We've all been there. Knocking a candle over after extinguishing it, or not realising your wax melter was still warm when moving it around and candle wax ends up on your clothes. There are a few tips on removing the wax without it staining and ruining your wardrobe.
Can wax be washed out of clothes?
Yes, it is possible to remove wax from clothes by following a step-by-step process and taking quick action to prevent the wax from setting into the fabric.
First and foremost, it is crucial to act quickly when trying to remove wax from clothes. The longer the wax remains on the fabric, the more difficult it becomes to remove.
To begin the wax removal process, it is necessary to pretreat the affected area. This involves removing as much wax as possible before washing the clothing item.
Can dry cleaners get wax out of clothes?
Dry cleaners are highly skilled in removing wax stains from clothes effectively. They employ various methods and techniques to ensure a thorough removal without damaging the fabric. The first step in the process involves scraping off any excess wax gently using a dull object like a spoon or a butter knife.
Once the excess wax has been removed, dry cleaners use specialised solvents to break down the remaining stain and dissolve the wax. These solvents are carefully applied to the stained area and left to penetrate for a period of time. Afterward, the area is gently spot-cleaned using a clean cloth or sponge to lift the stain from the fabric.
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In some cases, dry cleaners may use steaming or ironing techniques to further aid in the removal of wax stains. The heat helps to melt the wax, making it easier to lift off. However, these methods require caution and expertise to ensure there is no damage to the fabric.
But not everyone can afford or get to a dry cleaners so there are a few steps you can try at home to remove candle wax.
Freezing the wax
Freezing the candle wax is an effective method for removing it from clothing. The process is simple and requires only a few items: a plastic bag, a freezer (ice cubes), a dull knife or credit card.
To begin, place the item of clothing with the wax stain into a plastic bag. Ensure that the bag is tightly sealed to prevent any moisture or frost from the ice cubes seeping in. The plastic bag creates a barrier between the wax and the rest of the freezer, preventing any potential mess.
Next, place the plastic bag containing the clothing into the freezer. It is recommended to leave it in the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes. The cold temperature will cause the wax to harden and become brittle, making it easier to remove.
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After the recommended time has elapsed, carefully remove the plastic bag from the freezer. Take caution not to handle the cold plastic directly, as it may stick to your hands. Gently lay the bag on a flat surface and open it up to reveal the frozen wax stain.
Using a dull knife or credit card, carefully scrape off the hardened wax from the fabric. Be gentle to avoid damaging the clothing. The dull edge of the knife or the flexibility of the credit card will help prevent any accidental tearing or scratching of the fabric.
Repeat the scraping process as necessary until all the wax has been successfully removed. Finally, wash the clothing item as per the manufacturer's instructions to get rid of any remaining wax residue or stains.
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Scrape it off
If you don't have a bag for the ice can you try scraping it off without it, to remove wax from clothing.
Depending on the type of fabric and the amount of wax, you may need a scraping implement such as a knife or spoon.
Start by removing as much wax as possible. Hold the scraping implement firmly, and gently scrape off the hardened wax from the surface. Apply moderate pressure to avoid causing any damage to the material.
When dealing with delicate fabrics such as silk or satin, exercise extreme caution. Use a spoon instead of a knife to minimise the risk of tearing or ripping. Slowly scrape off the wax, working in small sections at a time.
If the wax is particularly stubborn or sticky, try using a hairdryer on a low heat setting. Direct the warm air towards the affected area, which will help soften the wax, making it easier to scrape off.
Wash as normal
After successfully spot treating the stains and wax from fabric, it is now time to wash it and get it back to its fresh and clean state.
First and foremost, it is crucial to use the appropriate detergent for the fabric. Different fabrics require different types of detergent, so make sure to check the label or our blog post for guidance if you're unsure. Using the wrong detergent may not only result in ineffective cleaning but could potentially damage the fabric as well.
Image: thevibrantmachine
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