How to Get Candle Wax Out of Clothes and Fabric Step by Step

To get candle wax out of clothes, harden it with ice or a freezer, scrape off as much as you can with a dull edge, then lift the remaining wax with an iron on a low setting between paper towels. Finally, treat any leftover grease or dye mark and wash the garment as the care label allows. Work on the wax before washing, since hot water can spread it.

Before you start

Check the care label first. Delicate fabrics such as silk, rayon, acetate and some synthetics can be damaged by heat, and leather, suede and velvet need a professional cleaner. Have these ready:

Ice cubes in a plastic bag, or access to a freezer
A butter knife, spoon edge or old credit card
Plain, undyed paper towels or brown paper bags (printed ink can transfer to fabric)
An iron, and a clean ironing board or towel
Liquid laundry detergent or a dish soap

Step 1: Harden the wax

Cold wax is brittle and easy to remove, while warm wax smears. Either hold the bag of ice against the wax for a few minutes, or put the whole garment in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour. Wax on a large item can also be hardened by laying a cold pack on it.

Step 2: Scrape off the surface wax

Lay the item flat on a hard surface.
Use a dull edge, such as a butter knife or an old card, to chip and lift the wax. Do not use a sharp blade.
If the wax has broken into flakes, crumple the fabric gently to loosen them, or brush them off with your fingers.
Re-chill if the wax softens while you work.

Step 3: Lift the rest with heat

This is where most of the remaining wax comes out. The heat melts the wax so paper can absorb it.

Set the iron to the lowest setting suitable for the fabric, with steam turned off.
Place several layers of plain paper towel under the stained area and a few on top.
Press the iron over the top layer for a few seconds. The wax melts and soaks into the paper.
Move to a clean section of paper each time and repeat until no more wax transfers.

Keep the iron moving and avoid scorching. If you want to avoid an iron, a hair dryer can warm wax so you can blot it, though it is slower. If a mark remains, test any stain remover in a hidden area first.

Step 4: Deal with grease and color

Wax often leaves a faint oily patch, and dyed or scented candles can leave color behind. Treat it before washing:

Grease: rub a little liquid detergent or dish soap into the spot and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Color: a dab of liquid detergent, and then an oxygen-based bleach suited to the fabric, can help with dye. Follow the product directions and never mix cleaning products.
Rubbing alcohol: dab on sparingly with a cloth for stubborn marks on colorfast, washable fabrics, after testing a hidden spot.

Step 5: Wash and check before drying

Wash the item in the warmest water the care label permits, using regular detergent. Before you put it in the dryer, check that the mark is gone. Heat from a dryer can set any remaining stain permanently. If you can still see a stain, repeat the treatment and air-dry in the meantime.

Tips for different fabrics

Cotton and linen: tolerate higher iron settings.
Polyester and blends: use a low heat and keep the iron moving.
Silk, wool and delicate items: avoid ironing directly and consult a dry cleaner.
Upholstery and tablecloths: the same freeze, scrape and blot method applies. For carpet and floors, see how to get candle wax out of carpet, wood floors and tablecloths.

Other stains may need different treatment. For example, tree sap on fabric and blood on clothes each follow their own steps.

Quick answers

Can I use hot water to remove wax?

Not at first. Hot water spreads the wax and can drive it into the fibers. Remove the bulk first, then wash.

What if the wax has soaked through thick fabric?

Place paper towels on both sides and iron through one layer at a time, changing the paper as it absorbs the wax.

Does this work on paraffin, soy and beeswax?

Yes. The freezing, scraping and heat-lifting method works for most common candle waxes, though dye can vary.

When should I go to a professional?

For silk, suede, leather, velvet or an item you cannot replace, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them what happened.