Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by Wahid
Trying to figure out “how to remove slime from clothes” in your search lately? But if not, you probably will if you have kids who love slime. Yeah, it’s inevitable. Clothing meets slime.
You might enjoy slime, yet it can damage your clothes too. Since homemade slime has become so popular, kids are likely to wear slime and play with it more. Today, parents should know how to get slime out of clothes. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. There’s no need to be a pro.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting slime off fabric, whether it’s dry, glittery, fluffy, or even plain sticky. Well, let’s find out everything below.
What Is Slime?
Basically, slime is a moist, gentle, & slippery substance made from stuff you already have at home. Mixing them together makes a polymer that can either be liquid or solid, based on how it’s played.
This is a great science experiment for kids because they can learn science principles while creating it. Children learn about chemical reactions, polymers, and viscosity pretty early & while playing.
What Is Slime Made Of?
There are tons of homemade slime recipe ideas online that you can find out. There are 2 main ingredients in slime making: borax & glue, although you can make slime without them.
Here are the some ingredients you’ll need to make slime:
Glue
As long as it is glue, whether it is school glue, white glue, clear glue, or any color, it counts. Irrespective of whether the product is branded.
Borax
In science, borax is also called “sodium tetraborate.” This substance is white and pulverized in color. At home, you commonly see this being used for cleaning. In addition to boosting the effectiveness of laundry detergent, it helps reduce static electricity.
Food Coloring
Actually, food coloring comes in a wide range of colors used to enhance the appearance of both processed & fresh foods. It can also be used to boost the appearance of any substance to make it more appealing.
Water
Portability of water is either possible or not. The liquid is odorless, tasteless, and clean. Any other substance can be dissolved with it.
Getting Started: What To Know
The following tips will help you achieve your goals:
- In case the slime gets on clothes marked dry-clean-only, remove it as much as possible with a spoon or dull knife.
- Make sure you lift, not rub.
- Stains from “fresh slime” can be removed more easily than those from “dried slime.”
- If your clothes are slime-stained, don’t put them in the dryer. Stains may be permanently set into the fabric by the high heat.
- Get the fabric dry cleaned right away and identify where the spot is so the stain can be treated properly.
- If you want to prevent stains on your clothes when handling slime, wear an apron or coverall.
- Protect surfaces such as upholstery, carpet, or wooden surfaces with plastic sheeting or vinyl tablecloths.
- However, professional cleaning is recommended if the material is vintage or silk.
How To Get Slime Out Of Clothes: Different Ways
Slime can be removed from clothes in a variety of ways. Various substances, items, and techniques are used in any of the ways.
Regardless of which method you select, make sure the materials and technique won’t ruin your fabric. Place the clothing on a non-porous, flat surface, scrape it gently with your thumb to remove any extra slime.
- Remove Slime With Vinegar
If the slime is fresh and wet, this vinegar technique works well, as does washing clothes after slimming and washing but without drying.
Materials Required:
- White vinegar.
- Scrubbing brushes or soft toothbrushes.
Method:
- Using white vinegar, lightly wet the slime on the fabric.
- The vinegar should be allowed to sit for at least 5 minutes. Make sure the vinegar does not dry out.
- Then, using your thumb or brush, scrub the slimy area in a circular motion.
- Put hot water on the area to rinse it.
- As usual, wash the clothes.
2. Remove Slime With Dish Soap
When used for this technique, dish soap that is not concentrated works better versus dish soap that is concentrated. Whenever you use concentrated dish soap, dilute it with water before using.
Materials Required:
- Dish soap.
- Running plain water.
Method:
- On the slime, squirt some dish soap.
- The cloth should be rubbed together with running water.
- Continue until all slime has been removed.
- As usual, wash the clothes.
3. Remove Slime With Ice Cubes
When slime has dried on clothes, this is the best method you should use.
Materials Required:
- Ice cubes or freezer bags.
Method:
- Try to remove as much dry gunge as possible from clothing.
- Remove the slime by rubbing the ice cube stuck to the stain.
- When slime is still present, or when you don’t have ice, place the product in the freezer & freeze it.
- The slime will peel off the cloth when frozen.
- As usual, wash the clothes.
4. Remove Slime With Rubbing Alcohol, Acetone, or Nail Polish Remover
A glue-based slime is the best candidate for this method. However, rubbing alcohol, acetone, & nail polish solvent have extremely astringent properties. Therefore, these substances must be tested via a small, hidden part of the textile before being applied to the entire fabric.
