How to remove wax stains on leather
The chances of removing wax stains on leather depend entirely on the
type of the leather. Porous aniline, suede and nubuck are more difficult
to treat, because the wax sinks into the surface. Coloured waxes can
also cause problems, as the containing dye may colour the leather too.
DRIED WAX ON THE LEATHER SURFACE
Wax hardens when it gets cold. The colder the wax on a leather surface, the easier it is to remove it. If possible, use compressed air to blow the wax stains off. The compressed air cools down the wax and the air pressure blows the stains away. Especially with suede and nubuck, this is the ideal method. You can also roll smooth leathers to flake off wax residues. If you don’t have access to compressed air, cool down the stains with cooling elements from the freezer. Wrap a dry cloth around to absorb condensation humidity. Try to remove the wax by splintering and flaking off. It also helps to roll the leather by holding it between your thumb and your index finger. On pigmented leathers (wax remains on the colour coating) residues of wax can be removed by using a cloth to wipe away with a hair dryer to melt the wax. This method doesn’t work on absorbent leathers. Stains can even increase.
PENETRATED WAX STAINS
To remove drawn wax residues, heat the stains with a hair dryer and try to remove the stains with an absorbent powder (chalk dust or magnesium powder). Rub in the powder and let cool down. Remove the powder with a vacuum cleaner and a brush. Repeat until no further improvement can be achieved. You cannot predict whether the stains disappear completely. If the result is not sufficient, it will need to be treated professionally. But not all leather types can be saved. Stained leather clothing should be given to a dry cleaning company specialising in leather. Most cases can be saved this way.
Recommended products
Aniline Stain Remover
From
US$12.61*
Removes water stains on aniline leather
Can be used on aniline furniture, handbags, jackets and car seats.
Stains caused by other spillages (tea, coffee, wine etc) on aniline leather may not be removed completely but will show a significant improvement.
After treatment, we recommend applying a suitable care product from our range to make the leather waterproof and protect it from future stains.
Jackets and handbags will have to be treated completely. Please read detailed description below.
Application areas: Furniture Leather, Shoes, Bags & Accessories, Leather ClothingFor: Aniline leatherPenetrated stains on aniline (porous smooth leather) and suede or nubuck are not easy to remove. With water-based cleaners, the leather gets wet and in most cases the stains stay visible. Aniline Stain Remover is a special product formulated to remove water stains and other water-based stains from aniline leather. Stains caused by spillages other than water may not be removed completely but will show a significant improvement. It is important to treat these stains as soon as possible.Please note:This product will not remove grease, fat or oil stains.This product is not suitable for antique leather (older than 30 years) which is extremely hard and cracked leather. Water Marks On Aniline FurnitureFor sensitive aniline furniture, aniline bags and aniline shoes, use Aniline Stain Remover. Every piece of leather is different and can react differently to the same treatment. We therefore cannot guarantee the removal of water marks. However, we have achieved excellent results with this method.Application: Always test in a hidden area first. Wear gloves. Apply fixative with a soft cloth evenly from seam to seam (wet the area well). Don’t rub too hard! Otherwise you might damage the softened surface. To speed up drying, a hair dryer (cold air!) can be used. Repeat the process until no further improvement can be achieved.After drying, new leathers (visually like new and soft) should be protected intensively with COLOURLOCK Aniline Cream to avoid new stains. Older leather (visible patina) should be protected with COLOURLOCK Elephant Leather Preserver. Water Marks On Suede Or Nubuck FurniturePenetrated stains on suede and nubuck are not easy to remove. Rarely can the stains be completely removed. However, significant improvements can be achieved. Application: Always test in a hidden area. Wear gloves. Apply Aniline Stain Remover evenly with a soft cloth from seam to seam (wet well). Don’t rub too hard! Otherwise you might damage the softened surface. To speed up drying, a hair dryer (cold air!) can be used. Repeat the process until no further improvement can be achieved. After drying, sand the surface with COLOURLOCK Leather Sanding Pad and finish with COLOURLOCK Aniline Protector and COLOURLOCK Waterproofing. Water Marks On Garments (Aniline, Suede, Nubuck)Clothing leather has the advantage that it can be completely washed. This avoids more marks being caused by local cleaning attempts. Please order COLOURLOCK Wash Concentrate Kit and wash the garment as per instructions provided in the kit.Careful: The product contains natural volatile acids. Avoid skin contact, use rubber gloves. Wash off skin or eyes with generous amounts of water. Keep away from children.