How to Remove Candle Wax From a Tablecloth

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A guide to lifting candle wax stains on linens with an iron

Co-authored by Kamel Almani and Devin McSween

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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Removing Wax from Tablecloths

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Cleaning Wax from Hard Surfaces

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Expert Interview

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Tips

Candles add a warm ambiance to your dinner parties, but they can leave behind melted wax on your favorite tablecloths. Luckily, it’s super easy to remove wax from your linen, lace, and cotton cloths—all you need to do is harden the wax, scrape it off, and iron off any remaining residue. In this article, we’ll show you how to remove wax from tablecloths, get out any waxy stains, and wipe wax off of your furniture, too. Read on to learn how!

Things You Should Know

Place a bag of ice cubes over the wax to harden it, or set your tablecloth in the freezer. Then, scrape off the hardened wax with a dull knife or your fingers.
Then, place the wax stain between paper towels. Glide over it with an iron on medium-low heat to melt the wax into the paper.
Blot remaining wax residue with rubbing alcohol or acetone, then wash the tablecloth in your laundry machine.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Removing Candle Wax from Table Linens

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If the wax on your tablecloth is still wet, let it solidify and harden before removing it. Just fold your tablecloth and place it in your freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes. Or, place a handful of ice cubes in a plastic bag and rest it over the wax for several minutes.^{[1]
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Scrape off the wax with a butter knife or your fingers. Once the wax has hardened, take a blunt, dull butterknife and slowly chip away at it, being careful not to pierce the tablecloth underneath. Or, pull the tablecloth taut and simply peel off the wax with your fingers.
- Alternatively, use a plastic spatula instead of a knife.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kamel Almani
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}
- Work extra carefully if you’re removing wax from more delicate materials, like lace.
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Iron any remaining wax between paper towels on medium heat.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Donna Serino
Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist

Expert Interview} Place several paper towels on your ironing board and set your tablecloth on top with the wax facing the towels. Then, set paper towels over the stain on the other side. Turn your iron to medium heat and then glide it over the wax to melt it into the paper towels.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview}
- Alternatively, use a brown paper bag (without writing on it), transfer paper, parchment paper, or wax paper in place of paper towels.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kamel Almani
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}
- When you see the wax melting into the paper towels, shift them to a clean spot. Just keep rotating the paper and ironing until the wax is all melted.
- Set your iron to low if you’re ironing delicate fabrics like lace or silk. Or, set it to higher heat if you’re ironing a more durable fabric like cotton.
- Do not use heat on plastic or vinyl tablecloths, as they can melt. If you still have waxy residue after scraping off the wax, wipe it with an all-purpose cleaner.
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Blot any remaining wax or oil stains with rubbing alcohol, then launder. After removing the wax, you might be left with an oily wax stain. Just dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and dab it into the stain to dissolve the oil and any remaining wax.^{[6]
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Research source} Then, wash your tablecloth in your machine according to its washing directions.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview}
- Patch test your tablecloth first to ensure the rubbing alcohol won’t stain. Just find a hidden section of cloth, like a corner, and apply a few drops of alcohol. Then, wait for the spots to dry. If there’s no discoloration, it’s safe to use.
- Do not rub the stain, as this can cause it to spread.
- Alternatively, use acetone (nail polish) instead of rubbing alcohol. Just patch-test before you use it, too.
- Or, apply a commercial stain remover on top of the stain before washing your tablecloth.
- Do not use rubbing alcohol or acetone on delicate or synthetic fabrics like silk, wool, modacrylic, acetate (rayon), or triacetate, as they can dissolve.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning Wax from Hard Surfaces

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If candle wax also melted onto your table, counter, floor, or other piece of hard, non-upholstered furniture, it’s easy to remove. Just get out a hair dryer, set it to medium heat, and blast it about 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the wax until it’s soft.^{[8]
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Dab the wax with a clean cloth or towel. Take a clean cloth, press it into the softened wax, and gently pick up the wax. This removes the wax with minimal staining to your furniture.^{[9]
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- Do not wipe up the wax, as that can cause it to spread and stain your furniture.
- If there are chunks of wax left behind, reheat them with the hair dryer and dab them with a clean cloth.
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water in a bowl. Then, dip a clean cloth inside, wring out the excess moisture, and wipe off any remaining wax.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you remove melted candle wax?

Donna Serino
Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist
Donna Serino is a Dry Cleaning and Alterations Specialist and the Marketing Director for Hallak Cleaners, based in Manhattan, New York and Hackensack, New Jersey. She has expertise in tailoring and alterations, couture and casual wear, designer handbag cleaning, and suede, leather, and furs care. Donna and Hallak Cleaners are part of the National Cleaner’s Association, Drycleaning and Laundry Institute, and Leading Cleaners Internationale.

Donna Serino

Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist

Expert Answer

Apply heat! Wax contains oil so the heat will dissolve it, allowing the wax to be peeled off.

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The wax is red and dried. What can I do?

Community Answer

I usually remelt the wax, then wipe it off with a paper towel. Maybe try using a hair dryer.

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How do I get all the wax off batik?

Community Answer

Run the batik under warm running water. The wax will fall off. Make sure you have something in the sink to catch the wax before it runs down the drain.

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Tips

Set a decorative mirror, or other metal surface, under your candles to prevent them from dripping on your tablecloth. As a bonus, the mirror reflects the flame on the candles, creating a pretty effect.

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If wax melts onto the mirror, wipe it up with a window cleaner containing ammonia.

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To prevent wax drips, use dripless candles or battery-operated candles instead.

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