How to Get Surfboard Wax Off a Rash Guard Top

How to Get Surfboard Wax Off a Rash Guard Top

surfing image by Jeffrey Sinnock from Fotolia.com

Rash guards are articles of clothing used to protect sensitive skin from the abrasive bases of surfboards. Wax that is applied to the base of surfboards often rubs off onto the rash guards compromising the fabric integrity and causing the article of clothing to wear out earlier than hoped for. Removal of wax build up is a straight forward chore and one necessary to give long life to the rash guard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Hang it Up

Things You’ll Need:
  • Rash guard
  • Washing machine
  • Detergent with no UV brighteners
  • Clothes line outside
  • Sun and hot day
  • Clothes hangar
  • Paper towels or absorbent cloth
Step 1
Hang the wax laden rash guard on the clothes hangar on a hot sunny day with the wax imprinted side facing the hot sun. Leave the rash guard in the direct sun for 30 to 60 minutes or until the wax is melting. Do not leave the rash guard in the direct sun for more than 60 minutes.
Step 2
Wipe off the melted wax using the paper towels or absorbent cloth. Use a consistent up and down motion, putting pressure on the wax only in one direction and lightly bringing the towel back into the top position to sweep the melted wax away going in the downward motion once more.
Step 3
Put a quarter to half cup of UV brightener free detergent into the washing machine. Set the machine for delicates with cold/cold settings. Place the rash guard into the washer and let go through the full cycle.
Step 4
Remove the rash guard after the full wash cycle is complete and place on the clothes line to dry out of the direct sun.

Tips & Warnings

 
Outdoor gear and surf shops sell special detergents for use on rash guards and outdoor fabrics. Trails.com has a selection of products for this use (See Resources).

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com
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