How to Remove Candle Wax from Clothes with Ease: Key Tips

Candle wax spills are a common household mishap. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a power outage, melted wax on clothes can leave you frustrated. If you’re wondering how to remove candle wax from clothes effectively, you’re in the right place. With the right steps and a reliable stain remover, your fabric can look as good as new. 

In this guide, you’ll learn a step-by-step approach to cleaning wax stains from various types of clothing. From pre-treating the stain to soaking and washing, you’ll learn how to get candle wax out of clothes with confidence.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to remove candle wax from clothes:

1. Let the Wax Harden

The first step in learning how to remove candle wax from clothes is to allow the wax to harden. Trying to remove it while it’s still warm may spread the stain and make it more difficult to clean.

Pro Tip: Place the stained fabric in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This helps the wax harden faster, making it easier to scrape off.

1. Scrape Off Excess Wax

Once the wax is solid, use a dull knife or a plastic card to scrape it off the fabric gently. Be careful not to damage the fibres.

Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with delicate fabrics, hold the fabric taut while scraping to minimise the risk of tearing.

1. Blot the Stain with Heat

Place a piece of absorbent paper towel or brown paper over the wax stain. Then, use a warm iron to press the paper gently. The heat will eventually melt the remaining wax, which will transfer to the paper.

1. Pre-treating the Wax Stain

For any lingering wax residue or colour stains from dyed candles, pre-treating the affected area is essential. Use a stain-removing solution or a mix of mild liquid detergent and warm water. Apply the solution on the stain and rub it softly with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Wash as usual. 

1. Soaking for Deep Cleaning

If the wax stain is still visible after pre-treating, soaking the garment can help loosen the stain further. 

How to Soak:

• Fill a basin with warm water (no hotter than 40°C).

• Add a suitable stain-removing detergent with a stain remover.

• Soak the garment for up to an hour (or as per the product instructions).

• Rinse the garment thoroughly, and finally wash it.

This process allows the solution to penetrate deep into the fabric, lifting out the most stubborn residues.

1. Wash the Garment in a Washing Machine

For lighter wax stains, using a washing machine can effectively clean the garment and remove any residual wax or cleaning solution. This is how you can wash your clothes in a washing machine for candle wax stains:

• Add any regular detergent to the washing machine, and for enhanced cleaning, include a fabric-safe stain remover in the cycle.

• Select a gentle or standard wash cycle, ensuring the water temperature aligns with the garment’s care label instructions.

• Begin the wash cycle and let it finish fully.

• Once finished, air-dry the garment to prevent heat from setting any remaining stains.

This method is ideal for everyday fabrics and light wax stains, ensuring a thorough yet gentle clean.

Here are some of the additional tips on cleaning candle wax from fabrics:

• Check Care Labels: Make sure you check the care label on your clothing before using heat or cleaning solutions. Some fabrics may require specific treatments.

• Act Quickly: The quickly you address the stain, the easier it is to remove. Wax stains left untreated for long periods can set deeper into the fibres.

• Avoid Chlorine Bleach: If working with coloured fabrics, avoid bleach-based cleaners, as they can cause fading or damage. 

Removing candle wax from clothes doesn’t have to be a stressful task. By following the right steps, from hardening the wax to pre-treating and washing the garment, you can restore your fabric to its original condition. Remember, acting fast and using the proper techniques, like soaking and gentle washing, can make all the difference. 

With these tips in your arsenal, you’ll be prepared for any future wax mishaps, keeping your clothes looking clean and fresh. So don’t stress over that candle wax—just follow the guide, and you’ll have it cleaned up in no time.

Source: https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide