Many kids have a great time playing with slime, but this substance is also a nightmare to remove from clothes and other fabrics because of the ingredients it’s made of.
That’s why it’s important to know how to clean it properly, especially if it’s a store-bought product rather than homemade, as the ingredients can actually be unsafe.
So, let’s begin!
How to Remove Dried or Stuck-on Slime in 8 Steps
To remove dried and stuck-on slime from clothes, follow these steps:
1. Scrape the excess slime off
Using a dull knife or spoon, carefully scrape off as much of the dried slime as possible from the fabric. When doing that, be as gentle as you can to avoid damaging the clothing’s fibres. You can also use ice to freeze any remaining slime so you can scrape off more of it. This will work better if the slime stain is fresh rather than dried on.
2. Pre-treat the stain
Apply a pre-treatment solution directly to the affected area of the clothing. For this, you can either use a commercial stain remover or make your own DIY cleaner by mixing liquid dish soap and H2O in a 1:1 ratio. After that, gently rub the solution into the stain using a clean cloth or sponge.
3. Let the solution sit
Allow the pre-treatment solution to penetrate the stain for around 10 to 15 minutes. This will help loosen the dried slime and make it easier to remove later.
4. Rinse with cold water
Rinse the stained area under cold running water to remove the pre-treatment solution and any of the loosened slime. When doing that, hold the fabric with the stained side facing down to prevent the slime from spreading further.
5. Treat the stain with laundry detergent
Apply a bit of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and rub it gently into the fabric. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the detergent to break down the stain.
6. Wash the clothing item as usual
Remember to follow the care instructions on the clothing label. Make sure to also use the appropriate water temperature and laundry detergent for the fabric type.
7. After washing, inspect the garment
Check if the slime stain has been completely removed. If there’s still some residue remaining, avoid drying it because the heat can set it. Instead, repeat the pre-treatment and washing process until the stain is gone.
8. Air dry
Once the stain is removed, air-dry the clothing but avoid using heat from a dryer until you’re certain the stain is completely gone. Once it’s dry, inspect the fabric once again to make sure there are no signs of the slime stain.
How to Wash Your Clothes to Remove Slime
Washing clothes can effectively remove slime stains in most cases, but the success of this method will depend on several factors, such as the type of fabric, how old the stain is, and the cleaning method used.
Some additional advice to consider includes:
- Fresh slime stains. If the slime is still wet or relatively fresh, it will be generally easier to remove.
- Dried slime stains. Dried slime stains can be more challenging to remove. In such cases, pre-treating the stain, using a suitable detergent, and allowing the garment to soak will help loosen the slime before washing the clothing item. In such cases, soaking the clothing in distilled white vinegar for 5 minutes can help. Afterwards, rinse the clothing item while the vinegar is still wet and wash it as you normally would.
- Fabric type. Different fabrics will require different cleaning approaches. Delicate fabrics may need extra care, and it’s essential to check for any specific instructions on the label. For such fabrics, consider spot-cleaning or handing the clothing item to professionals, especially if the stain doesn’t go away.
- Stain persistence. Sometimes, a single washing won’t completely remove the slime stain. If this happens, repeat the pre-treatment and laundering process or consider using alternative stain-removal methods, such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
However, before you do that, always perform a patch test on a small area of the fabric to make sure there will be no damage.
How To Use Dawn Dish Soap To Get Slime Out of Clothes
Dawn dish soap can be an effective product to remove slime stains from clothes. It’s well-known for its grease-cutting properties, making it useful in breaking down and removing sticky substances, such as slime.
To use it, after you’ve scraped off the excess slime from the clothing, apply a small amount of undiluted Dawn dish soap directly onto the slime stain and gently rub it into the fabric, focusing on the affected area.
Allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the stain, and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear and the soap residue is removed.
Finally, wash the clothing as you normally would and inspect the fabric, repeating the process if it’s needed.
When using this product, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of Dawn dish soap may vary depending on factors such as the fabric type, the age of the stain, and the specific slime formulation.
In addition, some coloured or delicate fabrics may require extra caution or an alternative stain-removal method.
How To Remove Slime With Rubbing Alcohol
Similar to Dawn dish soap, rubbing alcohol can also be an effective method to remove slime from clothes because it has solvent properties that can help break down and dissolve the sticky components of the slime.
To use it, after scraping off any excess slime, first, test on a hidden area of the clothing. This way, you’ll make sure that the alcohol won’t cause any discolouration or damage to the fabric.
If there are no adverse effects, you can safely proceed with the process by pouring a small amount of it directly onto the slime stain and using a clean cloth or sponge to dab and blot the stain gently. When doing that, avoid vigorous rubbing because it can spread the stain further.
Continue blotting until you see the slime starting to dissolve and lift from the fabric.
Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this step several times, using a fresh section of the cloth or sponge each time.
Once the slime is dissolved, rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining residue and the clothing as usual. Finally, inspect the fabric to see if the slime stain has been completely removed.
Rubbing alcohol is generally very effective for slime removal, but it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for all fabrics. So, before you proceed with using it, ensure that it is safe to use in that specific situation.
Conclusion
So, now that you learned how to effectively remove slime from your and your kid’s clothes, you can have some peace of mind when you’re letting your little ones play with it. After all, it’s one of the most popular children’s toys for good reason.
Lastly, remember that if you experience any difficulty cleaning slime from your clothes or fabrics, you can always contact expert domestic cleaners to aid you in that endeavour.
