HOW TO GET WAX OUT OF CLOTHES
Wax is a tricky substance to know how to tackle, but getting wax stains out of clothes isn’t hard with the right process and a little patience. Start by freezing the wax and scraping it off, then soak the item for at least an hour before machine washing it. Keep in mind that this method will take at least three hours, depending on how long you soak.
Prior to treating wax stains, be sure to check care labels for specific wash instructions to ensure proper care for your most used laundry items. For more detailed instructions on cleaning wax off clothes, follow the five steps below.
REMOVING WAX STAINS STEP BY STEP
The most important thing to do when removing wax stains, much like with hair dye stains, is to act fast so the stain doesn’t spread or set in further. Before starting to treat the stain, always check your item’s care label for any specific requirements like hot or cold water and dry cleaning.
TOOLS
- Spoon or butter knife
- Iron
SUPPLIES
Paper towels
Stain treatment or detergent
Hot water
Oxygen bleach (optional)
STEP 1: PRETREAT THE ITEM
Pretreat the item by scraping off any excess wax with the back of a spoon or butter knife. Do not attempt to remove warm wax as it will spread and smear into fabric.
STEP 2: IRON THE WAX STAIN
Place the stained area of the item face down on a white paper towel and place another paper towel on top. Then, run a warm iron over the paper towel to lift the stain. Repeat this process as needed, changing paper towels until the ink no longer transfers.
STEP 3: SOAK THE ITEM FOR AT LEAST 1 HOUR
Apply a stain treatment or detergent to any remaining areas of staining before washing in about two cups of the hottest water safe for the garment, per the care label. Soak the item for at least one hour. When done soaking, rinse the item thoroughly under warm running water, removing all dish soap to help prevent excess suds in your washing machine.
STEP 4: MACHINE WASH ON A HEAVY SOIL SETTING
Wash your item in the washing machine on a heavy soil setting for best results, like the PowerWash® cycle on select washers by Maytag brand. Select the warmest water recommended on the care tag, and use your regular laundry detergent. If desired, you can add a washer pretreatment prior to starting the load for a cleaning boost.
If you notice any residual color from the wax on the fabric, you can add a bit of oxygen bleach to the load prior to the cycle to help remove the staining.
OXYGEN BLEACH VS. CHLORINE BLEACH
Oxygen bleach is an alternative to traditional chlorine bleach that is generally safe on colors. It’s colorless, fragrance-free and comes in either a liquid or powder form. Products often begin with “Oxy” and don’t call themselves “bleach” but “stain remover” instead.
STEP 5: LINE DRY & REPEAT IF NECESSARY
Line dry your item: heat from a dryer will set any stain left behind that you can’t see while the fabric is wet. If the stain remains after it dries, repeat the steps as many times as necessary.
HOW DO I GET WAX OUT OF FABRIC?
When treating wax stains on fabrics, it's important to remove as much of the wax as possible before applying a cleaning solution. It’s also important to act quickly. As soon as you notice the stain, scrape off the dried excess wax with a dull spoon or butter knife.
Always check your care tags before treating specialty fabrics that may require professional cleaning to remove tricky stains, like wool and delicates.
HOW DO I GET WAX OUT OF JEANS?
When treating candle wax stains on jeans, begin by scraping the dried wax with a tool like a spoon or dull knife. Then, blot the pants by placing thick paper such as a brown paper bag over the stain and rubbing it across with a clothing iron on low heat. Repeat as necessary for stubborn stains.
DOES VINEGAR REMOVE CANDLE WAX?
When treating particularly stubborn stains, it may be tempting to reach for a common household cleaning solution like vinegar. To reduce the possibility of damage to your clothing, it’s best to try treating the wax stain repeatedly through scraping and washing before resorting to alternative methods of removal.
WILL RUBBING ALCOHOL REMOVE WAX?
While rubbing alcohol can be effective at removing a variety of different stains, using it to treat stains on clothing and fabrics can result in discoloration, typically in the form of dying or bleaching. Prevent permanent damage to your laundry items by avoiding harsh chemicals and substances.
Before treating any kind of stain on clothes or fabrics, be sure to check care labels for specific washing instructions and warnings.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS
With features like the Extra Power button on select models, Maytag® washers give a stain-fighting boost of washing power that you can count on each laundry day. Washing machines by Maytag brand are built to deliver a powerful clean with every load.
