www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Cleaning Wax from Vestments

What are the best ways for removing wax from vestments? I had a great deal of it blown on mine by a crazy air-conditioning system (I was holding the trikeri at Kyr Isidore's funeral), with the result that the velvet and galoon, as well as some of the brocade, of both my stichar and orar, were covered (and some on the satin lining). A warm iron atop some brown paper seems to have worked wonders (thank you, Ilya Galadza!), but I'm wondering if there are other suggestions people have. I still have some marks on the velvet that I cannot lift off.

Put it in the freezer. No jokes. That usually works with table clothes that has wax on them and for candle holders and such.

Doesn't hurt to try. What Ilya told you, I think, is the best way.

-uc

From personal; experience Blotting paper [ that good old-fashioned stuff used by folk who have fountain pens ] always worked better for me that brown paper.

I was once presented with white Altar Cloths that had lots and lots of purple candle wax on them. I was in complete dispair .The large patches I chipped off and I used Blotting Paper for the small ones . After about 3 washes the Purple stain came out [ oh boy was I relieved ]

I had never thought of freezing though - but it's logical - after all it works with chewing gum.

To be honest - I think it's just constantly having a gentle go at it.

Though you may be conscious of the marks I doubt if anyone else is.

The only advice for the future is, and it's not always possible , try and find washable fabrics for vestments, [ though we had a sad experience with some white and silver Chasubles that were supposed to be washable - they were - but the silver turned BLACK !]

Anhelyna

Once you get the removable stuff off - iron, freezer, etc., I HIGHLY recommend taking it to a fine dry cleaner. NOT necessarily the folks who do your wool blazers, LOL. Most cities have at least one dry cleaner who specializes in preservation and restoration - those are also usually the folks most skilled at stain removal on delicate fabrics.

I used the services of one to help out a priest friend who lives where there are no such fine dry cleaners - and he has the use of a lovely phelonion again - minus the wine stain.


Sharon

Sharon,

I have to say that that had not occurred to me

What a sensible idea

Anhelyna

Dear Adam:

Sorry I can't help you with any other suggestions regarding the wax.

I have heard of the iron and blotting paper.

But if there are any further stains you will have to take them to a cleaner that does conservation work.

I would be very carefull none the less.

Being in Ottawa, I would contact the National Gallery or the Museum of Civilization, they have a conservation lab and could recomend someone.

In Toronto, there is the museum of textiles who could also help.

I must say in tribute to you, rarely have I seen a more magnificent display of dignified fortitude.

Watching your hands get scalded by dripping hot wax was just terrible and the fact one could do nothing to help, was just unbearable.

I am glad we both survived.


Jose

Dear Jose,

You flatter me too much! Thank you. I felt like a kid up there at one point, trying not to squirm and dance about, watching you and Tibor in your own dignified stillness. Notwithstanding the discomfort, I regarded it as a great joy and privilege to provide this "honour guard" for Kyr Isidore--he deserved that and a whole lot more. It was good also to see you in a stichar. Perhaps you are going to transfer churches and join the hallowed ranks of Toronto's subdeacons?!

Thanks for the advice about the gallery. Will give them a call.

How is Fr. Roman doing? I felt very much for him last week (not least at the butchering of the Parastas on Thursday)....

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!

Hi Adam

Check with your local Catholic supply house, one that sells candles, incense etc. They usually carry some stuff that removes wax from carpeting. You can also use this VERY SPARINGLY for your vestments.

As for the dry cleaners, we used to use a dry cleaner that specialized in cleaning and boxing bridal gowns. They did a wonderful job on our vestments.

You may also want to try find one owned by a Greek family. They do a FANTASTIC JOB on cleaning vestments because they know what they're cleaning!

When I take my folkdance costume to get cleaned, I use a little Korean lady 'cause her kids dance in a folkgroup also and she treats my costume like it was one of her own...

hope this helps...

mark