Chapstick in the dryer

[Commander Quan]

Does anyone have any good methods of removing the spots left from a tube of chapstick that was left in my pants pocket and then run through the dryer? The clothes aren't particularly special but I don't want to have to throw away a bunch of stuff just because it has spots on it. Since it's oil, will running everything through the wash with a couple squirts of Dawn work?

 

[joshmpdx]

I don't know if vinegar will work, but it's worth a shot.

 

[sturgeon]

Put a clean paper towel on the spots and iron over it. the heat will liquify the waxy spot and the paper towel will soak up the wax. This works also on candle wax on the carpet.

Tim

 

[vanztb4]

Put a clean paper towel on the spots and iron over it. the heat will liquify the waxy spot and the paper towel will soak up the wax. This works also on candle wax on the carpet.

Tim

Great Idea...will have to use this the next time I forget to check the pockete.

 

[Commander Quan]

I've tried the iron thing before, unfortunately it doesn't work for chapstick.

 

[Jim]

Its more than likely an oil based stain, try spotting it with lestoil and letting it rest for 12+ hours, wash in hot water.

 

[M80]

If the clothes are nice enough to warrant it, a dry cleaning should remove it. If not then I would try a citrus based de-greaser.

 

[Commander Quan]

No not nice enough to take to the cleaners. I've never heard of lestoil before, but I'll give it a try.

 

[Pkrankow]

Ammonia will strip wax, and is safe for natural fibers, and most synthetics. Removes crayon too. Wash in hot water, detergent and ammonia (about the same amount as detergent)

DO NOT MIX BLEACH AND AMMONIA! It produces chlorine gas and can kill you.

Phil

 

[Go West Young Man]

Chapstick is just basically wax, so I think a good pretreatment with a grease cutter and a wash in hot water should take care of it.

 

[jones2289]

I always use Greased Lightning for tough grease stains. The company makes several products, but the Multipurpose Cleaner/Degreaser works well for me. I spray it on the spot(s), scrub with an old toothbrush or something, and let it soak. This has worked for me in the past even on stains that have set in the fabric.

It's fairly cheap, and can be picked up at Dollar General, Wal-Mart, etc.

http://www.greased-lightning.com/op_multipurpose.html

 

[krizz]

this happened to me a few weeks ago. I sprayed the areas with spray n wash then washed them in oxy clean. Most of the chap-stick was removed.

 

[AFG]

I made the mistake of leaving a stick of gum in a pants pocket that went in the laundry. I had a new sweater and another shirt with several wads of gum that looked permanently attached. Internet searches said freezing the garment or using vinegar would work, neither did. My wife called the dry cleaner and they got it out for a small charge. May be worth trying if you can't get the chapstick out yourself.

 

[mikey]

You might want to try Amodex.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[BrianL]

Just curious, did you get rid of the stain?

 

[oc_in_fw]

Does anyone have any good methods of removing the spots left from a tube of chapstick that was left in my pants pocket and then run through the dryer? The clothes aren't particularly special but I don't want to have to throw away a bunch of stuff just because it has spots on it. Since it's oil, will running everything through the wash with a couple squirts of Dawn work?

Someone mentioned the ironing- that should get it. If a stain is left, pre-treat it with simple green. I use it to get hydraulic fluid stains out, and that is tough stuff.