How and with what to remove paraffin stains?

If after a fun party or romantic dinner by candlelight there are not only pleasant memories, but also traces of paraffin on clothes and interior items, do not rush to throw away the item. This problem can be easily solved using available tools. There are many ways to remove paraffin stains.

How to remove paraffin stains from clothes

The first thing to remember is that you cannot start cleaning things from paraffin (or wax) until it has hardened. If you rub the stain, the greasy sticky mass will only be smeared onto the fabric, making it much more difficult to remove from your dress or suit. But you also can’t put off cleaning; dealing with old dirt is not as easy as dealing with fresh dirt. As soon as the wax has hardened, immediately begin to take action. Carefully scrape off the frozen mass with the blunt side of a knife, and the methods listed below will help remove the remains.

The choice depends on what fabric needs to be cleaned:

1. Cotton and wool. Paraffin traces can be easily removed from such materials by heating. Iron them with a hot iron, cover them with a paper napkin, and place a towel on the back side. Don't forget to change napkins when they get dirty.
2. Linen. Paraffin or wax stains from such a fabric can also be removed using an iron. Place a damp, clean cloth under the stained area, and cover it with tracing paper or a sheet of white paper on top.Then proceed in the same way as in the previous case.
3. Thick or white fabric. Boil water in a saucepan and hold the stain over steam for 5 minutes. The paraffin will melt and you can easily remove it with a soft clothes brush. If you don’t have one, you can use a dental one. It's easy this way remove stains from jeans or other clothing made of rough, dense material.
4. Silk or other delicate fabric. Aggressive influence is contraindicated for such things. It's better to take advantage gel for washing dishes - apply it to the stain, wait 10-15 minutes, and then carefully wipe off the remaining wax and rinse off the foam with warm water.
5. Synthetic. It is best to remove wax or paraffin from artificial materials using a hairdryer. Place a clean cloth under the stain and direct a stream of warm air at it. When the sticky mass begins to soften, remove it with a napkin until the stain disappears.
6. Velvet and suede. It is a little more difficult to remove such stains from clothes made of soft, fleecy materials, since the wax eats deeply into the fibers. In this case, alcohol or turpentine will help. Soak a cotton pad in one of the liquids, squeeze it a little and place it on the contaminated area. After half an hour, blot the sticky residue with a napkin. If you can't remove it completely, get a new disk. You will have to repeat the procedure several times.
7. Natural and artificial leather. On clothes made from such materials, the wax hardens only on the surface, without penetrating into the fibers. It can be easily scraped off with the blunt side of a knife or even a fingernail, and the greasy mark can be wiped off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Universal method for all types of fabric

There is also a universal method that can be used to remove paraffin stains from any material, including natural and artificial fur. You need to put the item in a bag and put it in the freezer for 1-2 hours (depending on the size of the contamination).

When exposed to low temperatures, the wax “crust” will become brittle and brittle. First, knead the product a little in your hands to crumble the mass, and then remove the residue using a plastic scraper or brush.

How to remove paraffin from furniture and carpets

If the furniture is wooden, it is very easy to remove paraffin or wax marks. Once the mixture has set, carefully scrape it off, being careful not to scratch the surface. Melt the remainder with a hairdryer and remove with a napkin, and then rub the area with a soft cloth or crumpled paper until shiny. You can use polish.

It is not much more difficult to remove paraffin from upholstered furniture or carpet. Use one of these:

1. Ice. Since it is impossible to put the piece of furniture in the freezer, place ice cubes in a bag and apply to the stained area. If the stain is old, you need to freeze it for at least half an hour, but for a fresh stain, 5 minutes is enough. Once the wax has hardened, scrape it off with a sharp object.
2. Steam (or hot air). You will need an iron or hair dryer. Place a clean cloth onto the frozen paraffin and press firmly to the surface. Warm the stain with a hairdryer or steam from an iron until the paraffin melts and is absorbed into the napkin. Gently wipe off any remaining residue with a damp cotton pad.
3. Solvents (alcohol, acetone, white spirit, turpentine, etc.). Soak a cotton pad in the chemical liquid and apply to the stain for 5-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the wax crust. Then scrape off the mass with a sharp object. If you cannot remove it completely, repeat the procedure.

How to remove greasy marks

After removing the paraffin crust, greasy stains often remain on the fabric. The following tools will help you deal with them:

1. Laundry soap or dishwashing liquid. Lather the stain, and after 15 minutes, rinse off the foam with warm water.
2. Powdered chalk or talc. Sprinkle the powder onto the stain, cover with a paper towel, and place a weight on top. After 20 minutes, wipe the problem area with a brush and rinse in warm water.
3. Soda. Mix 2 parts of the product with 1 part of water and apply the resulting slurry to the stain. Leave for 15-30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the dirt, and then scrub the problem area with a brush and rinse off the soda with water.