Materials Required:
- Rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or acetone.
- Cotton wool balls.
Method:
- The liquid should be gently dabbed onto the fabric a little bit each time, using cotton wool balls.
- Whenever you dab the cotton wool ball, slime must come off in a small quantity.
- After the slime has gone, wash the clothing normally.
5. Remove Slime With Laundry Detergent
- Using this method is similar to the use of dish soap.
- In the same way you did when you removed slime with dish soap, but instead you will use detergent.
- You will only need running water and your most preferred baby laundry detergent.
6. Remove Slime By Hand Soap
- Whatever type of hand soap you use, whether scented, colorless, or not, slime can still be removed from your fabric with hand soap.
- However, you should immediately wash your clothes using hand soap to remove the slime.
- Mix hot water and liquid hand soap to create a solution.
- Use it directly on the infected area, soaking it under water while scrubbing it with bare hands.
- Make sure you continue to process for about 45 seconds or until you can see only the slime’s color marks.
- Upon removing all slime residues, wash the clothing in cold water.
How To Remove “Old Slime” Stains On Washable Clothes
Slime that is stuck to fabric after drying or going through the dryer, before treating stains, remove it safely by following these steps.
1. Harden The Dried Slime
Take a plastic bag and place a few ice cubes inside. To harden the slime, place the bag on it.
If you prefer, you can place the clothing wrapped in a plastic bag. The bag should be placed in a freezer for a few hours.
2. Get Rid Of Slime Safely
When the slime hardens, peel it off gently with your fingernails or a tweezer.
3. Treat The Dirt & Stains
You can use the same spot removal tips on fresh slime to get rid of the stain completely.
How To Get “Dried Slime” Out Of Clothing
Dry slime should first be removed with ice. If this method doesn’t work, ice isn’t available, or you don’t have a freezer, you can try the 2nd method.
Materials Required:
- White vinegar.
- Baking soda.
- A spoon.
- Water.
Method:
- With a spoon, gently scrape away as much dried slime as possible.
- Make a smooth paste by mixing white vinegar, baking soda, & water. Water and vinegar should be mixed equally.
- Put the paste on the slime to cover it. Multiple layers of paste should be applied until the slime is no longer visible.
- The dried paste should be allowed to air dry.
- With a clean paper towel, wipe off the dry paste.
- As usual, wash the clothes.
How To Get “Fluffy Slime” Out of Clothes
” Fluffy slime only differs from normal slime by having shaving cream,” says Barrett. In addition, removing it from clothing is quite a hassle, despite its cheery, fluffy appearance. To remove fluffy slime from clothes, follow these steps:
Materials Required:
- Vinegar.
- Soft toothbrush.
Method:
- The slime needs to be scraped off as much as possible.
- To remove stains, apply vinegar to the area.
- After 10 minutes, allow it to sit.
- Scrub off any remaining slime with a soft toothbrush.
- When you heat-dry a fabric with slime firmly stuck to it, it will become nearly unremovable to remove.
- Once the slime has been removed, wash as usual.
How To Get Slime Out Of “Carpet”
Slime can be removed from wet carpet in the following ways.
- You should scrub away as much slime as possible from the carpet.
- To eliminate embedded slime, gently scrape it with a spoon onto paper towels.
- Make a spray bottle with 1/3 water and 2/3 cup white vinegar.
- Apply the cleaner on top of the slime & allow it to soak in.
- The cleaner should be worked in with a scrub brush to soften & dissolve slime.
- You can repeat this process as necessary by blotting the liquid with a white cloth.
- Vacuum the rest with a wet or dry vac.
- Remove color stains with rubbing alcohol.
- Spray baking soda on the carpet to get rid of the vinegar smell, then vacuum after it dries.
How To Get Slime Out Of A “Couch”
If you’re trying to clean slime from a microfiber couch, you’ll need ice first. You can scrape away the excess slime by freezing it with ice. Use vinegar to test for color fastness in a hidden area. The remaining slime stain can be removed with vinegar & a clean damp cloth if it’s safe. Other upholstery can also be cleaned with the following tips.
Materials Required:
- White vinegar.
- Soft brush.
- Clean cloth.
- Water.
Method:
- Make sure the slime is removed as much as possible, just don’t scrub.
- Make a spray bottle with 1/3 water and 2/3 cup white vinegar.
- Let the white vinegar solution soak in liberally.
- Gently scrub the fabric with a soft brush after applying the cleaning solution.
