How to remove a wax stain from clothes from different types of fabrics

It can be annoying to unintentionally spill wax on your favorite clothing, especially if it solidifies and sticks to the material. Wax stains, whether from crayons, beauty treatments, or candles, can seem difficult to get rid of. However, you can restore your clothing to like-new condition with the appropriate method.

Wax affects fabrics differently, so it’s critical to understand how to handle each kind to prevent damage. What works for fine silk or synthetic blends might not be appropriate for cotton. With the help of this guide, you can prevent your clothing from getting permanently stained by learning the most effective ways to remove wax stains from a variety of materials.

It’s possible to remove even the most difficult wax stains with a few basic tools and perseverance. Now let’s discuss the procedures you must adhere to depending on the kind of fabric you are working with.

Note

  1. You can start removing paraffin only after complete hardening. The substance is quickly absorbed and rubbing a fresh stain will cause it to increase. It is best to blot the still hot wax with a napkin.
  2. Candles are made from a material with a dense and oily texture. It does not dissolve in water, so you cannot remove the wax with regular washing.
  3. The longer the paraffin remains on the fabric, the deeper it soaks the fibers and the oil stain will be larger. Therefore, you need to act quickly.
  4. The effect of the solvent and stain remover must first be tested on the inside or on the belt so as not to disturb the color and not get stains.
  5. Often, after removing the wax, an oil stain is visible on the clothes. It can be removed with known anti-grease stain removers. If the item is dry, then the imprint is sprinkled with talc and left for half an hour. Shake off the powder and wash the contaminated area. Dishwashing gel, vodka or alcohol will successfully remove the stain. All that remains is to wash the item in the usual way.
  6. White clothes made from natural fibers can be soaked in “Whiteness” to remove candle marks. The area with the imprint on the colored fabric is soaked in vinegar for half an hour. If the stain is very dirty, add a small amount of citric acid.
  7. It is best to remove wax residue from the fabric with a toothbrush, because its bristles are the smoothest and do not damage the structure of the material.

Removing wax from natural fabrics

Wax is easily removed from natural materials such as cotton, linen or calico. To do this, you will need an iron, a piece of cotton fabric and regular napkins. Straighten the product with drops on the surface with the inside up. Place several napkins under the dirty area, cover it with napkins on top and then with a cloth. Run a hot iron over the stain, heated to the maximum permissible temperature for this type of fabric. Turn off the steam supply. The wax will melt and be absorbed into the material underneath. If the marks are still visible, then the paper should be replaced with clean paper and the steps should be repeated.

When the wax is colored

For colored candles, the heated iron method is not appropriate. The dye is absorbed into the fabric at high temperatures, making removal nearly impossible. It is preferable to use an industrial stain remover or one of the following techniques to remove colored wax from clothing and tablecloths.

  • Leave the item in the cold and scrape off the hardened mass. Treat the stain with borax, and then with a mixture of salt and citric acid to remove stains. Rinse off the remaining products with water and wash the clothes.
  • Treat the stain on light-colored fabric with hydrogen peroxide or a mixture of soda and citric acid.
  • Dense material can be washed with plenty of hot water.
  • In such cases, ammonia helps well and does not spoil the fabric.

Methods for cleaning synthetic materials

The heated iron method works well for synthetic fabric, but you must use extreme caution and set the heating regulator to the "synthetic" position.

For materials that shouldn’t be ironed, hot water can aid in removing candle stains. The soiled object needs to be submerged in 50–70°C water for two minutes. Use a fresh cloth to wipe away any leftover paraffin after that. To keep the stain from getting harder to remove, don’t rub it. The process should be repeated if the initial try does not produce the desired outcome.

Solvents can be used to remove wax marks from raincoat and synthetic fabrics. For instance, turpentine, acetone, or refined gasoline. Blot the stain after soaking a cotton swab or piece of cloth in the substance. If the cloth is very dirty, let the swab sit on it for thirty minutes. Lastly, wash your clothes in a warm, soapy water.

Alcohol can occasionally be used to remove wax from polyester. Blot the stain several times with a cotton napkin soaked in it.

Delicate fabrics and wool

Wax drops are removed for fabrics that need to be handled carefully, like organza, wool, chiffon, silk, or satin. You should use dishwashing detergent if you don’t have any stain remover on hand. Apply a few drops of liquid to the stain on a woolen dress and let it sit until it dries completely. After washing the item, rinse off the gel.

Using a spatula, knife, or manicure file, you can try carefully removing the hardened wax from knitwear and delicate fabrics.

Dish gel is another tool used to remove paraffin from a bolognese coat. After wiping the stain with a sponge dipped in detergent, rinse with water until the foam subsides. Using a soft cloth or towel, blot the moisture.

What to do with suede and fur

Fur products can be easily cleaned of hardened wax. You must either apply an ice pack to the contaminated area or put them in the freezer to accomplish this. To avoid harming the fur, gently brush the hardened wax onto the fibers, working your way toward the ends.

