How to Get Wax Out of Clothes Easily

Getting wax out of clothes is relatively easy. Discover four ways to get wax out of clothes, whether it’s regular candle wax or Scentsy wax.

Picture this: 

You’re enjoying a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant, complete with candle-lit ambiance. Just as you reach across the table for a dish, a glob of candle wax splatters on your clothes. And now, you’re left wondering how to get the wax out of your clothes without ruining them, if it’s even possible.

The good news is that getting wax out of clothes is possible, and relatively easy. In this article, we show you four ways to get wax out of clothes, whether it’s regular candle wax or Scentsy wax and give you step-by-step instructions for each method. 

What you’ll need

  • Ice cubes
  • A dull knife or an old credit card
  • Liquid detergent or dish soap
  • Water
  • Clean towel

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How to get wax out of clothes

To get wax out of clothes, scrape off excess wax, then use ice cubes, an iron on low heat, boiling water, or vinegar to remove any remaining wax. Finally, launder as usual. Freezing is best for delicate fabrics, ironing for synthetic and sturdy fabrics, boiling water for cotton, and vinegar for all fabrics.

Method 1: Ice cubes

Using ice cubes is an effective method for getting wax out of delicate fabrics such as wool, silk, and rayon. The cold temperature of the ice cube hardens the wax, making it easy to remove without damaging the fabric.

Harden the wax

If the wax is still soft, trying to remove it will make it spread and worsen the stain. Lay the article of clothing on a flat surface and place a clean towel over the wax stain. Next, place a few ice cubes on the towel directly over the wax stain. 

You can also put the ice cubes in a plastic bag and place them over the wax. However, you don't want to put the ice directly on the fabric, as this could cause water damage.

Allow the ice cubes to sit on the wax stain for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Scrape off the hardened wax

Once the wax is hard, use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to scrape off the wax. Be gentle while doing this to avoid damaging the fabric. If the wax is still difficult to remove, place the cloth in the freezer and let it harden for a while longer.

We know putting your cloth inside the freezer is weird, but desperate times call for desperate measures (and it works).

Treat the stain

After removing the wax, you may notice a stain left behind on the fabric. To remove the stain, apply a small amount of liquid detergent or stain remover to the affected area. Rub it gently into the stain, then allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Wash the clothing

After treating the stain, wash the clothing as you normally would. Use the hottest water setting recommended on the cloth's care label. This will help to ensure the stain is completely removed.

Next, check to see if the stain is still visible. If it is, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.

Method 2: Warm iron

The heat from the iron melts the wax, which is then absorbed by a paper towel or brown paper bag. This method is best for removing wax from synthetic and sturdy fabrics like polyester and denim.

  • Scrape excess wax: Using a dull knife or the edge of a credit card, gently scrape off any excess wax from the cloth.
  • Cover with paper towel or bag: Lay the cloth on a flat surface and place a paper towel or brown paper bag over the wax stain, making sure to cover it completely.
  • Set iron to low heat: Set your iron to a low heat setting. 
  • Melt wax with iron: Place the iron over the paper towel or bag and apply gentle pressure. The heat from the iron will melt the wax, which will be absorbed by the towel or bag.
  • Repeat if necessary: Repeat the process with a new paper towel or bag until the wax is completely removed.
  • Wash as usual: Once the wax is removed, wash the cloth as usual to remove any residue, following care instructions on the label. 

Method 3: Hot water

Boiling water effectively removes wax from heavy fabrics like cotton. The heat from the boiling water melts the wax and causes it to loosen from the fabric fibers. You would notice the wax floating on the water's surface after a while.

  • Remove excess wax: Scrape off any excess wax using a dull knife or the edge of a credit card. 
  • Boil water: Fill a pot with enough water to fully submerge the cloth and bring it to a boil on the stove. 
  • Submerge cloth: Turn off the heat and carefully submerge the cloth into the pot of water, making sure the water covers the entire stained area.
  • Stir: Gently stir the cloth in the water using a wooden spoon or tongs. This helps loosen any remaining wax from the fabric's fibers.
  • Remove from water: After a few minutes, remove the cloth from the water using tongs or a wooden spoon. 
  • Repeat if needed: Check to see if the wax stain is still visible on the cloth. If it is, repeat the boiling water process until the stain is fully removed.
  • Wash as usual: Once the stain is removed, wash the cloth as you normally would.

Method 4: White vinegar

Vinegar is a natural, eco-friendly solution that can break down wax and leave your clothes looking as good as new. The acetic acid in the vinegar helps to dissolve the wax molecules, making it easier to remove them from the fabric. 

An added benefit is that vinegar can be used for all types of fabrics, plus you can use it to remove wax from carpet or any other surface. 

  • Scrape off wax: Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape off any excess wax from the cloth.
  • Treat fabric with vinegar: Pour white vinegar onto the wax and let it sit for a few minutes to break down and loosen the wax. 
  • Scrub gently: Using a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush, scrub the stain in a circular motion to further loosen the wax from the fabric fibers. 
  • Rinse: Rinse the cloth under running water to remove any remaining wax residue and vinegar. 
  • Repeat if needed: If the wax stain is still visible, you can repeat the process until it is completely removed.
  • Wash as usual: Once the stain is removed, launder the cloth as usual to remove any remaining residue. 

How to get just about anything out of your clothes

What else has stained your clothes lately? Gum? Permanent markers? We’ve got answers to it all.

Don't let wax get in the way

Getting wax out of your clothes is possible with the methods we’ve talked about in this article. Simply choose the best method for your fabric type and follow the steps carefully.

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