective for many wax stains, some are particularly stubborn. Pigmented wax from dark-colored candles or stains on delicate materials can be challenging. When you’re not confident in tackling a stain yourself, Instacare is here to help.
Our team of fabric care specialists understands the unique challenges of different stains and materials. We provide a full suite of laundry services to keep your wardrobe in pristine condition.
Our Comprehensive Services:
- Professional Dry Cleaning: The ideal solution for delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and velvet that cannot withstand home treatments.
- Expert Stain Removal: We use professional-grade solvents and proven techniques to target and eliminate tough stains like wax, oil, and ink without harming your clothes.
- Convenient Wash & Fold: Let us take care of your everyday laundry. We provide a premium wash, dry, and fold service, delivering your clothes fresh and ready to wear.
- Fabric Care & Restoration: We go beyond just cleaning. We care for your garments, helping to preserve their color, texture, and longevity.
Don’t let a wax accident ruin a beautiful piece of clothing. Whether you need a simple wash or specialized stain treatment, Instacare has you covered.
Ready to give your clothes the professional care they deserve?
Learn more about our services and schedule a convenient pickup by visiting https://instacare.ae/. Let us handle the laundry so you can enjoy life’s moments, worry-free.
