Imagine pulling your fresh and fluffy laundry from your clothes dryer only to find that it is riddled with stains from a stray lip balm. Chap sticks, lip balms, and lip sticks can wreak havoc with your laundry, when these get left behind in a pocket that makes its way into the wash.
Keep your laundry safe from challenging chapsticks:
Look Before You Launder
Before you put your apparel and linens in the laundry, take a look inside your washer and dryer for the culprit or for residue on the drums from previous washings. If you spot the telltale wax inside your washer or dryer, soften first by turning the appliance on and then wipe any residue away with white vinegar and a soft cloth.
Scrape the Waxy Balm
Lay your stained item flat, and use a credit card or other sharp-edged implement to gently scrape the waxy balm from the fabric. This won't solve the problem, but it will prevent further wax from seeping into the fibers of the material.
Use a Pre-Treater
Liberally treat your stains with an enzyme-based detergent or stain remover. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. You can use an old toothbrush or nailbrush to help along this process when dealing with stubborn stains - like lip balm!
Wash Again and Dry
Now it is time to rewash your items or garments. Make sure to use an oxygen-based bleach to prevent staining, which will also help to remove any remaining chap stick from inside your laundry appliances.
Did a chapstick make its way into your wash? No problem! Use these tips to remove stubborn, waxy stains from lip balms and products from your laundry. Also, prevent stains in the first place by taking a good look inside your washer and dryer before tossing in your family's laundry!