We’ve all been there — you’re relaxing with a candle burning or finishing up some arts and crafts when oops, wax drips right onto your favorite shirt or tablecloth. Before you panic or toss it in the wash (don’t do that yet!), let’s talk about how to get wax out of clothes the right way.
Whether it’s candle wax, wax melts, or even crayon wax, the process is easier than you think. With a few household items and the right steps, you can lift the wax and save your clothing without damaging the fabric.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Wax from Clothes
Getting wax out of fabric involves three main stages: hardening, lifting, and removing any residue. Here’s how to do it properly.
Step 1: Let the Wax Harden
First things first — don’t try to wipe or wash the wax while it’s still warm. That’ll only make it worse by spreading the wax deeper into the fibers.
Instead:
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Let it cool and harden completely.
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Speed this up by placing the garment in the freezer for about 30 minutes, or pressing an ice pack over the spot until the wax stiffens.
Once hardened, gently scrape off as much of the wax as possible using a butter knife or credit card.
Step 2: Apply Heat to Lift the Remaining Wax
Now comes the trick that works like magic — using heat to melt and absorb the leftover wax.
You’ll need:
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A clothing iron (set to medium or low heat — no steam)
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Paper towels, brown paper bag, or plain parchment paper
How to do it:
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Lay a paper towel or brown paper bag over the wax stain.
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Place another underneath the fabric if the garment is thick.
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Press the warm iron gently over the area for a few seconds.
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The heat melts the wax, and the paper absorbs it.
Keep moving the paper to a clean section and repeat until no more wax transfers.
Pro Tip: If you’re dealing with colored wax, replace the paper frequently to prevent color transfer back onto your clothes.
Step 3: Remove Residual Stains
After the wax is gone, you might notice a small oily residue or dye stain left behind — especially from scented or colored candles.
Here’s how to tackle that:
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For oily spots: Rub a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or stain remover (like OxiClean or Dawn dish soap) directly onto the stain. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then wash in warm water.
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For colored stains: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water, dab it on the spot, and rinse before washing.
Always check the fabric care label first to ensure the treatment is safe for the material.
Special Cases: Different Types of Wax
Not all waxes behave the same. Here’s how to handle a few tricky ones:
Candle Wax
Use the iron and paper method, then treat with detergent. Colored candle wax may need an extra vinegar rinse.
Crayon Wax
Scrape off the wax, apply heat with paper, and finish with baking soda paste or a stain remover for any leftover color.
Beeswax or Wax Melts
Because beeswax is thicker and more natural, it may need multiple heat applications and an enzyme-based detergent to fully remove any residue.
What Not to Do When Removing Wax
To avoid making the stain worse, steer clear of these common mistakes:
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Don’t try to wash it immediately — wax will harden and stick deeper in the fibers.
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Avoid high heat dryers until you’re sure all wax and stains are gone.
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Don’t scrape with sharp objects — they can damage delicate fabrics.
Quick Alternative: Using a Hair Dryer
If you don’t have an iron handy, a hair dryer works just as well.
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Place a paper towel over the wax.
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Use the dryer on high heat until the wax melts and transfers onto the paper.
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Replace the towel as needed until clean.
This method is especially useful for delicate fabrics that can’t tolerate direct heat from an iron.
How to Prevent Wax Stains in the Future
A little prevention goes a long way:
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Use dripless candles or candle holders with wide rims.
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Place wax paper or cloth protectors under craft projects.
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Always trim candle wicks — long wicks drip more wax!
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Avoid moving candles while the wax is still hot.
FAQs About Getting Wax Out of Clothes
1. Can you use hot water to remove wax from fabric?
No — wax repels water, so hot water won’t dissolve it. It’s best to harden and lift it first, then wash with detergent.
2. Will wax stains come out completely?
Yes, if treated properly. Any remaining residue can usually be removed with heat and a quality detergent.
3. Can I use rubbing alcohol on wax stains?
You can, but only after the wax is lifted. Alcohol helps remove dye or oily residue, especially on light-colored fabrics.
4. Is it safe to iron all fabrics when removing wax?
No. Delicate materials like silk or wool should be handled with a hair dryer instead of a hot iron.
5. What if wax gets on carpet or upholstery?
Use the same paper and heat method, but avoid too much pressure. Finish with a gentle upholstery cleaner.
Conclusion: The Easy Way to Save Your Clothes from Wax
So now you know how to get wax out of clothes — without stress or damage. Remember:
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Let it harden.
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Lift with heat and paper.
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Treat any residue with detergent or vinegar.
With these simple steps, your favorite clothes will look spotless again — no evidence of that candle accident or crayon mishap in sight!
