How to remove fabric glue from clothes
Fabric glue is an excellent alternative if you’re not able to sew; it sticks many different textiles together with a strong, long-lasting bond.
However, if you've applied excess adhesive, or it drips on your clothes by accident, trying to get glue off clothes can be a nightmare! In this guide we'll take you step-by-step to discover how to remove fabric glue from clothes, without damaging them.
So, regardless of if the glue you're looking to remove is wet or dry, read on for the best way to remove glue from fabric.
Everything you need to remove fabric glue
For wet fabric glue:
- Rubber gloves
- A bowl of soapy water
- Sponge or soft brush
- Apron - to protect your clothes
For dry fabric glue:
- Rubber gloves
- Dry stain remover or acetone-based remover
- Cotton bud or sponge
- Apron - to protect your clothes
Step-by-step for how to remove adhesive from fabric
Option 1: removing wet glue
- Protect yourself by effectively wearing protective gloves and an apron - let's avoid another accident!
- Position your affected item of clothing on a protected work surface.
- Prepare a bowl of soapy water and rub it on the affected area using a sponge or a soft brush.
- Wash your garment as usual in a washing machine.
Option 2: removing dry glue
Unfortunately, removing dried glue is often more difficult than wet adhesive, so it’s important to always take the utmost care and urgency to remove any accidental spills quickly. But fear not! If the glue has dried, follow our steps to removing dry glue from clothes:
- Grab some stain remover or alternative acetone-based product. You'll want to create a small test patch in a hidden area on the clothing to ensure it won't cause any damage to the textile.
- Apply as much dry stain remover as needed on the affected area using a sponge or cotton bud, depending on the size of the glue stain.
- Gently dab at the stain to lift the dried adhesive, starting at the centre and working outward.
- Blot away excess stain remover and then wash the garment in the washing machine.
Glue it right – how to use fabric glue without accidents
By following these simple, preventative tips, you could save yourself the time, stress, and effort of removing adhesive from your clothes:
- Work on a protected surface and ensure items to be glued are dry, clean, and free from grease and dust. Protect yourself by wearing an apron and rubber gloves.
- Ensure the tube is held upright and pointing away from you, and unscrew the cap.
- Push the top of the cap into the top of the tube to pierce the seal, then screw on the applicator.
- Avoiding skin contact, apply a small amount of fabric glue to both surfaces and spread using the applicator.
- Press both surfaces together immediately and allow to dry.
- After use, remove the applicator and replace the cap.
- Wash the applicator in warm soapy water whilst still wet to remove the adhesive, so it's ready for next time.
It's important to pay attention to the on pack instructions and storage information to ensure the fabric glue is applied and kept appropriately.
