How to Remove Paraffin Wax From Clothes

Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product used most often in home canning and candle-making. Most commercially available candles are made of paraffin wax. Most people who end up with paraffin wax on their clothes are victims of candle spills. In general, if your clothes are "dry clean only," you will not be able to get the wax out yourself. You must take them to a professional dry cleaner. If they are not "dry clean only," there is a simple method you can use to remove the wax from your clothes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper towels
• Clothes iron
• Ironing board

1. Place paper towel on both sides of the fabric where the wax is located and lay it flat on the ironing board.

2. Set the iron on a low setting. When it warms up, press it onto the paper towels over the wax. The heat will melt the wax which will then be absorbed into the paper towels.

3. Adjust the heat as necessary. You want to melt the wax quickly, but without burning the paper towels.

4. Repeat until there is no more wax absorbed by the paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

• Although the wax may be removed, the dye from the candle could still leave a stain that will most likely be permanent.
• Do not set the iron to high and do not leave the iron unattended. Paraffin wax is flammable when in liquid form. If the paper towels ignite, an uncontrolled fire could begin.