Ouch! Super glue spilled on clothes! Fortunately, this glue can be removed from the fabric. The difficulty in cleaning it is determined by how much glue is spilled onto the clothes. First, let the glue dry and then try to scrape it off the clothes. If you still have stains on your clothes, try using acetone and washing them thoroughly.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Scrape Glue
Step 1. Take delicates to a professional laundromat
Scraping off superglue spills, using acetone, and washing may work with most types of material, but they can damage delicate fabrics. Fortunately, professional laundromats have products that can safely remove glue from clothes.
- Check the labels on clothes. If it says "dry cleaning," take the garment to the dry cleaners for dry cleaning.
- Fine fabrics include silk, lace and chiffon.
Step 2. Let the glue dry by itself
Be patient and wait for the glue to dry. Trying to clean the glue that's still wet will only make the problem worse. However, don't try to speed up the drying of the glue with a tumble dryer or the stain will permanently soak into the clothes.
Step 3. Soak the spilled clothes in ice water if you are in a hurry
The time it takes for the glue to dry should only be 15-20 minutes. However, if you don't have time to wait that long, pour some water into a bowl, then add enough ice to cool. Dip the glue-affected area of clothing in the water for a few seconds and then remove it. The ice water will make the glue harden.
Step 4. Scrape off as much glue as possible from the clothes
Place the garment on a hard surface and then scrape off the glue with your fingernail or the tip of a spoon. You may not be able to remove all of the glue, but you should be able to reduce most of it.
Skip this step if your garment is made of loose fibrous material such as knit or fine muslin, or your garment may tear
Step 5. Observe the area where the glue spilled and determine if you need to continue
Sometimes, just scraping the glue off the clothes is enough. However, if there are still enough lumps of glue stuck to your clothes, you'll need to move on to the next step: using acetone.
Part 2 of 3: Wetting the Glue with Acetone
Step 1. Test the use of acetone on a hidden area
Soak a cotton ball in 100% acetone and press it into a hidden area of the garment such as behind the seam. Wait for a few seconds then remove the cotton ball from the garment.
- If the color of the garment does not change and the material is intact, you can continue.
- If the color of the clothes changes or the material is damaged, stop then rinse the area with water and take the clothes to the dry cleaners.
Step 2. Press a cotton ball soaked in acetone on the glue spill area
Soak another cotton ball in 100% acetone. Press into the area where the glue is spilled, but try to avoid the surrounding area. That way, you can minimize damage to your clothes.
You can also use a piece of white cloth instead of a cotton ball. However, do not use colored or patterned fabrics
Step 3. Wait for the glue to soften then remove the cotton ball
Check for glue spills every few minutes. The time it takes for the glue to soften is determined by how much glue is spilled, the chemicals that make up the glue, the type of clothing material, etc. You may have to wait about 3-15 minutes.
Step 4. Scrape off the glue that has softened
Again, use your fingernail or the tip of a spoon to scrape off the glue. Maybe the glue won't lift completely, but that's okay. To safely remove superglue, you must clean it carefully.
Don't use fingernails if you're using nail polish. The clothes are already moistened with acetone and this can dissolve the nail polish, adding to the stain on the clothes
Step 5. Use acetone again if necessary
Although effective, acetone can only remove the top layer of glue. This means that you may have to wet your clothes and scrape off any glue spills again and again. If there are still large globs of glue on the clothes, moisten a cotton ball with acetone and wipe again.
Part 3 of 3: Washing Clothes
Step 1. Use a stain remover product before washing clothes
Once most of the glue stain has been removed, pour the stain remover product on the clothes. Massage this product on the stained area then rinse with cold water.
Step 2. Wash clothes according to the cycle and temperature stated on the label
This step will remove any remaining glue stains. Most types of material can be washed in warm or cold water. However, if there is no label on the garment, use cold water and a gentle cycle to wash it.
If you don't have time to wash your clothes, simply clean the area of the glue spill with cold water and soap. Rinse the area then pat dry with a towel
Step 3. Wash the clothes again if the stain is not clear
If the glue stain is very light, you may only need to wash the clothes one more time. However, if the glue spill is still quite obvious, you may need to clean it up with acetone one more time.
Do not put clothes in the dryer if the stain is still there. However, you can wind it up
Step 4. Dry the clothes after the stain is completely gone
The safest thing is to let the clothes dry on their own. However, you can use a tumble dryer if you're sure the glue stain is completely gone. Do not put the clothes in the dryer if the glue stain remains after washing. Otherwise, the stain will actually seep into the fibers of the clothes.
If the glue stain is still there, put the clothes back in the washing machine. You can also clean it with acetone again, or take the clothes to the dry cleaners
Tips
- You can use an acetone-based nail polish remover solution. Be sure to use a clear solution so you don't leave colored stains on your clothes.
- If you can't find acetone, try using lemon juice instead. You can also try using a regular nail polish remover solution.
- Ask the laundromat for advice if you are in doubt.
