How to Remove Melted Wax From Fabric

Wax is fairly easy to remove and with a little care, any dye stains can be removed or reduced significantly.

1. Check the fabric label for manufacturers recommendations on cleaning products. If your fabric is clothing, certain types of detergents and bleaches may not be recommended.

2. Scrape wax off the fabric surface with a dull knife.

3. Place paper towels over the waxy area and iron. Use the setting that is appropriate for the fabric you are ironing. The iron will melt the wax and the paper towel will absorb the residue. Discard soiled paper towels and keep ironing on clean paper towels until no more wax melts out of the fabric.

4. Launder fabric with a recommended detergent and water temperature for your fabric type. Check the label on fine clothing before laundering for further suggestions. For fabrics on furniture, apply an upholstery fabric cleanser. Use paper towels to lift the stain by blotting and pressing. Always work toward the center of the stain to reduce the size of the stain.

5. Mix one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water in a spray bottle. Use a sponge to apply and remove the stain. Dab the stain with the moist sponge from the outside of the stain toward the center. Squeeze the sponge dry and press and blot the area to lift additional moisture. Keep applying the mixture until the stain diminishes. Use the sponge to rinse the area to remove any residues of the stain or the cleansers. Squeeze out excess rinse water and use the drier sponge to lift additional rinse water from the fabric.

Tip

Use an upholstery cleanser/vacuum, if you have one, after the stain has been removed. This will help to remove general dirt from the rest of the fabric that you may have removed from the stained area so that the entire piece looks fresh.