Every time my kids find something new to keep in what I call the “busy bin” (aka quiet time activities the kids can do on their own), there’s a good chance it involves mess. My kids LOVE painting, coloring, slime, playdoh… so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I have had to find effective ways of cleaning these out of clothes, off of tables, and sometimes off the rug too.
My best advice for getting slime out of clothes is to act fast and don’t let it set, and then remove it depending on what the base is. (If you don’t know, just assume it’s glue based!) One time I didn’t try to get the slime out right away, and figured it would just come out in the wash. I was so wrong. Now after many washes later, that slime stain is still there (it was on a tablecloth!).
To get slime out of clothes, follow these effective steps depending on the slime type (especially if it contains glue):
The Easy Way to Get Slime Out of Clothes
Most homemade slime recipes involve a combination of glue, borax (or another activator, like saline solution), water, and often food coloring or glitter. This mixture creates a sticky, polymer substance that clings to fabric fibers. Store-bought slime often contains similar ingredients, though the exact formulation can vary from brand to brand. It doesn’t matter what kind of slime your kids like – they all stick to clothing. Here are the best ways to get slime out of clothes.
The Best Ingredient to Remove Slime
White vinegar is hands-down the best way to remove slime.
First you’ll want to scrape off any excess slime. I use either a butter knife or something with a similar edge (even a spoon works). If there’s a lot of slime on the clothing, stick it in the freezer for about 20 minutes. (The slime will slightly harden, making it easier to scrape off of the fabric.) Then pour the white vinegar directly on the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to break down the glue without diluting it. Use an old toothbrush or other soft brush to gently scrub the area in circular motions. (Not necessary, but definitely helpful!) If the slime is stubborn, repeat the 5-10 minute soak. If it’s just a little sticky, you can use your everyday dish soap on the spot to see if it removes that leftover stickiness. Dish soap can be really helpful in removing slime because it helps to break down the slime and any grease from it.
Once you’ve done this process, go ahead and machine wash your fabric as normal. Don’t put it in the dryer until you’re absolutely sure the stain is gone. Using heat can permanently set the stain!
And if that doesn’t work, try using rubbing alcohol
If you go through the vinegar method and it doesn’t work, your slime might not be glue-based. Dab rubbing alcohol (also called isopropyl alcohol) on the stain using a clean cloth. (Spot test elsewhere on the fabric first to make sure it doesn’t affect the color!). Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse off.
If the slime has dried on your clothes
All you need to do is wet the slime, using ice cubes or just by dabbing it with water. If the slime has dried on your clothes and you haven’t put it through a heat cycle, it’s fine to wet it before you start the cleaning process I described above!
What NOT to do when trying to remove slime from clothes
There are a few general rules when you’re trying to remove slime from clothing. Don’t use hot water, because heat can help the slime actually set into the clothing. Always use cold water or ice cubes if you need to wet the garment. Don’t use bleach, as it will definitely discolor your clothing and may not help with the slime. And don’t vigorously rub the slime stain. Instead, gently dab at the stain so it doesn’t get pushed farther into the fibers of the clothing.
With these tips and tricks, hopefully you’ll get your slime stain out quickly and without any headache. The number one thing to remember is to not put your clothes through a regular wash (or dry) cycle without trying these tips for getting the slime out.
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