How to remove wax from clothes and various surfaces

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The main rule is to act as quickly as possible.

Wax is a blend of animal or vegetable lipids, while paraffin is a synthetic blend that is similar in properties and texture. Drops of both substances leave greasy stains on objects. They are displayed in the same way, so the methods below are suitable for removing both traces of wax and traces of paraffin.

What do you need

• Ice cubes.
• Laundry detergent or stain remover with enzymes.
• Oxygen bleach.
• Paper towels.
• Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
• Unsharp knife, scraper, or plastic card.
• Iron or hair dryer.
• A clean white rag.

How to remove wax or paraffin from clothing or fabric

1. Chill the wax or paraffin wax

Do not try to remove liquid warm wax or paraffin wax. Most likely, this will lead to the fact that it is only absorbed deeper into the tissue. Instead, chill the substance with an ice cube. Wrap it in a plastic bag and let it sit on the dirt for a couple of minutes. Better not to apply ice directly to the fabric, so that later you do not have to remove water stains as well.

2. Remove particles

When the wax or paraffin wax has completely hardened, scrape it off with a mild knife or corner of a plastic card. This will remove it from the surface, but some will still remain in the fabric, so it will need to be processed.

3. Treat the stain

Wax and paraffin are usually greasy, so you need an enzyme stain remover. If you do not have one, use a gel for washing or mix regular powder with water to a gruel state.

Apply the cleaner to the stain and try to rub it into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse the area where the stain was.

4. Use bleach if necessary

If the candle was colored, a stain of the corresponding shade may remain on the fabric. To remove it, pour water into a basin and add oxygen bleach following the instructions on the package. Soak the damaged item in the mixture for at least 4 hours, and preferably overnight. Then wash it.

5. Wash the thing

If there are no greasy or colored marks left, wash the garment at the highest temperature suitable for its material. If the fabric cannot be washed, remove the substance and have it dry cleaned as soon as possible.

If you need to remove traces of wax or paraffin from silk or other delicate fabric, it is better to also contact a specialist.

How to remove wax or paraffin from carpets and upholstery

1. Chill the wax or paraffin wax

Try to act as soon as the substance hits the surface. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag over the drops and wait for the wax or paraffin to harden.

2. Remove large pieces

Take a mild knife or plastic card and scrape off the wax or paraffin stain. Vacuum up any loose pieces.

3. Remove leftovers

Particles of wax or paraffin may remain in the pile even after you vacuum the carpet. To get rid of them, replace the stain with several layers of white paper towels. Then apply a warm iron to them - not hot, but warm. The substance will soften and absorb into paper towels. Instead of an iron, you can use a hair dryer at a low temperature.

4. Treat the stain

If there is a trace of candle paint on the surface, drip some alcohol onto a clean white rag and rub the stain. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean white material.

How to remove wax or paraffin from hard surfaces

Carefully remove hardened wax or paraffin with a glass scraper or plastic card. If you cannot completely remove it from the surface, heat the place with a hairdryer, setting the minimum temperature. The remaining substance will melt and can be wiped off with a rag or paper towel.

Now remove the greasy stain:

• from a tile - with alcohol or an alcohol napkin;
• from a tree - with a mixture of water and ammonia in the proportion of one tablespoon of alcohol per liter of warm water, then wipe the surface dry and treat with polish;
• with plastic - soapy water or table vinegar, if the stain is old;
• from glass - soapy water, alcohol or glass cleaner.

How to remove wax or paraffin from a smartphone or computer screen

Carefully scrape off the cured wax or paraffin with a scraper or plastic card. Soak a soft cloth in hot water, wring it out well and apply to the spot with the stain - the rest of the substance will melt. Now wipe them off with a paper towel and polish the screen with a microfiber cloth or special cloth.