Methods for removing candle wax from cloth

Q: Candle wax dripped onto my sofa and silk throw pillow. How can I remove it?

A: Candlelight can make an evening romantic or festive, but by the end of the night you may find unwelcome guests: wayward drops of melted wax on your upholstery.

Don't despair, though — it is relatively easy to remove wax from washable fabrics on your own, and a professional dry-cleaner can help you with more-delicate items.

If the fabric is durable, as cotton is, try to clean it yourself.

First, harden the wax: Let it cool on its own or hasten the process by rubbing it with an ice cube wrapped in plastic. Once the wax is firm, remove the stained cover, and carefully scrape off as much wax as you can using your fingernail or the dull edge of a butter knife.

Then place several layers of damp paper towels on each side of the fabric, ironing over the paper on a low setting. The wax should be absorbed by the towels.

Apply a fabric stain remover to eliminate any lingering residue (check for colorfastness first, then follow label instructions), and blot with clean paper towels before laundering.

If the material is fragile, do not attempt to scrape off the wax.

"With silk or any other delicate fabric that has wax spots, the best thing to do is have it professionally cleaned," says Jerry Pozniak, owner of Cameo Cleaners in New York City.

If the drippings are on a cushion or pillow cover that can't be taken off, Pozniak suggests that you ask your dry-cleaner to recommend a tailor who can carefully pull out the stuffing so the covering can be treated separately.

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