Putty can be one of the most difficult stains to remove. By its nature, putty absorbs clothing fibers and settles there. However, with patience and persistence, you can use home methods to remove the putty from fabrics.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Freezing and Scraping Stains
Step 1. Put the clothes in the freezer
If the stain doesn't show up after a few days, put the clothes in the freezer for a few hours. This method will harden the putty. After a few days, you should be able to "peel" most of the putty with your fingernail or a butter knife. When the putty has hardened, carefully peel it off the fabric. The putty will come off as a large lump.
You can also use ice cubes. The trick, hold the ice on the stain until it freezes. Once frozen, the putty will loosen and can be pulled out easily
Step 2. Scrape the stain from the fabric with scissors
Remove the remnants of putty, little by little. This process will be easier when the stain is frozen. You can also use a butter knife, file, or other scraping tool. Be careful not to cut yourself or the fabric!
Step 3. Finish the job
Once the excess putty has been removed, clean the stained area with rubbing alcohol or a cleaning agent. Most of the stain should be gone, but there's still some left.
Method 2 of 3: Blotting Stains
Step 1. Treat the stain as soon as possible
If you find a stain before it has time to dry, it's best to clean it as soon as possible. Try cleaning the fabric with a normal washing machine cycle using detergent. If the stained garment is white, add bleach. New putty stains or ones that haven't completely dried can be removed with a regular wash.
Step 2. Blot the stain with water
Wet a washcloth or kitchen paper. Press the cloth or paper towel firmly against the putty, and let the water soak in. Pat the area again and again, and rub the stain until it's gone from the fabric. Try to pat as much of the putty off the fabric as possible.
Step 3. Pat the rubbing alcohol on the putty
Once you've removed as much of the putty as possible, dampen a new cloth or kitchen paper with rubbing alcohol. Pat the stain vigorously and allow the alcohol to soak into the fabric. Pat as much as possible to remove the stain.
- You can repeat the process as many times as you want to get rid of the stain. Add alcohol each time.
- Always use the clean part of the towel. If the towel gets too dirty or gets wet with putty, it's best to replace it with a new washcloth.
Step 4. Wash the clothes
After the stain is removed, wash the garment in cold or warm water. When you're done, check the stain to make sure it's clean. You can wash it several times to completely get rid of the stain. Do not put clothes in the dryer if there are still stains left, as the putty will settle in the heat.
Method 3 of 3: Other Methods
Step 1. Use a chemical cleaner
Purchase a commercial cleaner, such as Goof Off Stain Remover, to get the job done. Look for a special putty cleaning product. Follow all manufacturer's instructions for use to ensure perfectly clean clothes.
Warning: Always test new cleaners on used clothes before applying them to your important or favorite clothes
Step 2. Try using hand sanitizer
Antibacterial sanitizing products can remove some stains from clothes, and can be effective on putty. First of all, apply the sanitizer on the stained area. Then, gently rub the area with a tissue or damp cloth. You may need to apply the sanitizer several times if the stain is severe.
Step 3. Scrub with baking soda
Wet the stain with water. Pour the baking soda onto the cloth while it's still wet. Massage the baking soda into the cloth with a washcloth or paper towel until the caulk is completely removed.
