How to Get Wax Off a Tablecloth
You've just finished a delicious meal when -- oops! -- someone knocks the candle over on your favorite tablecloth. While your natural reaction may be to sulk, that's not necessary. It is possible, without the help of a dry cleaner, to remove melted wax from tablecloths in the comfort of your own home.
Things You Need
Gather your necessary materials -- a spoon, clean brown paper bag, scissors, clean cotton rag, iron, soap -- for wax removal. You'll also need access to a freezer and washing machine.
Place Tablecloth in Freezer
Wait for the wax to harden completely before trying to remove it from your tablecloth. "Place the tablecloth in the freezer for a few days to freeze and dry out the wax," advises Leslie Reichert, author of "The Joy of Green Cleaning." "The longer you leave it in the freezer, the easier the wax is to scrape off."
Tip: If your tablecloth is delicate lace or silk, for example; or is an antique, take it to a professional.
Scrape Off Wax
"With a spoon, scrape off as much wax as possible," Reichert advises. "Shake off any remaining pieces and be careful not to harm the fabric."
Make Paper Squares
Cut out four to eight squares from a brown paper bag. The squares should be two times larger than the stain and remaining wax.
Get Ready to Iron
Place an old rag directly on top of your ironing board and then the tablecloth over the rag. "This will protect the ironing board from getting wax on it," Reichert notes.
Position the Tablecloth
Put one piece of brown paper directly under the stain and another piece on top.
Iron the Stain
"Run the iron over the paper and you will see an oil spot appear on the paper," Reichert says. "Continue to change the paper on both sides until there is no longer an oily spot when you iron."
Tip: Set your iron to warm. "It needs to be warm enough to melt the wax, but not hot enough to burn your tablecloth," Reichert says.
Spot-Treat the Affected Area
After you've successfully removed the oil, spot-treat the affected area with regular soap. Gently rub the area with a stiff brush, being careful not to hurt the fabric.
Wash and Air Dry
Wash your tablecloth in a washing machine using detergent and the hottest water setting possible. Afterward, let the tablecloth air dry. Do not place the tablecloth in the dryer, Leichert warns. "The heat from the dryer will permanently set the spot."
Re-Wash if Necessary
After the tablecloth's finished air drying, check the affected area to make sure the wax is completely removed. If the spot hasn't disappeared completely, pretreat the area and wash again.
