Say Goodbye to Wax Stains on Your Tablecloth with This Step-By-Step Guide

In many homes, a beautifully set table complimented by an elegant tablecloth is the hallmark of a perfect dining experience. However, from time to time, accidents happen and can cause stains to appear on your tablecloth. One common corporate of tablecloth stains is from melted wax. Sometimes, the wax stain is due to an overflowing candle; other times, it is caused by a clumsy hand accidentally tipping the wax out of the jar.  

Whatever the reason is, our team at ELEVEN has you covered! In this article, we will share expert tips on how to get wax out of a tablecloth. With this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your table setting remains in pristine condition and continues to be the highlight of your dining room.  

What is the Easiest Way to Remove Candle Wax? 

Romantic as candlelight dinners may be, mishaps do occur. It can happen unexpectedly; your expensive tablecloth gets stained by wax that dripped from the candle. Without proper knowledge, candle wax can be difficult to remove. However, with a bit of patience and elbow grease, you can get your tablecloth back to its original condition. 

The Materials You Will Need: 

• Butter knife or spoon 
• Brown paper bag or paper towel 
• Iron 
• Stain remover (optional) 

• Mild laundry detergent 

Step-by-Step Guide for Fresh Wax Stains 

Once you have gathered your supplies, it's time to begin the wax removal process. Follow these six steps to effortlessly remove candle wax from your tablecloth: 

Allow the Wax to Harden: The first rule of thumb when dealing with wax stains is to let the wax cool and harden. Attempting to remove it while it's still hot can worsen the situation. 

Scrape Off Excess Wax: Once the wax has hardened, take a butter knife or spoon and gently scrape off as much of the wax as possible without damaging the fabric. 

1. Use a Clothing Iron: Set your clothing iron on a low heat setting without any steam. Then, place a brown paper bag or several layers of paper towels over the wax stain. This will act as an absorbent layer to soak up the wax when pressure is applied. 

1. Iron the Stain: Gently iron the paper bag or paper towels over the wax stain. As the heat transfers to the paper, the wax will start to melt and be absorbed by the paper. Continue this process until the wax is completely gone. 

1. Check for Any Remaining Wax Residue: After removing the wax, check the tablecloth for any remaining residue. If there are any oily or colored stains left behind, you can treat them with a stain remover or a mixture of mild laundry detergent and water.  

1. Wash as Usual: Wash your tablecloth according to its care instructions. Ensure that the wax stain is completely gone before putting it in the dryer, as heat can set stains. 

How Do You Remove Dried Candle Wax? 

Sometimes, you might not notice a wax spill immediately, and it dries onto the fabric. Don't worry; you can still salvage your tablecloth with a bit of patience and the right approach. 

The Materials You Will Need: 

• Butter knife or spoon 
• Ice cubes 
• Plastic bag 

• Stain remover (optional) 
• Mild laundry detergent 

Step-by-Step Guide for Dried Wax Stains 

After gathering the required supplies, use these four steps to help remove dried wax stains from fabrics such as your dining tablecloth: 

1. Freeze the Wax: Start by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag and then placing the bag over the dried wax stain. This will end up hardening the wax, making it more brittle and easier to chip away at. 

1. Scrape-Off Excess Wax: Once the wax is frozen, use a butter knife or spoon to gently scrape off as much of the wax as possible without damaging the fabric. 

1. Treat Any Remaining Stains: After removing the wax, you may still have oily or colored stains left behind. You can treat these stubborn stains with a stain remover or a mixture of mild laundry detergent and water. 

1. Launder as Usual: Finally, follow the care instructions on your tablecloth. To avoid another melted wax disaster, make sure the wax stain is completely removed before putting it in the dryer. 

Tips for Preventing Wax Stains 

At the end of the day, prevention is the best remedy for wax stains. Here are some tips to help you avoid wax stains on your tablecloth altogether:  

First, opt for candle holders or candlesticks that catch dripping wax. These pieces not only improve the look of your table but also protect your tablecloth from wax spills. Additionally, before lighting your candles, trim the wicks to the appropriate length (usually about 1/4 inch), as this helps control the flame and reduces the chances of wax drips. 

Lastly, when setting the table, ensure that candles are placed away from the edge of the tablecloth. By placing your candles in safer places around your home, you can avoid common accidents and eliminate the risk of getting candle wax on your tablecloth.  

The Bottom Line 

Removing wax stains from your tablecloth can be a simple task if you know just how to take the right approach. So, the next time you are faced with the hassle of needing to clean up spilled wax, come back and refer to this step-by-step guide.  

On the other hand, if you are currently in the market for a new tablecloth or maybe a new table runner, look no further than ELEVEN’s elegant line of dining and home décor. Our online selection features everything you need to create the perfect dining experience. 

FAQ Section 

Does vinegar dissolve wax?  

Yes, it actually can! Wax can be loosened and pliable with the help of vinegar, making it more manageable to remove.  

Can alcohol remove wax?  

Yes, if you have a wax stain, you can get rid of it by using rubbing alcohol. To achieve this, begin by applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the area and blotting it gently with a clean cloth. After that, wash the tablecloth normally. 

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