How to Remove Wax From a Sheer Fabric

Handle sheer fabric carefully to remove wax without causing snags.

Wax splatters, drips, spots, or spills may discolor sheer fabric, in addition to leaving specks and blobs of hardened wax. Burning candles, making candles, or melting wax for projects creates a potential hazard for fabrics. Removing hard wax from a delicate sheer fabric provides a challenge. Pulling the threads of a sheer fabric out of alignment by picking at the wax usually results in permanent damage to the fabric. Follow guidelines to soften the wax and remove discoloration without harming sheer fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Iron
• Blotting paper
• Oxygen cleaner

Instructions

1. Preheat an iron to a medium setting, such as for rayon.

2. Cut blotting paper to fit over the entire area of the wax on the sheer fabric. Cut two pieces the same size.

3. Place one piece of blotting paper under the sheer fabric, and the other piece on top of the fabric, centered on top of the wax.

4. Press the iron on the blotting paper, and hold for a slow count of 15. Lift the iron, and check to see if the wax has melted into the blotting paper. It should leave a greasy blot on the paper. If the wax hasn't melted yet, hold the iron on the blotting paper again. It may take 30 seconds or longer to melt the wax, depending on how hot the iron is and the amount and type of wax.

5. Turn both pieces of blotting paper over to expose fresh areas of paper, and repeat Step 4, if there is more wax to remove.

6. Launder the sheer fabric as usual to remove any residue. Use warm water if the fabric will tolerate it. If there is discoloration in the sheer fabric from colored wax, add 1/2 cup of oxygen cleaner to the washer, or 1/2 scoop (using the scoop that comes in the oxygen cleaner) to a sink or tub for hand-washing.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid scraping the wax away--this may damage the sheer fabric.

• Stationery stores carry blotting paper.

• If you can't find blotting paper, substitute a heavy-duty brown grocery bag.

• Don't use the steam setting on the iron.

• Don't touch the greasy marks when you lift the iron. Hot wax can burn.

• Avoid making contact on the bare areas of the sheer fabric with the iron. Some sheer fabrics melt or turn brown from heat.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: Candle Wax Stain Removal
• Beeswax Candle Company: Wax Removal Tips