How to Get Slime Out of Clothes: A Complete Guide
Slime is a fantastic sensory toy for kids, sparking creativity and providing hours of fun. However, that fun can quickly turn to frustration when a glob of colorful, gooey slime finds its way onto a brand-new shirt or favorite pair of pants. The sticky, and sometimes glittery, substance can seem impossible to remove. The good news is that with the right approach, you can learn how to get slime out of clothes and save the garment from the donation pile.
This guide will walk you through several effective methods for removing slime. We will cover steps for fresh and dried stains, and also explain when it’s best to call in the professionals.
First Steps: What to Do Immediately
The moment you notice slime on fabric, acting quickly can make a huge difference. The sooner you address the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
- Scrape Off the Excess: Use a spoon, butter knife, or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape away as much of the surface slime as possible. Avoid rubbing or pressing it deeper into the fabric fibers.
- Avoid Hot Water (Initially): Many slime recipes use glue as a base, which can set permanently when exposed to heat. Always start your stain removal process with cool or cold water. Do not throw the garment directly into a hot wash cycle.
- Check the Care Label: Before applying any cleaning solution, check the garment’s care label. Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or those labeled “dry clean only” may require professional attention to avoid damage.
How to Get Slime Out of Clothes with Vinegar
White vinegar is a household staple and an excellent tool for breaking down the sticky polymers in slime. Its acidic nature helps dissolve the goo without being overly harsh on most fabrics.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- A soft brush (like an old toothbrush)
- A clean cloth or paper towels
- Laundry detergent
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove Excess Slime: Scrape off any loose slime from the surface of the clothing. If the slime has dried, you might need to pick off the hardened pieces first.
- Apply Vinegar: Pour a generous amount of white vinegar directly onto the stained area. Make sure the entire slime spot is saturated. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You should notice the slime starting to soften and break apart.
- Gently Scrub: Use a soft brush to gently scrub the area in a circular motion. This helps work the vinegar into the fibers and lift the slime particles. For more delicate fabrics, you can blot the area with a vinegar-soaked cloth instead of scrubbing.
- Rinse with Cool Water: Rinse the garment under cool running water to wash away the vinegar and loosened slime.
- Wash as Usual: Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the treated area and gently rub it in. Then, wash the garment in your washing machine on a cold cycle, following the care label instructions.
- Air Dry: Before putting the clothing in the dryer, inspect the spot to ensure the stain is completely gone. The heat from a dryer can set any remaining residue, making it nearly impossible to remove later. If any stain remains, repeat the process.
Using Dish Soap for Greasy Slime Stains
Some slime varieties, especially fluffy or buttery types, contain ingredients like lotion or shaving cream that can leave a greasy residue. In these cases, a good-quality dish soap can be very effective.
What You’ll Need:
- Liquid dish soap
- A soft brush
- Cool water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Scrape and Remove: As always, start by removing any excess slime from the fabric.
- Apply Dish Soap: Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain. Add a small amount of cool water.
- Work into a Lather: Use your fingers or a soft brush to gently work the soap into a lather. The dish soap will start to break down the greasy components of the slime.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the area with cool water until all the soap and slime residue is gone.
- Launder as Normal: Wash the clothing item on a cold cycle with your regular detergent. Check for any remaining stain before drying.
When DIY Methods Aren’t Enough
While vinegar and dish soap are effective for many slime situations, some stains are particularly stubborn. Dried-on glitter slime, deeply embedded stains on thick fabrics like denim, or stains on delicate materials present a greater challenge. Applying the wrong technique or solution can lead to discoloration, fabric damage, or a permanent stain.
If you’ve tried the methods above and the stain persists, or if you’re dealing with a garment made of silk, wool, velvet, or any fabric marked as “dry clean only,” it is best to seek professional help. Forcing the issue at home can do more harm than good.
Trust Instacare with Your Toughest Stains
Knowing how to get slime out of clothes is a useful skill for any parent. But sometimes, you need a solution that guarantees perfect results without the effort. That’s where Instacare Laundry comes in.
Our team of cleaning experts has the knowledge, tools, and professional-grade solvents to tackle even the most challenging stains, including dried-on slime. We understand fabric care and use specialized techniques to restore your garments to their pristine condition. Don’t risk damaging your favorite outfits. Let us handle the tough work for you.
Why Choose Instacare?
- Expert Stain Removal: We have experience with a wide range of stains, from slime and grass to wine and ink.
- Convenience: Schedule a pickup through our app or website, and we’ll handle the rest. We offer free pickup and delivery to fit your busy schedule.
- Quality Care: We treat every item with the highest level of care, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
Book Your Laundry Service Today
The next time a slime experiment goes wrong, don’t stress. For everyday stains, use the tips above. For stubborn messes or delicate fabrics, trust the professionals at Instacare. We make laundry easy, so you can focus on what matters most—like your family’s next creative project.
Download the Instacare app or visit our website to schedule your pickup and let us restore your clothes to perfection.
