How to Remove Wax from Wool

Co-authored by Kamel Almani

Last Updated: December 3, 2024 Approved

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!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Removing Hardened Wax From Wool

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1
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]
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- Do not continue to dab the wax once it starts drying, as bits of the paper towel might get stuck in the mess.
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]
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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]
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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.
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]
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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]
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- 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Removing Wax With Heat

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1
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]
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- You can also use transfer paper for this method.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kamel Almani
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
Set your iron to medium heat. Run it over the top of the paper bag, pressing it gently.^{[8]
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Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.} Continue for about a minute.^{[9]
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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]
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Expert Source

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
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]
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