slime on clothes

How to Get Slime Out of Clothes

In recent years, slime has become one of the most popular toys for children. Not only is it suitable for sensory play, but it is also relatively cheap and can be made at home!

Unfortunately, it is also seemingly impossible to remove from clothes, and anyone who has spent time with a child knows that spillages are inevitable.

Fortunately for you, we are experts in stain removal and know precisely how to deal with this problem.

Whether the slime is fresh or dried, we are sure to have a cleaning solution that’s right for you, so why not read on and learn how to get slime out of clothes once and for all?

 

How Do You Get Slime Out of Clothes Fast?

Slime is known for its sticky, gooey texture. Although this makes it fun to play with, it also means that it easily sticks to clothes if you’re not careful.

While it may seem impossible to remove these stains, multiple cleaners will get the slime out.

Depending on the amount of slime on your clothes, you may have to repeat your chosen method a few times to achieve your desired result. However, we guarantee that all traces of slime will be removed from the fabric if you continue to persevere.

No matter which cleaning method you choose, just make sure to follow these three basic rules to make the removal process as easy as possible:

  1. Remove as much slime as possible before you start cleaning the stain. In most cases, you will be able to pick off bits of the slime using your fingers.
  2. Try to deal with the stain as quickly as possible. The slime will stay pliable for the majority of the day, but it will require a different cleaning method once it is dried.
  3. No matter how tempting, don’t put the clothing straight into the washing machine. Always apply a cleaner to the stain first, or you will only make the slime harder to remove later.

Method 1: White vinegar

remove slime stain with white vinegar

One of the best ways to remove slime from your clothing is by using white vinegar.

This is a staple in many homes but can also be picked up fairly cheaply at most major retailers if you currently don’t have any in your cupboards.

The acidic nature of the vinegar easily dissolves the slime, making it easy to rub off.

To use, simply follow the below steps:

  1. Pour enough white vinegar onto the stain to thoroughly coat the slime
  2. Leave the vinegar to work for around 5 minutes
  3. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the slime
  4. Rinse the item of clothing under warm water to remove the remaining slime
  5. Repeat the above steps as necessary and then wash the garment as normal

 

Method 2: Washing-up liquid

This following way of removing slime uses washing-up liquid and is best done over a sink so that you have easy access to running water.

Washing up liquid is an excellent option when you’re unexpectedly faced with a slime stain, as it is found in nearly every home.

Use the following instructions for the best results:

  1. Apply a generous among of washing-up liquid to the slime stain
  2. Run the garment under the tap, rubbing the fabric together as you do so
  3. Repeat the above steps until all traces of slime are gone
  4. Wash the item of clothing as usual

 

Method 3: Laundry detergent

remove slime stain with laundry detergent

An alternative to washing-up liquid that many people will also have on hand at short notice is liquid laundry detergent.

Although any liquid detergent will work, those made for babies tend to be the best for slime removal. For this method, you need to:

  1. Apply liquid laundry detergent to the slime stain
  2. Rub the cloth together while running the fabric under the tap
  3. Repeat as necessary until all traces of slime are gone
  4. Wash the garment as you usually would

 

Method 4: Rubbing alcohol or acetone

If the slime you are trying to remove is made from glue, then rubbing alcohol or acetone may be your best bet.

Acetone is also found in some nail polish removers, so feel free to use one of these instead if you have it available.

We recommend doing a spot test before using any of these products, as they can cause some discolouration.

To use, you will need to:

  1. Use a cotton wool ball to gently dab the liquid onto the slime
  2. Slime will come away with each dab, so replace the cotton wool ball as necessary
  3. Once all traces of slime have gone, throw the clothing into the wash as normal

 

Method 5: Slime-removing products

remove slime stain with slime-removing products

If the previous cleaning techniques don’t work or you would prefer to use a store-bought product, there are plenty of slime-removing cleaners out there.

Although they will all do the job, we recommend trying De.Solv.it’s Sticky Stuff Remover liquid. It’s cheap, can be used on most surfaces, and will also remove other sticky residue stains, such as gum, sticky labels, and wax.

To use any of these products, follow these simple steps:

  1. Coat the slime stain in the slime-removing product
  2. Let the cleaner sit for around 5 minutes
  3. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away the slime
  4. Rinse the garment in warm water to remove all traces of the slime
  5. Repeat as necessary and then wash the clothing as usual

 

How Do You Get Dried Slime Stains Out of Clothes?

No matter how hard you try to catch a stain as soon as it happens, there will always be times when the spillage slips through the cracks.

Dried slime is much harder to remove from clothing than fresh slime, but it is still not impossible! Below are two alternative cleaning methods that are your best bet for removing the dried slime.

Method 1: Ice cubes

ice cubes

It may sound unusual, but ice cubes effectively remove dried slime from clothing. The ice freezes the slime stain, making it hard enough that you can peel it off of your clothes!

If you don’t have ice cubes at hand, you can also put your clothing into the freezer for the same effect.

  1. Press an ice cube onto the slime until it hardens, or place the garment into the freezer for 3-4 hours
  2. Peel the slime off of the fabric
  3. Throw the clothing into the washing machine and wash it as usual

 

Method 2: Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar

Baking Soda and White Vinegar

Your other option for removing dried-on slime stains is to use bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar. When combined, these ingredients form a cleaning paste that is a miracle worker for cleaning.

Not only will it remove all traces of slime from your clothes, but it can also be used to clean ovens, polish silver, and remove stains from carpets! All you need to do is:

  1. Mix two parts bicarbonate of soda with one part white vinegar to form a paste
  2. Cover the stain in even layers of paste until no traces of the slime can be seen
  3. Leave the paste to dry
  4. Wipe away the dried paste using a paper towel and warm water
  5. Wash the garment as usual