Glue stains are certainly a big problem for anyone who would like to have furniture, fabric and other object surfaces… free of adhesives and other impurities.
However, it is good to give things their due credit!To make things stick together, glue has its beneficial uses. And we could hardly do without glue in our work or for our DIY projects.
Despite this advantage – as suggested by our focus today – there is a big problem. A glue stain on clothes leaves you with a sticky situation that is often difficult to get out of.
But let’s not despair. First, try to consult the glue package to understand if there are specific instructions for removing this adhesive.
In case there aren’t any instructions you can easily follow… follow the advice below, starting by letting the glue dry and then carefully removing the excess with a knife.
At this point, you will only need a container for soaking, and a liquid detergent specifically designed for removing glue stains. In other cases, you may get excellent results by rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to pre-treat the surface.
How to Remove “Simple” Glue Stains
Let’s start by understanding how to remove the simplest glue stains .
As we have already introduced a few lines above, the first step you need to do is to remove any excess glue. Scrape the excess adhesive off the garment with a fork or butter knife, being careful not to tear the fabric.
Then, proceed with the soaking. Soak the garment in cold water for 5 minutes, and then proceed to remove the glue again, which, by then, should have loosened. Repeat this operation until it is no longer possible to remove the glue.
If you want to get even more effective results, try to buy a device specifically for removing stains and glue. On the package you will certainly find instructions for using the right doses to achieve your results. Generally speaking, it will be enough to pour the detergent into the dispenser and then add it to water.
Again, put the garment in the washing machine with other clothes. Wash on the usual cycle, at the hottest wash temperature indicated. Always check the instructions on the garment’s label to avoid choosing the wrong wash cycle.
When the wash cycle is complete, remove the items from the washer.
If the stain remains, repeat the previous steps.
How to Remove Stubborn Glue Stains
But how do you remove the most stubborn glue stains?
In this case, things are a little more difficult. Sure, you can count on superglue to hold pretty much anything, but if you happen to get it on your clothes… things change, and quite a bit!
It is true that there is no need to panic, but it is also true to take into consideration the fact that in order to remove strong glue stains, you must use alcohol or nail polish to pre-treat the surface. However, do not attempt this treatment on delicate fabrics!
But let’s proceed step by step:
- let the glue dry and then carefully scrape off the excess, as we did in the previous paragraph;
- Perform a colorfastness test: Apply the solvent to an inconspicuous area of the garment with a cotton swab, and let it sit for 1 – 3 minutes before applying a paper towel to the area. If you do not see any color bleeding onto the paper towel, then the garment is colorfast and you can continue pre-treating;
- apply alcohol to rub the stain gently, with a cotton cloth. Rub the stain from the outside in to avoid spreading it, and continue until the strong glue has been removed.
After the excess glue is removed, pour the stain-removing detergent directly onto the glue residue, making sure to completely cover the area. Let it sit for the indicated time to loosen the stain. Continue washing as usual, following the steps we have already described.
How to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes
Let’s take this opportunity to understand how to remove chewing gum from clothes .
If the gum is dry, scrape off as much of the substance as possible with a butter knife. If you are not dealing with delicate fabrics, you can also try using a solvent such as alcohol or nail polish remover to loosen the gum on the garment.
After removing the excess gum, pre-treat the stain with stain-removing detergent. You can pour it directly onto the stain and let it sit for 20 minutes. Continue washing as usual following the directions above.
Remember, when dealing with glue stain on clothes:
- you must let the glue dry before rubbing to avoid spreading it further into the fibres;
- You must let the glue dry naturally, as applying heat hardens the stain.
Check the fabric content of your garment and the label first before attempting to use a solvent to remove glue. Be sure to test the garment for colorfastness and do not try these solutions on delicate fabrics.