Suede fabric can be cleaned of wax using the iron method. It is only appropriate to apply a thin layer of material-coated suede to the sole of the iron for a brief period of time; napped fabric should never be ironed. Dents and gloss are caused on the suede surface by a hot household appliance.

Should the initial attempts prove fruitless, the following combination should be prepared. 50 ml of gasoline, 10 ml of wine alcohol, and 35 ml of ammonia should be combined. Apply a cotton swab that has been moistened to the stain for five minutes. Use a moist cloth to remove the stain once the wax has softened. Velvet fabrics and coats are other items made with this composition.

The effects of steam are a tried-and-true method for rebuilding suede pile’s structure. If you hold the item over steam, you can also remove paraffin in this way. A dry sponge or brush can be used to easily clean the soft composition. However, in order to avoid smearing the wax, it is not advised to rub the stain.

Another option exists. Stir ammonia in one liter of water for half an hour on a shaggy carpet. Using a moist flannel cloth, apply the solution to the stain. Wipe the candle mark several times with care.

Act on a shaggy carpet, on wax, or with medicinal alcohol. It is sufficient to let a moist sponge or swab sit on the stain for twenty to thirty minutes.

What to do with wax on a leather jacket

Leather has the unique quality of not absorbing wax, making it simpler to remove.

Additionally, the cold will aid in removing paraffin from leather apparel. The material needs to be bent precisely at the contamination site after it has frozen. Your fingers will easily be able to remove the cracked wax. Use a napkin to dab at the shiny area.

Acetone or ammonia are used to remove the oily stain if it still persists.

Candle marks on jeans

Wax splatters from sturdy, thick jeans are easily cleaned.

  • Jeans place in a bag and put in the freezer for 2 hours. The frozen paraffin is scraped off the fabric and wash with powder.
  • It is also effective washing with soaking. Pants are soaked in hot water at 50-60 ° C with powder and hold for half an hour. Then they wash out pollution with household soap and send a thing to a machine.
  • Hold trousers above the steam for 30 minutes and wash with powder in hot water.
  • Drops from denim are quickly removed after impregnation with alcohol and sprinkling with salt. The effect is achieved after 4-5 times.

Paraffin stains hold up well. To avoid having to wash the fabric again, the wax on it should be treated with a stain carrier or dishgel. When an elderly blot fails to retire, the processing is restarted.

Ammonia ruins the color of denim, so using it on it is not advised.

It can be difficult to remove wax stains from clothing, especially since different fabrics require different methods to prevent damage. This post will walk you through the use of common household items and techniques to safely remove wax stains from a variety of materials, including sturdy cottons and delicate silks. You will discover how to clean up spills of any size and restore your clothing without leaving any residue behind.

Removing old spots

It’s worth a try, but old wax imprints don’t always work out perfectly when something is stored in a closet. Citric acid effectively removes the frozen portion. The spot is covered in crystals, which are then misted with a small amount of warm water using a spray bottle. After 15 to 20 minutes, remove using a sponge.

Another uncommon treatment is a wax removal preparation used after depilation. Wax on the fabric is quickly dissolved by the oily composition, and the stain is easily removed with a wash. Although it stains the fabric, nail polish remover can also be used successfully.

Dishwashing detergent is used to remove old wax from silk and woolen materials. Poured over the stain, it is then sealed with cling film and allowed to sit for a day. Next, give it a laundry soap wash.

Type of Fabric Wax Removal Method
Cotton Place the fabric between two paper towels and press with a warm iron. The wax will transfer to the paper.
Silk Freeze the fabric to harden the wax, then gently scrape off the excess. Blot the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue.
Wool Use a dull knife to scrape off the wax, then place the fabric between paper towels and press with a warm iron.
Synthetic Place ice cubes on the wax to harden it, then carefully scrape it off with a dull knife. Use a stain remover to clean any remaining wax.
Linen Put the fabric in the freezer to harden the wax, scrape it off, then use a warm iron between paper towels to remove the residue.

Although removing wax stains from clothing can initially seem difficult, it is doable with the correct method. The secret is to move quickly and apply the right technique for the particular type of fabric. There’s a workable solution, whether it’s for delicate silk, robust denim, or something in between.

Before applying any stain treatment, don’t forget to begin by carefully scraping off any extra wax. Then, depending on the material, you may use techniques like using a mild detergent, freezing and cracking the wax, or ironing with paper towels. To prevent any damage, always test your selected method on a small, discrete portion of the fabric first.

You can successfully remove wax stains and maintain the fresh appearance of your clothing by following these easy steps. You can bring your clothes back to life without the use of harsh chemicals or expert assistance if you give them some TLC.

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Sergey Litvinov

I have been working in the field of textile art for over 20 years. I am passionate about textile design and create unique things inspired by traditions and modern trends. In my articles, I talk about how you can use fabrics to create unique and stylish things with your own hands.

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