To get candle wax out of fabric, let it harden first (an ice cube or the freezer helps), then scrape off what you can with a dull knife. Iron out the rest between paper towels, treat any color left behind, and wash. Keep it out of the dryer until the wax is completely gone.
Hosting season means candles on the Thanksgiving table, the menorah, and the Christmas spread. Sooner or later, one drips on your nicest tablecloth.
How to Get Candle Wax Out of a Tablecloth
- Let it harden. Valley days can stay warm, so wax may stay soft longer. Hold an ice cube in a plastic bag on the spot for a few minutes. Napkins can go in the freezer.
- Scrape gently. Lift it off with a dull knife or spoon. Don't rub it in.
- Iron out the rest. Put plain paper towels under and over the spot. Press with a warm, dry iron (no steam) at a setting your care label allows, moving to clean paper as the wax soaks in.
- Treat the color. Colored candles can leave a dye stain. Dab on a stain remover, then wash in the warmest water the label allows.
The same steps work on clothes.
Does Candle Wax Come Out in the Wash?
Not by itself. A regular wash usually won't lift wax, and it can leave a greasy spot. Get the wax off first, then wash. If you still see a faint tint, treat it and wash again.
Can You Put Clothes With Candle Wax in the Dryer?
No. Dryer heat melts leftover wax and spreads it around the fabric. It can also coat the inside of the dryer, which matters at a laundromat, where the next person's load goes in after yours. Air dry, check the spot, and use the dryer only once it's clean.
FAQ
Can you get candle wax out without an iron? Yes. Harden and scrape it first, then warm the leftover wax with a hair dryer while you blot it up with paper towels. Wash as the label directs.
Will candle wax stain a tablecloth for good? Usually not, as long as you skip the dryer. Remove the wax before washing and treat any dye from colored candles.
Host the Party, Skip the Linen Pile
Once you've lifted the wax, let us handle the rest. Drop your tablecloths, napkins, and holiday laundry at our wash and fold counter at 8554 Reseda Blvd in Northridge. Or schedule convenient laundry pickup and delivery in our San Fernando Valley service area. Doing it yourself? Our self-service laundromat has plenty of washers and dryers for big post-party loads. Happy hosting, Valley neighbors!
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