As far as sticky stains go, glue has got to be high up on the list! If you've had a craft session go south and are worried about permanent damage on a favorite blouse or pair of jeans, don't sweat just yet! Try this quick and easy method for how to remove glue on clothes and avoid a sticky wardrobe situation.

What causes glue stains?

A good glue is easy to use, sticky, and hard to remove. Unfortunately, the same qualities that make glue such a useful tool in crafting are bad news for your clothes. Glue’s sticky nature means when it comes into contact with your clothes, it can adhere tightly and penetrate the fibers of the material, making it difficult to remove. Additionally, different types of glue have different chemical compositions, some of which can leave discoloration or staining even once the glue itself has been removed.

Removing glue stains can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Our guide to how to remove glue on clothes will help you safely and effectively remove glue stains without causing further damage.

How to Remove Glue on Clothes

What you’ll need: Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods, Vinegar

Step 1: Rest Stain

First, it’s time to remove glue from fabric. Allow the glue to dry, then try using a dull knife or the side of a credit card to gently scrape off any excess glue lingering on your item. Do not attempt to scrape or rub off the glue when it is wet, as this will only push the glue deeper into the fibers.

Step 2: Remove Glue

Soak in the affected area in cold water for 5 minutes, then remove any glue that has loosened. In most cases, this should be all you need to remove the glue! If any stubborn glue remains, try soaking the stain in white vinegar for up to 15 minutes, then gently rub the stain with a cloth or brush. Rinse the stain with cold water and repeat until the glue is fully removed.

Step 3: Wash

When you are satisfied with the spot treatment, wash the item in the warmest water suggested by the garment’s care label with a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod. Depending on the glue, you may see some light staining or discoloration. The enzymes in our Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent should help break down and lift that stain. We also recommend adding an Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra brightening and whitening! Our Oxi Booster Pods are a chlorine-free bleach alternative that tackle stubborn stains and odors without bleaching your clothes or adding harsh chemicals to your washing routine.

Step 4: Dry

When the wash is done and the stain is gone, dry the item as usual according to the care label. Be sure the stain is fully lifted before putting the garment in the dryer, as the heat from a dryer can cause any remaining stains to set further and be more difficult to remove in the future. Once the stain is fully gone, you can dry the item worry-free!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about how to remove glue on clothes? We’re here to help.

How do you get dried fabric glue out of clothes?

Fabric glue, by design, is difficult to get out of clothes–but it’s not impossible! If the glue persists after following our instructions above, consider the following methods.

• Warm water: soak the dried super glue in warm water for several minutes until it softens enough to be scraped away.
• White Vinegar: soak a Swedish Dish Cloth in white vinegar, then lay it over the affected area and let it sit for several minutes. This should soften the glue so it can be removed.
• Rubbing Alcohol: Dab rubbing alcohol onto the dried glue stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a clean Swedish Dish Cloth to gently rub the area until the glue starts to come off. Be sure to spot test the rubbing alcohol in an inconspicuous place on the garment first, to make sure it doesn’t react with or stain the fabric further.

Does adhesive glue come out of clothes?

Yes, it is possible to remove glue from fabric with the proper cleaning methods! In general, the more quickly you act, the easier it is to remove a stain. While you should only attempt to remove glue from clothing once it has dried, we recommend removal as soon as the stain has dried, rather than letting it sit overnight or for several days.

How do you get super glue off clothes without acetone?

Super glue is perhaps the most difficult type of glue to remove from clothes. When dealing with super glue and other commercial adhesives, many people recommend using acetone, or an acetone-based nail polish remover. However, there’s no need to run out and purchase acetone if you don’t have any! Here are a few alternative products and methods you can try.

• Warm water: soak the dried super glue in warm water for several minutes until it softens enough to be scraped away.
• White Vinegar: soak a Swedish Dish Cloth in white vinegar, then lay it over the affected area and let it sit for several minutes. This should soften the glue so it can be removed.
• Enzymatic Detergent: apply a detergent that contains enzymes, like our Ultra Concentrated Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent, directly to the stain and rub it gently. The enzymes in the detergent should work to break down the source of the stain. Rinse with warm water and repeat until removed.

Does vinegar remove adhesive from clothes?

Vinegar can be a great tool for how to get glue out of clothes! Soak the affected area in white vinegar for up to 15 minutes, then gently rub the stain with a cloth or brush. Rinse the stain with cold water and repeat until the glue is fully removed, then wash the garment as usual in the washing machine.