Ah, slime. The ultimate kid obsession that brings hours of fun… and inevitable messes. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a glob of sticky, stretchy goo embedded in your child’s favorite shirt, you’re not alone. As a fellow slime survivor, I’ve been there—more times than I’d like to admit. But fear not! Today, we’re diving into how to get slime out of clothes with tried-and-true methods that actually work.
Why Is Slime So Hard to Remove?
Before I tackle how to get slime out of clothes, let’s talk about why it’s such a stubborn mess. Slime is usually made from glue, borax (or another activator), and sometimes even shaving cream or lotion. These ingredients create a sticky, glue-like residue that clings to fabric fibers like a determined toddler refusing bedtime.
The good news? With the right approach, slime doesn’t have to mean the end of that cute unicorn tee.
First Things First and No Need to Panic Because Here’s How to Get Slime Out of Clothes Right Away
When you first spot the slime, resist the urge to scrub. I’ve been there—once tried to wipe slime off my daughter’s leggings with a wet wipe and ended up making it worse (like, glittery tie-dye nightmare worse). Instead, gently scrape off as much of the slime as you can with a spoon, dull knife, or even a credit card. The key to how to get slime out of clothes is patience and working from the outside in.
Pro Tip: If the slime is still wet, pop the clothing in the freezer for about 15–30 minutes. It sounds weird, but it hardens the slime, making it easier to peel off.
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Step by Step Guide on How to Get Slime Out of Clothes
1. Scrape Off Excess Slime
The first step in how to get slime out of clothes is to remove as much of the goo as possible before washing. Use a dull knife, spoon, or even an old credit card to gently scrape off the bulk of the slime. Avoid rubbing—this can push it deeper into the fabric!
Pro Tip: If the slime has dried, try freezing the garment for 10-15 minutes. This hardens the slime, making it easier to peel or scrape off.
2. Pre-Treat with Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
Both vinegar and rubbing alcohol break down the sticky residue. Here’s how to get slime out of clothes using these household staples:
- White Vinegar Method: Soak the stained area in equal parts vinegar and warm water for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub with an old toothbrush.
- Rubbing Alcohol Method: Dab a little rubbing alcohol onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.
Bonus: If you don’t have vinegar or alcohol, hand sanitizer (which contains alcohol) can work in a pinch!
3. Wash as Usual (But Check First!)
After pre-treating, toss the garment in the washing machine on the warmest setting safe for the fabric. Use your regular detergent, and consider adding a bit of baking soda for extra cleaning power.
Important: Always check the care label before washing—some fabrics (like wool or silk) need gentler treatment.
4. Air Dry & Inspect
Before throwing the clothes in the dryer, let them air dry and check if the stain is gone. Heat can set any remaining slime, making it harder to remove later. If the stain persists, repeat the process.
Alternative Methods for How to Get Slime Out of Clothes
Dish Soap & Warm Water
A few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water can help dissolve slime. Gently work the soap into the stain, let it sit, then rinse and wash.
Oxi-Clean or Stain Remover Spray
For tough stains, a pre-wash stain remover or Oxi-Clean soak can be a game-changer. Follow the product instructions, then launder as usual.
The Freezer Trick (For Dried Slime)
If the slime has hardened, pop the clothing in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Once frozen, the slime should crack off easily.
White Vinegar Is Your Slime-Fighting BFF
If there were a mom MVP award for cleaning, white vinegar would win—hands down. When it comes to how to get slime out of clothes, white vinegar is basically magic. Pour it directly onto the slime-covered area and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Then, grab a soft brush (an old toothbrush works wonders) and scrub gently.
I’ve used this method on everything from jeans to pajamas—especially after an ill-fated homemade slime experiment. The vinegar breaks down the glue in the slime, so it loosens right up.
Bonus: It’s non-toxic and safe for kids’ clothes!
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Laundry Time with Tips on How to Get Slime Out of Clothes in the Wash
Once you’ve treated the slime stain with vinegar or dish soap, it’s time for the washing machine to work its magic. Wash the clothing on the warmest setting safe for the fabric. Add your usual detergent—but skip the dryer until you’re sure the slime is gone. Heat can make the stain permanent.
If the stain is still visible after one wash, don’t stress. Just go back in with the vinegar or soap treatment and try again. I’ve had a few pieces that needed a second (okay, third) round before coming out slime-free.
Got Slime + Fabric Softener? Try This Mom Hack
Another lesser-known solution for how to get slime out of clothes is—surprise—liquid fabric softener. Mix equal parts fabric softener and warm water, then soak the affected area for 30 minutes. After that, gently scrub and rinse.
It’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with dried slime that’s been sitting for a while (hello, laundry basket surprises). I found this out after discovering dried purple slime on my kid’s hoodie three days later. Fabric softener saved the day—and the hoodie.
Natural Alternatives for How to Get Slime Out of Clothes Without Harsh Chemicals
If you prefer natural methods, I see you. Whether your little one has sensitive skin or you’re just avoiding harsh cleaners, there are still great options for how to get slime out of clothes.
Try this mix:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Apply it to the slime spot, let it fizz for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. It won’t smell like roses (vinegar and lemon, anyone?), but it works beautifully on light fabrics.
What If Nothing Works? Deep Breaths—There’s Still Hope
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a slime stain puts up a fight. If you’ve tried everything and it’s still clinging on, don’t give up. Repeat the treatment process, try soaking the item overnight in vinegar or use a commercial slime remover (Amazon has a few slime-specific sprays worth checking out!).
Remember, how to get slime out of clothes isn’t always a one-and-done situation. But with a little persistence—and maybe a chocolate reward for yourself—you’ve got this.
Preventing Future Slime Disasters
Now that you know how to get slime out of clothes, let’s talk prevention:
- Designate a “Slime Zone” (with an old tablecloth or tray).
- Use aprons or old clothes for slime play.
- Store slime in airtight containers to avoid accidental spills.
Final Thoughts
Slime may be messy, but it doesn’t have to be a wardrobe disaster. Now that you know how to get slime out of clothes, you can handle those sticky situations like a pro. And hey, if all else fails? There’s always the “Oops, this shirt is now a slime-play shirt” loophole. 😉
Got your own slime-cleaning hack? Share it in the comments—we’re all in this together!
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Can I use bleach to remove slime?
Bleach can damage fabrics and isn’t always effective on slime. Stick to vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or dish soap first.
What if the slime is in the carpet or upholstery?
The same methods apply! Scrape, pre-treat with vinegar or alcohol, then blot (don’t rub!). For carpets, a carpet cleaner may help.
My kid got slime in their hair! Help!
Don’t panic! Coat the slime with conditioner or olive oil, let it sit, then gently comb it out.
Does slime ruin clothes permanently?
Not usually! With quick action and the right treatment, most slime stains come out completely.