How to Take Glue Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
How to Take Glue Out of Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
You got glue on your clothes. Maybe it was from a craft project, a sticky label, or a glue gun. The hardened blob seems impossible to remove, but glue can be removed from most washable fabrics with the right solvent. The key is identifying the glue type and using the right method. Here’s how to take glue out of clothes without damage.
Glue on clothes is a sticky residue caused by adhesive bonding with fabric fibers. Different glue types need different removal methods: water-based glue (school glue, Elmer’s) needs warm water and soap, hot glue needs heat to soften, super glue needs acetone, and fabric glue needs rubbing alcohol. Removing glue requires either softening it (heat, water) or dissolving it (solvents).
To take glue out of clothes, identify the glue type first, then use the right method: warm water and dish soap for water-based glue, heat from an iron for hot glue, acetone for super glue, and rubbing alcohol for fabric glue. Wash with Tide Free and Gentle after removing the glue. Don’t pull the glue off forcefully, don’t use sharp objects, and don’t put glue-stained clothes in the dryer.
Identify the Glue Type
| Glue Type | Examples | Best Method | Solvent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based (PVA) | School glue, Elmer’s, craft glue | Warm water + dish soap | Warm water |
| Hot glue | Glue gun, hot melt | Heat with iron | Heat |
| Super glue (cyanoacrylate) | Krazy Glue, Super Glue | Acetone | Acetone |
| Fabric glue | Fabric adhesive, fusible web | Rubbing alcohol | Rubbing alcohol |
| Sticker adhesive | Price tags, labels | Rubbing alcohol or oil | Rubbing alcohol |
| Epoxy | Two-part epoxy | Acetone or rubbing alcohol | Acetone |
Step-by-Step: Removing Water-Based Glue
Step 1: Scrape Off Excess
Use a dull edge to scrape off as much glue as possible.
Step 2: Soak in Warm Water
Soak the fabric in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes. Warm water softens water-based glue.
Step 3: Apply Dish Soap
Apply Dawn Ultra Dish Soap to the glue. Work it in gently.
Step 4: Scrub with a Toothbrush
Scrub the glue with an old toothbrush.
Step 5: Rinse and Wash
Rinse with warm water and wash with Tide Free and Gentle.
Step-by-Step: Removing Hot Glue
Step 1: Place Paper on the Glue
Place brown paper or parchment paper over the glue.
Step 2: Apply Heat with an Iron
Set an iron to medium heat. Iron over the paper. The heat softens the glue and transfers it to the paper.
Step 3: Peel Off the Paper
Peel off the paper. The glue should stick to the paper. Repeat with fresh paper if needed.
Step 4: Apply Dish Soap and Wash
Apply Dawn dish soap to remove any residue. Wash with Tide Free and Gentle.
Step-by-Step: Removing Super Glue
Step 1: Apply Acetone
Apply acetone (nail polish remover) to the glue with a cotton ball. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Warning: Acetone can melt synthetic fabrics. Test on a hidden area first. Don’t use on acetate or modacrylic.
Step 2: Scrape Off the Glue
Use a dull edge to scrape off the softened glue.
Step 3: Apply Dish Soap and Wash
Apply Dawn dish soap. Wash with Tide Free and Gentle.
Step-by-Step: Removing Fabric Glue
Step 1: Apply Rubbing Alcohol
Apply rubbing alcohol to the glue with a cotton ball. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Scrub with a Toothbrush
Step 3: Apply Dish Soap and Wash
Apply Dawn dish soap. Wash with Tide Free and Gentle.
For Stubborn Glue Residue
Use OxiClean
Spray with OxiClean Max Force Spray. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
Use Amodex
For glue that leaves a stain, apply Amodex Ink and Stain Remover. Work it in, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wash.
Use Shout Foam
Apply Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam for adhesive residue.
Use Baking Soda Paste
Mix Arm and Hammer Baking Soda with water, apply, let sit for 30 minutes, scrub, rinse.
Use Lysol for Odor Control
Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for heavily soiled loads.
Clean the Machine Monthly
Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly.
What Not to Do
Don’t pull the glue off forcefully. Pulling can damage the fabric. Soften or dissolve the glue first.
Don’t use sharp objects. Knives and scissors can cut the fabric. Use a dull edge.
Don’t use acetone on synthetic fabrics. Acetone can melt acetate, polyester, and other synthetics. Test first.
Don’t put glue-stained clothes in the dryer. Dryer heat can set any remaining glue residue.
Don’t use hot water on super glue. Hot water can set super glue. Use acetone instead.
Don’t use fabric softener. It coats fibers and traps the glue residue.
FAQ
How do you take glue out of clothes? Identify the glue type first. For water-based glue, use warm water and dish soap. For hot glue, use heat with an iron. For super glue, use acetone. For fabric glue, use rubbing alcohol. Wash with Tide Free and Gentle after removing the glue.
How do you get dried glue out of clothes? Soak in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes for water-based glue. Use heat from an iron for hot glue. Use acetone for super glue. Use rubbing alcohol for fabric glue. Scrub with a toothbrush and wash.
Does rubbing alcohol remove glue from clothes? Yes, for fabric glue and sticker adhesive. Apply rubbing alcohol, let it sit for 5 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush, and wash.
Does acetone remove super glue from clothes? Yes. Apply acetone to the glue, let it sit for 5 minutes, scrape off the softened glue, and wash. Test on a hidden area first. Don’t use on synthetics.
Can you put glue-stained clothes in the dryer? No. Dryer heat can set any remaining glue residue. Wash first and check before drying.
References
- Tide. “How to Remove Glue from Clothes.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Glue Removal Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Glue Stain Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Bob Vila. “Adhesive Removal Guide.” bobvila.com.
