Glue stains can range in difficulty when attempting to remove them from clothes and other fabrics. Some, such as washable liquid school glue, usually come off pretty easily. But others, including commercial adhesives, nail glue, and sticker residue, are tougher adhesives to remove due to their longer-lasting composition. Show
Here are seven types of glue stains and what it takes to remove these adhesives from clothing and
carpet. TipMost of the time, glues and adhesives can be removed from washable clothes and carpet. But if any type of glue lands on dry clean-only clothing, head to a
professional dry cleaner and point out the stain to get the best results. MaterialsCommercial Adhesives
Glitter Glue
Hot Glue
Rubber Cement
Super Glue
White School Glue
How to Remove Commercial AdhesivesCommercial adhesives, sometimes called construction adhesives, can be very difficult to remove from clothes or other material. Consider buying an adhesive remover at the same time you purchase the adhesive.
WarningAlways test any solvents or stain remover on a hidden area of the clothing or carpet before using. It's best to check the item is colorfast before using it. Click Play to Learn How to Quickly Remove Glue and Adhesive StainsThe Spruce / Georgia Lloyd
TipIf you need to remove commercial adhesive from carpet, try freezing the adhesive with some ice cubes in a plastic bag. Once frozen, try to break away the adhesive. Then, use the recommended adhesive solvent following the directions. If a stain remains, spot treat the area with a solvent or stain remover. How to Remove Nail GlueArtificial nail glue is essentially the same chemical formula as super glue. The main ingredient is cyanoacrylate, an acrylic resin that cures almost instantly. When spills happen on fabrics and carpet, do not panic and do not wipe at the glue—you will only spread it around. Allow the glue to dry before attempting to remove it. WarningCertain fabrics cannot stand up to nail polish remover. Acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabric dissolve in fingernail polish remover, acetone, and paint thinner. Read the fiber content label first. If you use nail polish remover on these materials, it can cause holes that cannot be fixed. To remove nail glue from these fibers, consult a professional dry cleaner.
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TipIf you find a fingernail glue stain on a carpet, mix a solution of 1 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent, and 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar, and wait for the glue to dry. Then, dip a clean white cloth, paper towel, or sponge in the solution, and give the area a quick scrub. Blot with a clean cloth dipped in plain water to rinse, and then let the stained area air-dry. How to Remove Glitter GlueGlitter glue is a combination product, joining simple white school glue with dyes and glitter, which can make stains even harder to eliminate.
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TipIf glitter glue was found stuck to a carpet, use a tool with a dull edge to lift away as much of the glue stain as possible. Then, mix a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water. Saturate the stained area, and allow the solution to work for at least one hour. After an hour, wipe away with a clean dry cloth. If dye remains, repeat with a fresh solution of oxygen bleach. Once all of the dye is gone, sponge with plain water and allow the carpet to air-dry. How to Remove Hot GlueHot glue guns and sticks are a crafter's best friend. However, hot glue resin and fabric do not mix.
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How to Remove Rubber CementRubber cement is great for crafting but can leave a stain on clothes. Like other adhesives, do not rub the stain because it pushes the glue deeper into the fabric.
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TipTo remove rubber cement from fabric, scrape off as much as possible from the surface using a dull edge. Treat the area with a stain remover or a bit of heavy-duty laundry detergent. Then, wash in the hottest water approved for the fabric. How to Remove Super GlueSuper glue is similar to nail glue, so its stain removal instructions are similar. Because this method involves acetone, remember certain fabrics made from acetate, triacetate, or modacrylic fabrics can dissolve in fingernail polish remover (acetone) and paint thinner. Even if the clothes are only an acetate blend, a hole will appear and cannot be repaired. Consult a professional dry cleaner for removing stains from any of these fabrics.
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How to Remove White School GlueWhite school glue is a staple for every kid and crafter. Fortunately, the stains are fairly easy to remove. White glue is a protein stain that can usually be removed by rinsing in cold water before washing. The stains are easiest to remove if treated while fresh.
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For all of these glue stains, try repeating the cleaning method if the stain persists. Once the stain is gone, wash the garment as you normally would. Do not place the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. How do you get dried glue out of fabric?Soak the glue in cold water, then blot the glue with a wet sponge. If the glue persists, apply acetone (or an acetone-based product) with a cotton swab, starting at the stuck glue's seam and working outward, careful not to apply too much directly on the fabric. Blot away excess acetone and softened glue with a cloth.
Can vinegar remove glue from clothes?Yes – vinegar contains acetic acid, which can break down both water-based and super glue. It's best used for more stubborn glue stains that remain after either rinsing out with water or using acetone (detailed in the methods above).
How do you get glue off clothes without acetone?Simply soak a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, in the water and then scrub the glue on your shoes. A fabric bag or purse can also benefit from the scraping and scrubbing technique, using warm water and soap and the soft-bristled toothbrush.
Does glue come out of clothing?Most of the time, glues and adhesives can be removed from washable clothes and carpet. But if any type of glue lands on dry clean-only clothing, head to a professional dry cleaner and point out the stain to get the best results.
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