Removing wax residue

Color transferring onto another fabric during washing, or running when the garment gets wet, comes from unfixed or excess dye in the fibers, common in dark or hand-dyed fabrics. Wash separately in cold water with a color-catcher sheet.

Small balls of fiber forming on a knit's surface from friction during wear come from loose, weaker fibers tangling together. Use a fabric shaver or comb to remove pills, and wash inside out on gentle cycle.

Velvet or other pile fabric flattened from pressure or storage can often be restored by steaming from the wrong side without letting the iron touch the pile, then brushing the nap back upright.

Fabric looking dull or washed-out after repeated laundering comes from dye breaking down under heat, sunlight, and detergent brighteners. Wash in cold water, turn garments inside out, and use a detergent made for colors.

A sticky patch left on fabric or the iron plate from misapplied fusible web softens when reheated. Press through scrap paper to lift residue off fabric, and clean the iron plate with a hot-iron cleaner.