Slime is fun to play with—until it ends up stuck to your favorite T-shirt or your child’s school uniform. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to get slime out of clothes, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This common parenting (and crafting) dilemma can be solved with a few simple tricks and everyday household items.
Whether the slime is wet or dry, you can remove it completely without damaging your fabric. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process, plus a few pro tips to make cleanup a breeze.
Why Slime Sticks to Fabric
Before you grab your cleaning supplies, it helps to understand why slime is so sticky. Most homemade slime recipes contain glue, borax, and food coloring, which together create a stretchy polymer that clings to fibers. The glue binds tightly to fabric threads, especially if left to dry.
That’s why the faster you act, the easier it is to remove slime. Still, even dried slime can be cleaned with the right approach.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Slime Out of Clothes
Step 1: Remove Excess Slime
Start by scraping off as much slime as possible. Use a spoon, butter knife, or even your fingernail. Be gentle to avoid pushing it deeper into the fabric.
If the slime is still gooey, place the garment in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. Once it hardens, you can easily chip it off.
Step 2: Soak the Stain in Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning hero—and it’s especially effective for breaking down slime’s glue base.
Here’s what to do:
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Lay the garment flat and cover the stained area with white vinegar.
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Let it soak for 5–10 minutes.
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Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Repeat the process if any residue remains.
Tip: Always test vinegar on a small, hidden area of the fabric first, especially for colored clothes.
Step 3: Apply Laundry Detergent
Once most of the slime is gone, apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the spot.
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Rub it in gently with your fingers or a toothbrush.
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Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
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Wash the garment in warm (not hot) water according to its care label.
Avoid using hot water at this stage—heat can set any leftover glue or dye stains permanently.
Step 4: Check Before Drying
Before tossing the clothes into the dryer, inspect the area carefully. Heat can set stains permanently, so make sure the slime is completely gone.
If you still see residue:
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Repeat the vinegar and detergent steps.
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For stubborn stains, mix baking soda and vinegar into a paste and scrub gently.
Bonus Method: Using Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone
For dried or colored slime, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or acetone-based nail polish remover can help.
How to use:
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Dab the stained spot with alcohol using a cotton ball.
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Let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
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Gently scrub, rinse, and launder as usual.
Caution: Test these products on hidden fabric areas first—they can fade or damage certain materials.
Removing Slime with Shaving Cream (Gentle Hack)
If you’re dealing with a delicate fabric, shaving cream is a gentle yet effective option.
Steps:
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Apply a layer of foam shaving cream over the slime stain.
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Let it sit for 10 minutes.
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Rub gently with a soft cloth.
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Rinse and wash normally.
This method works great for cotton and polyester blends.
Tips to Prevent Slime Stains in the Future
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Have kids wear old clothes or play aprons when making slime.
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Cover play areas with plastic sheets or newspapers.
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Choose washable slime recipes that use less glue and coloring.
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Always clean up spills immediately—before the slime dries.
FAQs About How to Get Slime Out of Clothes
1. What removes slime from clothes best?
White vinegar is the most effective and fabric-safe solution. It breaks down slime’s glue base easily.
2. Can I use dish soap to remove slime?
Yes! Dish soap can help loosen sticky residue when combined with warm water.
3. Does slime come out of clothes after washing?
Not always. Washing before treating the slime can make the stain worse. Always pre-treat first.
4. Can vinegar damage colored clothes?
Generally, white vinegar is safe—but test it first, especially on dark or vibrant fabrics.
5. What if the slime contains glitter or dye?
Try using rubbing alcohol to remove extra color before laundering.
Conclusion: Slime Happens, But It’s Easy to Fix
Getting slime on your clothes isn’t the end of the world—it just requires quick action and the right cleaning steps. By using vinegar, detergent, or rubbing alcohol, you can get slime out of clothes easily without damaging the fabric.
