If you want to remove wax from your clothes, simply scrubbing or picking at them will likely not work. However, there are some simple procedures you can use to remove wax from clothing (as well as other fabrics).
Step
Part 1 of 3: Scrape Excess Wax
Step 1. Let the wax dry
No matter what action you take to remove wax from clothes, try doing it after the wax has dried for better results. It may go against your instincts to get rid of the wax immediately, but you certainly don't want to remove the hot wax.
- If you rub the wax while it's still hot, it can spread to other areas of your clothing and make it worse. So refrain from rushing while the wax is still hot or picking at it with your fingers.
- Let the wax dry naturally. You can also put ice cubes on clothes to make the wax dry quickly or put them in the freezer.
Step 2. Scrape off as much wax as possible
Once the wax is dry, you can easily scrape off the wax before applying heat. Use a dull knife to do this.
- Scrape outward so you don't hurt yourself. The reason why you should use a dull knife is because a sharp knife can cut through your clothes easily.
- If your garment is made of a very delicate material, such as silk, use a spoon and gently scrape the wax instead. Do not puncture the fabric as your clothes may be damaged. Also try using the edge of a credit card instead of a dull knife.
Part 2 of 3: Removing Wax with an Iron
Step 1. Use an iron to melt the wax
You can remove wax from clothes using an iron. Set the iron on low heat. You'll need to apply heat to the wax after scraping it off with a dull knife or spoon.
- Then, place the tissue paper on top of the clothes. You can also use brown paper bags instead of tissue paper. You may need to change the paper periodically when some of the wax comes off. You can place a piece of cheesecloth between the iron and a tissue paper, pressing it against the waxed area of the garment.
- Press the warm iron onto the paper or cloth. Wax stuck to clothes will transfer to tissue paper or paper bags. The iron should not be set too hot as you may fail. This procedure works well on large wax stains. Be careful not to burn your clothes.
- Use blotting paper instead of tissue paper on fabrics such as fleece or wool. Otherwise, small bits of paper will stick to the fabric.
Step 2. Apply the used stain remover on the clothes before washing
After you've tried the ironing method, use a stain remover before washing it. This will remove any waxy spots or stains that have stuck to the fabric.
- Wash the clothes in very hot water. Use bleach if your clothes are white. If the clothes are not white, use color bleach. This step is especially useful if colored wax is stuck to white or light-colored clothing.
- Do not move the clothes into the dryer until the stain is completely gone. The heat in the dryer will actually stick the wax back into the clothes.
- Or, wash by hand if you are dealing with very delicate clothes or clothes that require dry cleaning.
Part 3 of 3: Using Alternative Ways to Remove Wax
Step 1. Try using a hair dryer
If you don't have or don't want to use an iron, find another way to apply enough heat so the wax melts and you can remove it.
- Place tissue paper on both sides of the cloth and blow a hot hairdryer over the waxed area for five seconds and remove the wax with the tissue paper. This method can be applied well to clothes that are feared to be damaged if exposed to an iron that is too hot.
- You may have to use a stain remover and wash the garment if the stain persists.
Step 2. Put the clothes in boiling water
Dip the clothes in a pot of boiling water to remove the wax. The trick is to add baking soda to boiling water.
- Prepare a large pot. Boil water with the pot. Add 5-6 teaspoons of baking soda to the water. Dip the waxed garment in the water with a stick or wooden stick. After being submerged for about a minute, the wax will fall into the water.
- Dip the clothes in the hot water several times. It only takes a minute or so for the wax to soften and fall into the pan. Soaking the fabric in boiling water for too long can damage the clothes because the color can fade.
- For clothes made of delicate materials such as fleece, you can place a towel on the waxy area and iron the towel. The wax will be absorbed from the garment and transferred to the towel. With this treatment, your clothes will be protected from damage from boiling water.
Step 3. Try using vegetable oil or a carpet cleaner
If the stain is small, use vegetable oil to remove it. Apply a spoonful of vegetable oil to the wax. Or, scrape off the wax, apply carpet cleaner, then brush off the wax with a toothbrush, and clean your clothes in the washing machine.
- Use tissue paper to remove any remaining wax. Then wash your clothes.
- Do not use sharp materials such as thinner or gasoline. However, in addition to vegetable oil you can try using a small amount of alcohol on the stains on your clothes.
Step 4. Put your clothes in the freezer
Wait for the wax to become brittle due to the cold of the freezer. Then, you can remove almost any stuck wax.
- You only need to leave the clothes in the freezer for about an hour for this process to work properly.
- There may be some wax sticking out. If available, place the waxed area of the garment over a large bowl and tie your garment to the bowl with an elastic band. Then, pour boiling water on the candle. This will make the wax melt. Wash the clothes as usual.
- If you want the wax to freeze in a different way, try using a wart-removal spray to freeze the wax safely and quickly.
Tips
- Instead of a bread knife, you can use the small plastic clip in the bread bag to scrape off the wax.
- Be careful when using the iron on furniture. If you don't test it before trying it on, your clothes may end up with iron-on holes.
- Use the same procedure to remove wax from other fabrics, such as tablecloths.
- If you don't have an iron, just use a hair straightener!
- Be careful with candles, as they can cause a fire.
- Always check the care label of your garment before you apply any product to the garment.
Warning
- Do not use this method for clothes that must be dry cleaned (dry cleaning); because often you can't keep the clothes from getting wet.
- Be careful with boiling water. Wear rubber gloves to put hot clothes in the washing machine.
