How to Get Slime Out of Clothing

Slime has become a creative hallmark of childhood in recent years. But it’s also the bane of many parents pretty much everywhere. If you’re wondering why, then chances are you’ve been lucky enough to have never needed to remove slime from kids’ clothes. That’s thanks to the main ingredient of most slime recipes: glue.

So what’s a parent to do when your kid comes inevitably to you with a mass of stuck-on, dried-up slime on their clothing? We’ve put together a helpful little guide to help you when it comes down to getting stubborn slime out of clothes so you can tackle the mess in the best way possible.

Keep reading to find out how to get slime out of clothes!

What is in Slime?

Since slime first rose to popularity, it’s been adapted into a variety of different types and recipes. If you have kids who are slime enthusiasts, you might find slime made of anything from makeup to laundry supplies and possibly even sticky candy.

Regardless, most slimes contain and are usually based on some sort of glue product, which is bad news when it gets stuck to literally anything. What’s more, slime more often than not contains other hard-to-remove substances like glitter and food dye. Knowing what your kids’ slim is made from can help during the removal process, but it isn’t completely necessary.

How to Get Slime Out of Clothing

Fresh Slime

The best way to remove wet slime from clothing is to eliminate the excess slime before it dries out. It’s definitely easier to remove slime from clothing when it’s wet. Once you’ve wiped off as much wet slime as you can, apply vinegar to the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Then take a soft toothbrush and scrub the area with circular motions. Once you’re done, rinse using hot water. Wash the clothing as usual in the washing machine and dry it. If you’ve followed the above process and you’re noticing a colored stain left behind, the slime you removed likely contained some sort of dye.

You can also use an advanced laundry stain remover applied liberally over the stain. Rub the affected area, then let it sit for 10-15 minutes before laundering. If the garment is white, you can use a diluted solution of bleach and water to remove the stain, but it’s wise to test this in a small area first.

Dried Slime

Any parent who’s tried to remove dried glue from any surface knows how difficult it can be. Try this method for how to get dry slime out of clothes:
✨ Scrape the excess slime from the material using a butter knife or similar tool.
✨ Press an ice cube onto the leftover stuck-on slime. (You can use a heavy item like a book to keep the ice on the slime, or put the garment in the freezer for 3-4 hours.)
✨ Peel the hardened slime from the garment.
✨ Wash and dry as usual.

Tips to Prevent Slime Stains on Clothes

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
✨ Don’t wait. Treat the stains as quickly as possible. Fresh slime stains are easier to remove than dried slime stains.
✨ Don’t put slime-stained clothes in the dryer. The high heat may set the stains into the fabric permanently.
✨ Wear an apron or smock when playing with slime to prevent stains on clothes.
✨ Protect surfaces like carpet, upholstery, or textured wood with plastic sheeting or a vinyl tablecloth.

FAQ

What removes slime from clothes?
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which dissolves the slime, and your clothing should be good as new in no time. You can also use rubbing alcohol in this way. Rubbing the area with laundry detergent and rinsing under warm water will also do the trick.

Will Dawn dish soap get slime out of clothes?
Dawn dish soap is well known for its grease-fighting properties and can effectively remove certain stains from clothes. Apply a small amount of Dawn directly to the slime stain and rub it in with a clean soft brush or gently massage with your fingers

How do you get slime out of felt fabric?
Fill a spray bottle with two-thirds cup of white vinegar and one-third cup of water. Spray the DIY cleaning agent over the slime spot and apply the solution liberally. Use a soft bristle brush to work the solution into the upholstery fibers.

What is the best stain remover for slime?
You can sprinkle baking soda on the stain and then spritz with a solution of vinegar and water. Wait 10-15 minutes before scrubbing the stain with a brush. Goo Gone is also great and can be applied and worked into the slime particles with a brush.

Does alcohol remove slime?
Rubbing alcohol can dissolve the tough bonds of slime and the club soda serves as a mild cleaning agent to dissolve and float slime particles out of the fibers so they can be removed.

For more tips, tricks, and DIYs, check out our blog! Be sure to check out our deep cleaning services in Boston if you’re in need of some extra help around the house. We’re here to make sure your home stays happy and healthy all year long.