How to Remove Candle Wax from Fabric

Wax does not wash out on its own, and hot water in the machine can spread it. Harden it, scrape it, then melt the remainder into paper.

Let the wax harden

Wait until the wax is fully cool and solid. To speed this up, put the item in the freezer for 30 minutes, or hold an ice cube in a plastic bag against the wax for a few minutes if the item cannot be moved, such as a sofa cushion.

Scrape off the excess

Use a butter knife, a spoon edge, or a credit card to lift off as much hardened wax as you can. Work gently so you do not snag the threads. Flexing the fabric first helps crack the wax into pieces that pop off.

Iron the fabric between paper

Lay the fabric flat with a paper towel or plain brown paper under the stain and another sheet on top. Set an iron to low with the steam off. Press the iron on the paper for a few seconds at a time. The wax melts and soaks into the paper. Move to a clean section of paper and repeat until no more wax comes through. Do not raise the heat on synthetics, which can melt.

Treat any leftover color stain

Colored wax often leaves a dye mark. Work a few drops of dish soap or a laundry stain remover into the spot with your fingers and leave it for 10 minutes.

Wash as usual

Wash the item at the warmest temperature the care label allows. Check the spot before it goes in the dryer, since dryer heat sets any color that is left. If a mark remains, repeat the stain remover step and wash again.

Delicate fabrics. Silk, wool, and anything labeled dry clean only should go to a dry cleaner after the scraping step. Skip the iron on these.

Colored wax. Deep reds and blues may need a second round of stain remover, and on white cotton a soak in oxygen bleach helps. Never combine chlorine bleach with vinegar or ammonia.