How to Get Wax Off Leather
Most of us have heard horror stories about people who get wax on their leather furniture and then can’t get it off. In this article, we are going to take a look at how to get wax off leather so that you don’t have to worry about ruining your furniture. We will also look at some of the best ways to prevent wax from getting on your furniture in the first place. So, if you’re curious about getting wax off leather, read on!
Wax is one of the most common substances on leather furniture. It can happen quickly if you have candles in your home or use any wax product. However, if you get wax on your furniture, don’t panic! Many people think they need to throw out their furniture or call a professional to clean it, but this is not the case. You can easily remove wax from leather furniture with a few simple steps.
A Step by Step Guide on How to Get Wax Off Leather
Step 1: Determine the Type of Leather
The first step is to figure out what type of leather you’re dealing with. Of course, this will affect the cleaning method you use.
There are three main types of leather: aniline, semi-aniline, and pigmented.
Aniline leather is dyed-through and has a natural look and feel. It’s the most expensive and delicate type of leather, so it’s essential to be extra careful when cleaning it.
Semi-aniline leather is also dyed-through, but it has a slight coating that makes it more durable than aniline leather. It’s less expensive than aniline leather but still needs to be treated carefully.
Pigmented leather has a thick coating of color on the surface. It’s the most durable type of leather to withstand more vigorous cleaning.
Step 2: Remove Wax Before It Hardens
If you’re caught in the moment and haven’t already taken steps to prevent the wax from hardening, you’ll need to act quickly. Use a hairdryer on the low or cool setting to melt the wax. You can also try using a can of compressed air, holding it about 10 inches away from the affected area, and spraying for several seconds. If neither of these methods works, you’ll need to resort to heat.
Step 3: Remaining Wax By Freezing It
If you have a lot of wax build-up, or if the wax is particularly stubborn, you may need to take an additional step to remove it. Hardening the wax makes it much easier to scrape off and can be done by simply putting your leather item in the freezer for a few hours.
Once the wax is hard, use a blunt knife or spatula to scrape it off gently. Start with small, light strokes and increase the pressure if needed. Be careful not to damage the leather while you’re scraping.
When all the wax has been removed, finish by wiping the area with a clean, damp cloth. Allow the leather to air dry completely before using it again.
Step 4: Heat It With A Hair Dryer
If the wax is still not budging, grab a hairdryer and turn it on to the highest heat setting. Hold the dryer about six inches away from the leather and wave it back and forth over the wax. The heat will cause the wax to soften and should make it easier to remove. However, be careful not to hold the dryer in one spot for too long, as this could cause the leather to scorch.
Once the wax has softened, use a clean cloth to wipe it away. If there is any residue left behind, you can try rubbing it with a little bit of petroleum jelly or vinegar. Once everything is clean, buff the leather with a soft cloth to restore its shine.
Step 5: Use A Cleaning Solution
If the wax is still giving you trouble, it’s time to break out the cleaning solution. You’ll need something strong enough to break down the wax but gentle enough not to damage the leather.
A good option is a mixture of vinegar and one part water. Another option is to use rubbing alcohol or saddle soap.
Dampen a clean cloth with your chosen solution and rub it over the affected area. Be sure to use circular motions and go with the grain of the leather. Once you’ve gone over the entire area, use a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue. Allow the leather to air dry completely before using it again.
Step 6: Try A Commercial Leather Cleaner
If you’re still having trouble getting the wax off your leather, you can try using a commercial leather cleaner. Be sure to choose one that’s specifically designed for use on leather.
Apply the cleaner to a clean cloth and rub it over the affected area. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first. Once you’ve gone over the entire area, use a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue. Allow the leather to air dry completely before using it again.
Step 7: Prevent Future Wax Build-Up
Now that you know how to get wax off leather, it’s time to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. The best way to do this is to create a barrier between the leather and the wax.
You can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or beeswax to the leather. This will create a protective barrier that will help to repel wax and other foreign substances. You can also use a commercial leather protector, which can be found at most leather goods stores.
Apply the jelly or wax with a clean cloth, using circular motions to work it into the leather. Be sure to cover the entire area, including any seams or creases. Allow the product to soak in for at least 20 minutes before buffing it off with a soft cloth.
Repeat this process every few months, or as needed, to keep your leather looking its best.
You Can Check it Out to Soften Leather Work Gloves
Conclusion
Wax removal is a delicate task that should be done with caution. If you are unsure of how to get wax off leather, it is best to consult with a professional. However, by following the tips we have outlined in this article, you can remove most types of wax from leather without damaging the surface.
