How to remove wax from your clothes in 5 steps

Looking to get rid of wax stains on your clothes? We’ve all been there. Whether it’s a stray drip from a candle, or a hug near a birthday cake gone wrong, wax can leave stubborn stains on our favourite clothes. Not only does it look bad, but it can also make the fabric stiff and less breathable, making your clothes uncomfortable to wear.

Luckily, there are several easy ways to remove wax from clothes and make them look good as new. So, here’s how to get rid of those annoying wax stains and revive your clothes, in five simple steps.

How to remove wax from clothes in 5 steps

Here’s a five-step guide on how to remove wax from clothes: 

1. Scrape off the excess wax:

First things first, remove the bulk of the wax. Use a blunt knife, like a butter knife, or the back of a spoon, to gently scrape off as much wax as you can. Be careful to avoid damaging the fabric. 

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2. Heat and absorb the wax:

To get rid of any remaining wax, you can either use an iron or a hairdryer. For the iron method, start by placing the garment on an ironing board. Then, cover the waxy area with clean paper towels, making sure the wax is sandwiched between them. Set the iron to low heat and carefully iron over the paper towels. As you iron, the heat will cause the wax to melt and transfer onto the paper towels. 

Replace the paper towels as they become saturated with wax, and continue until the wax is completely removed from the fabric. Alternatively, for the hairdryer method, set your hairdryer to its lowest heat setting. Hold the hairdryer at a safe distance from the fabric and blow hot air onto the wax stain. As the wax melts, use a clean paper towel to gently blot and lift away the melted wax. Repeat this process until the wax is fully removed from the fabric. 

3. Pre-treat the stained area:

Once you’ve removed most of the wax, it’s time to address any leftover residue. Use a stain remover specifically designed for greasy stains, or alternatively, you can use a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Let the pre-treatment sit for 15-30 minutes. 

4. Wash the garment:

Then, wash the garment according to the care label instructions. Use warm water for most fabrics (check the label for specifics) and your regular laundry detergent. Adding an extra rinse cycle can help ensure all the wax residue is removed.

 5. Check and repeat:

Once the wash cycle is complete, check the garment for any wax residue. If any wax residue remains, repeat steps two through four until the stain is completely gone. To prevent setting the stain, avoid putting the garment in the dryer until all wax is removed; instead, allow it to air dry. For delicate fabrics that can’t tolerate heat, place the garment in a plastic bag and freeze it for a few hours to harden the wax, making it easier to scrape off.

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By following these steps, you should be able to remove wax from your clothes effectively.