- In order to eliminate the vinegar odor, scrub the area with plain water & a clean cloth.
- The spot will dry faster if you place a towel over it.
Be sure to remove all slime stains before it thoroughly dries. Most upholstery and fabrics can be cleaned the same way as slime off a couch. However, test a small area inconspicuously first.
The Best Way To Clean Slime Off “Walls”
Although slime can be easily scraped off of hard surfaces, the dye in the slime can still leave a mark. Whenever you’re cleaning walls to wipe away slime, use minimal pressure to prevent removing paint. If any drips occur, wipe them up immediately with towels.
Materials Required:
- Baking soda
- Paper towel
- Detergent
- Water
Method:
- Baking soda and water can be mixed into a thick paste and applied directly to the stained area with your fingers.
- Using a paper towel, wipe off the paste once it has dried.
- Using a bowl of water and mild detergent, mix a drop of slime if it has already dried. Wipe the slime off the wall with a cloth after skimming off the suds.
- Using a wet magic eraser, squeeze out any excess water.
- Apply a gentle circular motion over the slime stain, alternating between clean sponge parts.
- After wiping the wall, use a clean, moist cloth to wipe away any residue. It’s done.
For more powerful cleaning, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a Natural All-Purpose Cleaner.
How To Get Slime Out Of “Hair”
Slime can easily be removed from hair by showering, shampooing, and conditioning. When removing oils and residues, you should use very hot water. For extra power, mix some degreasing dish soap with white vinegar while showering. Ensure that your hair is thoroughly rinsed and aired dry. When these 2 methods don’t work, visit the kitchen.
- A handful of peanut butter from a jar is all you need.
- Spread peanut butter on your hair, starting at roots to ends, covering your entire head.
- Give the peanut butter 10 minutes to do its magic, then shower & shampoo your hair with hot water.
However, your hair might need to be washed twice, & you’ll need to rinse really well to remove oily residue.
Slime Stains: How To Prevent Them
If you want to minimize slime stains on your kid’s clothing, follow these effective tips.
- Don’t let your kids play with slime without covering their clothes. Make a slime-proof apron with an old adult shirt.
- If you’re making your DIY slime, you might want to skip the dye or food coloring.
- Whenever you desire to use dye, use food-grade, water-based coloring.
- For babies and young children, water slime and soap flakes provide plenty of play opportunities & don’t stain.
Best Slime-Removal Products
After trying the previous techniques and failing, you might consider something like Sticky Stuff Remover, Goo Gone, Sticky Out, or another product that removes glue, labels, or sticky stuff.
Generally, using these products is the same as using white vinegar. However, you should wash any treated clothing separately.
FAQs
01. Does Slime Come Out of Clothes in the Wash?
Washing clothes straight in the washer won’t get slime out. Your fabric may get slime residue if you don’t treat it first. Besides that, slime can get on other clothes too. Even your washing machine can stain items after it’s washed.
02. How Do You Get Slime Out of Sheets?
Sheets can be cleaned the same way as clothes, as described above.
03. How Do You Get Slime Out of Carpet Without Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar?
Make a paste with baking soda, vinegar, & water. After the paste has dried, vacuum it up. Finally, wash it off with hot soapy water.
04. How do you get wet slime out of clothes without vinegar?
Yes, of course. Pour dish soap all over the slimy area, and using your hands and running water, scrub it together. You’ll see that the slime comes off pretty nicely, then you can clean the shirt like you normally would.
05. Does slime come out of clothes in the wash?
“Vinegar has acetic acid, that dissolves slime, so your clothes will be like new soon.,” you can similarly do this with rubbing alcohol. Also, rubbing laundry detergent on the area and rinsing with warm water works.
06. Is vinegar safe for black clothes?
Sure. White vinegar is a great natural protector against dark colored clothes. Dark clothes can be treated with vinegar in a couple of ways. When the wash is done, add vinegar during the rinse cycle. If you do this, it will rinse out & not smell.
The Bottom Line
After learning how to get slime out of clothes, you might be able to tackle this DIY yourself.
Fortunately, you can remove slime with Vinegar, Dish Soap, Hand Soap, Laundry Detergent, Ice Cubes, Rubbing Alcohol, or Nail Polish Remover. Despite slime being pretty easy to remove from fabrics & carpets, there are always exceptions. Occasionally, hiring a professional might be a good idea. Each expert has their own threshold for when they’re ready to hire a professional.