How to Remove Candle Wax From 100% Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that stands up to wear and tear, but it also has an affinity for attracting oil stains and not holding up well to heated treatments, such as a hot iron or dryer. These two factors can create a difficult situation when you spill candle wax on your 100 percent polyester fabric.

An accidental candle wax spill creates a combination stain on your polyester.

The oil in the candle wax can lead to discoloration and trying to melt the wax to remove it may melt the polyester fabric. Careful and quick removal of the candle wax is the most effective way to handle the stain.

Things You Will Need

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• Plastic zip bag
• Ice cubes
• Table knife
• Baking soda
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Sponge
• Heavy-duty laundry detergent
• All-fabric bleach

1. Place ice cubes in a plastic zip bag and seal the bag. Lay your polyester fabric on a flat work surface with the ice cubes on top of the candle wax. Leave the ice in place until the candle wax hardens, then discard the ice bag.

2. Crack the hardened candle wax with the handle end of a table knife. Tap at the candle wax until it cracks into smaller pieces then carefully peel the broken wax pieces from the polyester fabric.

3. Cover the site of the candle wax stain with baking soda. Allow the baking soda to absorb the grease residue from the candle wax for 15 minutes. Brush the baking soda off the polyester and into the garbage.

4. Pour dry-cleaning solvent onto a clean sponge. Blot at the site of the candle wax stain to remove any remaining wax and residue with the dry-cleaning solvent. Rinse your sponge with water, apply more solvent and continue to blot at the stain until it's completely lifted.

5. Wash your polyester fabric using heavy-duty laundry detergent and all-fabric bleach. This removes your wax stain removers and any oily residue. Hang your polyester fabric to dry.

Tip

Soak polyester fabric in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water to remove greasy residue from candle wax.

Warning

While iron heat is often used to remove candle wax, it can damage your polyester by melting the fabric.

Avoid wiping a candle wax spill, as this may spread the stain.

The Drip Cap

• Polyester is a synthetic fiber that stands up to wear and tear, but it also has an affinity for attracting oil stains and not holding up well to heated treatments, such as a hot iron or dryer.
  
• Lay your polyester fabric on a flat work surface with the ice cubes on top of the candle wax.
  
• Leave the ice in place until the candle wax hardens, then discard the ice bag.
  
• Hang your polyester fabric to dry.