How to Get Slime Out of Clothes, Carpet and More

Slime, while a popular and fun activity for kids, can be a nightmare when it ends up on their clothes. Whether the slime is dry, fluffy, glittery, or just plain sticky, getting it out of fabric can be challenging. Here’s a simple guide on how to tackle the issue.

Slime has become synonymous with childhood, but for parents, it often means dealing with stubborn stains on clothes and household surfaces. The main culprit is the glue, a key ingredient in most slimes, making removal a tricky task. So, what do you do when your child presents you with a clothing item adorned with a sticky mass of slime?

To help you navigate this sticky situation, we’ve gathered advice from a reliable cleaning expert. This guide covers the basics, offering you a step-by-step approach to effectively deal with slime stains on clothes.

What Slime is Made of?

Slime has evolved in various forms since gaining popularity through YouTube influencers. From makeup to laundry supplies and even sticky candy, it seems there’s no limit to what can be used to create slime.

However, most slimes share a common ingredient: glue. Unfortunately, this means trouble when it comes into contact with clothing or any other surface. Additionally, slimes often contain challenging-to-remove elements such as glitter and food dye.

Removing Slime from Clothing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dealing with a slime mishap on your clothes? Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate through the cleanup process, whether the slime is wet or dry.

Wet Slime

1. Assess whether the slime is wet or dry; this determines the removal method.
2. For wet slime, start by removing excess slime before it dries. Wiping off as much wet slime as possible.
3. Apply vinegar to the stained area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the area in circular motions.
5. Rinse with hot water, then wash the clothing as usual in the washing machine and dry.

If a colored stain remains after this process, it likely indicates the slime contained dye. Barrett advises using an advanced laundry stain remover.

Apply it generously over the stain, rub the affected area, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before laundering. For white garments, a diluted bleach and water solution can be used cautiously after a small area test.

Dry Slime

1. Scrape off excess dry slime from the material using a butter knife or a similar tool.
2. Press an ice cube onto the remaining stuck-on slime. You can use a heavy item like a book to keep the ice on the slime or place the garment in the freezer for 3-4 hours.
3. Peel off the hardened slime from the garment.
4. Wash and dry the clothing as usual.

Fluffy Slime

According to Barrett, the only thing setting fluffy slime apart from normal slime is the addition of shaving cream. Despite its happy and fluffy appearance, fluffy slime can be a challenge to remove from clothing. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Scrape off as much fluffy slime as possible from the affected area.
2. Apply vinegar to the stained area and let it sit for 10 minutes.
3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub off any remaining slime.
4. Only proceed to launder the clothing if there’s no slime left. Heat-drying a garment with slime still attached makes it nearly impossible to remove, so ensure all the slime is gone before washing.

Glitter Slime

Glitter, a divisive element, often finds its way into the slime your kids enjoy. Follow these steps to handle glitter slime stains on clothing:

1. If it’s wet slime, follow the steps for removing wet slime from clothes. For dry or set-in stains, follow the instructions for dry slime removal.
2. After dealing with the slime, tackle any leftover glitter by gently applying masking tape to the garment. This helps lift the glitter away without damaging the fabric.

Removing Wet and Dry Slime from Carpet

Wet Slime

When dealing with wet slime on the carpet, swift action is crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Quickly remove any excess slime from the carpet using a spoon or butter knife.
2. Create a mixture of warm water and rubbing alcohol (using a ratio of 1/3 water to 2/3 rubbing alcohol).
3. Once you’ve cleared away the slime, blot the stained area with a white cotton towel. Avoid wiping, as it could damage the carpet fibers.
4. Repeat the blotting motion using a fresh batch of the cleaning mixture as needed.
5. Once the carpet is dry, use a vacuum to remove any remaining bits of slime, which can help restore the carpet’s texture.

Dried Slime

Discovering dried slime hours after the spill? Follow these steps to tackle the situation:

1. Begin by gently removing any dried residue with your fingers or a butter knife. Be cautious not to damage the carpet fibers during this process.
2. Place a few ice cubes on the dried slime residue. Allowing the ice to freeze the slime can aid in loosening it from the carpet fibers.
3. Repeat the icing process as necessary.
4. Once the carpet is dry, vacuum to eliminate any loosened particles.

Tips to Avoid Slime Stains on Clothes and Surfaces

To ensure the best outcomes when dealing with slime, consider the following tips:

1. Act Swiftly: Tackle slime stains promptly. Fresh stains are much easier to remove than dried ones, so don’t delay in addressing the issue.
2. Avoid the Dryer: Refrain from putting slime-stained clothes in the dryer. High heat can set the stains permanently into the fabric. Prioritize air-drying or other stain removal methods before resorting to the dryer.
3. Wear Protection: When engaging in slime play, wear an apron or smock to shield your clothes from potential stains. This simple precaution can save you from the hassle of stain removal later.
4. Protect Surfaces: Extend your preventive measures beyond clothing. Safeguard surfaces like carpet, upholstery, or textured wood by using plastic sheeting or a vinyl tablecloth. This ensures easy cleanup and minimizes the risk of permanent stains on various surfaces.