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How to Remove Glue from Fabric

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We’ve all been in the sticky situation of spilling glue on our clothes. But how do we actually remove glue from fabric? In this article, we’ll be breaking down the best ways of removing glue from fabric.

We’ll be covering normal glue, sticky glue, glitter glue, super glue, Elmer’s, and hot glue. By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at removing glue stains.

How to remove glue from fabric general guide

There are a few main ways to remove glue from fabric. These are mainly by using acetone, heat or ironing, water, and freezing. Although each of these methods has their benefits, acetone is the most universal fix. If you’re looking for a fast fix for any type of glue, be sure to purchase some acetate. Here’s how you can use acetate to remove glue from fabric.

Step One – safety checks

Begin using the acetate by testing it on a hidden part of your fabric. Acetate can dissolve some fabric fibers, so it’s best to test before using. If there is no reaction, you can take the next step.

Step Two – apply with a cotton swab

Use a cotton swab to directly apply the acetate onto the glue. This will begin to dissolve the glue.

Step Three – reapply until completely gone

Repeat step two until the glue has completely dissolved. You may need to use a cloth to wipe the glue between applications.

How to remove glue from fabric with an iron

Using an iron to remove glue from fabric

There are three main steps if you want to remove glue from fabric with an iron. First of all, you’re going to want to place a cloth down on your ironing board. This will provide a base that will hold your fabric.

Next, take the fabric with glue on it and place it face down on the cloth. The glue should be touching the cloth. Then, heat up the iron until you believe it is sufficiently hot.

Place the iron directly on top of the fabric where the glue is. Leave it there for between 10 and 20 seconds. This will heat up the fabric and the glue. Remove the iron after you’ve heated the fabric.

You are going to want to peel the fabric and the cloth away from each other. If the glue was hot enough, some of the glue will transfer to the cloth. All you have to do is repeat this process with a clean part of the cloth.

Over time most of the glue will transfer to the cloth. If there are any small bits of glue left on the fabric, use acetone. Applying a light layer should dissolve some of the bonds. You’ll then be able to scrape off the final bits of glue.

How to remove sticker glue from fabric

If you have spilt really sticky glue on fabric, don’t worry! There are steps you can follow to get rid of the glue stain. First of all, you’re going to want to set up a small basin of acetone. Next, get some cotton balls.

Dip the cotton balls into the basin. The cotton ball will absorb some of the acetone. Use this cotton ball to dab at the sticky glue. Keep reapplying the acetone to the cotton ball and repeating this action. The acetone will break down the glue over time.

Try to keep the area wet while you’re doing this action. This means that you’ll need to continue the process once you’ve started. After a few coats, the glue should be coming off with each dab.

In order to reduce any mess, make sure to place the fabric on a clean cloth. You don’t want to spill acetone all over your house. The cloth will soak up any leakage.

How to remove glitter glue from fabric

Glitter glue

To remove glitter glue, you have two options. The first of these is to use the iron method that I outlined above. This process is much faster, so if you’re in a rush go for that method. Alternatively, you can use your washing machine to remove the glue.

First of all, you’re going to want to buy some non-chlorine bleach. Once you have that, put your fabric in for a wash and spin for around 15 minutes. You want to wash with warm or hot water.

Next, add the non-chlorine bleach to the washing machine. Leave it to soak for around an hour. Once that’s over, rinse the fabric until you believe all the bleach is gone. When inspecting for the glue, you should discover that it has completely disappeared. If this is not the case, try the iron method.

How to remove super glue from fabric

First of all, you want to make sure that the super glue is completely dry. From there, try and get it off by using a dull knife. Please don’t use a sharp knife as you could injury yourself or puncture your fabric.

If that doesn’t work, soak the area in cold water. Then try blotting at it with a wet sponge. This should lift off the glue.

Once again, if that doesn’t work, we’re onto the acetone steps. You’re going to want to use a cotton swab to apply acetone to the glue. Try and avoid applying the acetone directly to the fabric as it could dissolve the fibres. Aim to only touch the super glue. This should dissolve the glue over time.

How to remove hot glue from fabric

Hot glue has one of the most unconventional methods of removal. First of all, you’re going to want to put your fabric into the freezer. Leave it there overnight. This process should make the glue brittle.

Next, get a blunt tool. You just need to scrape away the brittle glue with this dry tool. Easy as that!

How to remove Elmer’s glue or white school glue from fabric

Elmer's Glue

Elmer’s glue is one of the easiest glues to remove. The same goes for white PVA school glue. Considering that the glue is fairly flexible, it is very quick to remove. Use a hairdryer to heat up the glue. Once the temperature of glue reaches a certain point, it will become runny.

From there, you simply need to wipe away the glue. Use a warm damp cloth to do this. It should only take a minute or two to get the glue hot enough to manage.

Alternatively, if the glue is still hot, you should be able to wipe it away instantly. The glue takes a while to dry, meaning it will likely still be runny enough to remove.

Conclusion

Although very sticky, there are plenty of ways to remove glue. This guide has gone through all of the most effective ways. Be sure to try them all out and see which works for you!

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