Have you ever gotten wax on your clothes from a toppled candle or melted Crayon you found in the backseat of your minivan? Removing wax from clothes is easier than you think, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here at Appliance Professional, we’re here to help you with a quick guide on tackling this laundry woe.
The Wax Removal Strategy:
- Let the Wax Solidify: Resist the urge to scrape off the wax while it’s hot. This can spread the wax and make it harder to remove. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely.
- Scrape Off Excess Wax: Once the wax is solid, use a butter knife to carefully scrape off as much wax as possible. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Choose Your Weapon: Iron or Hair Dryer? Here, you have two options:
- Iron: Place a clean, white paper towel on a flat surface. Lay the affected area of your garment, wax side down, on the paper towel. Place another clean paper towel on top of the wax. Using a low heat setting (ideally on the “silk” setting) on your iron, press down firmly for a few seconds. The heat will melt the wax, transferring it to the paper towels. Repeat this process with fresh paper towels until no more wax is visible.
- Hair Dryer: If you’re concerned about using an iron on your fabric, you can try the hairdryer method. Set the hairdryer on a low heat setting and hold it a safe distance away from the fabric. Blow hot air directly onto the wax until it melts. As the wax softens, dab it with a clean, white paper towel to absorb the melted wax. Continue until the wax is removed.
- Pre-Treat and Launder: Once you’ve removed the bulk of the wax, pre-treat the affected area with a laundry stain remover suitable for the fabric type. Follow the instructions on the stain remover and then wash your garment according to the care label.
Important Notes:
- Test Before You Tackle: Before using any method, test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
- Delicate Fabrics: For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, it’s best to consult a professional dry cleaner to handle wax removal.
- Stubborn Stains: If the wax stain persists after following these steps, call a dry cleaner or professional laundering service for help.
Bonus Tip: Keep a box of baking soda handy. For stubborn oily residue left behind by the wax, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before brushing it off and laundering as usual.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively remove wax from your clothes and keep your wardrobe looking its best.
While we can’t help remove wax from your clothes (sorry!), we can make sure your washer is doing a great job cleaning. For washer and dryer repair needs anywhere in the Midlands, book an appointment online with Appliance Professional.
