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If you spill wax on your wool carpet, clothing, or other accessories, never fear - it can be removed. Let the wax harden before trying to scrape it away, and be very gentle on the wool. Aim to get as much wax debris off the wool as possible. If you see stubborn, stuck-on wax, use an iron to melt it away. In no time, your wool will be as good as new!
Steps
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Dab the wet wax with paper towels. Act fast if wax spills on wool by grabbing a few paper towels and dabbing the mess. Avoid rubbing, which may spread the wax and embed it deeper into the fibers of your wool item. Remove as much wax as you can this way for approximately a minute before the wax begins to harden. [1] X Research source- Do not continue to dab the wax once it starts drying, as bits of the paper towel might get stuck in the mess.
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Leave the wax untouched for at least an hour to let it harden. Give the wax an hour or more to dry before attempting to remove any more of it. The wax will be easiest to remove if it is solid. Go back to the spill once the wax is completely hardened. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Chill the wax stain. To harden the wax more quickly to make it easier to remove, place a bowl of ice cubes on top of it. Leave it there for several minutes until the wax is frozen. The size of the bowl and the amount of time you leave it on the stain will depend on the size of the wax spill. [3] X Research source -
Use a blunt knife or spoon to chip away the wax. Gently scrape the surface of the wax stain with a spoon or blunt knife. Scrape away as much wax as possible without digging into the fibers very hard. Be gentle as wool is a very delicate fabric that may be easily damaged. -
Vacuum away the pieces of wax. Use a vacuum cleaner to clear away wax debris from the wool. Avoid sweeping or wiping away the wax, which may end up embedding it deeper into the fibers. Use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a hose attachment to target the wax precisely. [4] X Research source -
Blot the remaining stain with rubbing alcohol. Since wax is an oil-based stain, it requires a solvent that dissolves oil. Wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently dab the surface of the stain. Continue this until the stain disappears. [5] X Research source- Never use ammonia or bleach as stain removers on wool, as they can damage it.
- In a pinch, nail polish remover will also remove wax stains.
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Place a plain paper bag over the wax spill area. Cut open a paper bag and lay it in a single layer over the stain. If it is too large, cut it to be about the same size as the wax stain. Avoid using a paper bag with anything printed on it, as the ink may transfer to the wool. [6] X Research source- You can also use transfer paper for this method. [7]
X
Expert Source
Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
- You can also use transfer paper for this method. [7]
X
Expert Source
Kamel Almani
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Run an iron over the bag on medium heat. Set your iron to medium heat. Run it over the top of the paper bag, pressing it gently. [8] X Expert Source Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 13 April 2021. Continue for about a minute. [9] X Research source -
Remove the paper bag. Put down your iron. Pick up the paper bag by the tip and gently pull it up. The wax should be melted into the paper and able to be easily removed. [10] X Research source [11] X Expert Source Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 13 April 2021. -
Repeat with clean paper bags until the wax is removed. Place a fresh, clean paper bag on the what is left of the wax stain. Iron over the surface again for a minute, then remove the bag from the surface. Repeat this process if any wax remains on the wool. [12] X Research source
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Things You'll Need
Removing Hardened Wax From Wool
- Paper towels
- A dull knife
- A vacuum cleaner
- Ice cubes
- A bowl
- A blunt knife or spoon
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
Removing Stubborn Wax With Heat
- An iron
- 1-2 large paper bags
Tips
- If you have stubborn wax stains on wool garments, bring them to the dry cleaners and tell them exactly what it is.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-wax-out-of-carpet-36834837
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-wax-out-of-carpet-36834837
- ↑ https://www.fabhow.com/get-wax-fabrics.html#freeze
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-wax-out-of-carpet-36834837
- ↑ https://www.today.com/home/how-remove-candle-wax-t106829
- ↑ https://lifehacker.com/5834457/how-to-remove-candle-wax
- ↑ Kamel Almani. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
- ↑ Kamel Almani. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-wax-out-of-carpet-36834837
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-wax-out-of-carpet-36834837
- ↑ Kamel Almani. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-get-wax-out-of-carpet-36834837
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Reader Success Stories
- "Worked beautifully! Takes a little patience and frequent reheating of the spoon, but it was like magic. Had candle wax embedded in a piece of wool tartan fabric, and this method removed it wonderfully. Thank you!" ..." more
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"Worked beautifully! Takes a little patience and frequent reheating of the spoon, but it was like magic. Had candle wax embedded in a piece of wool tartan fabric, and this method removed it wonderfully. Thank you!"
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"I dripped a bit of wax on my new Eileen Fisher boiled wool jacket. This worked perfectly to get it out. Thanks! "
"Wow! That worked wonders and saved me from losing a very expensive wool garment! Thank you."
"I used an old toothbrush to remove wax from wool, and no stains remain!"
"This was very helpful. Now I don't have to replace my shawl. Thanks!!"
