How To Get Slime Out Of Clothes: 6 Simple Tips 

Here is the good news: you probably already have the solution in your pantry. We will show you exactly how to get slime out of clothes without ruining the fabric (or your patience).

How to Get Slime Out of Clothes

There is no single “magic” way to remove slime, but different fabrics respond better to specific treatments. Most methods rely on breaking the chemical bonds that make the slime sticky.

Before you start pouring liquids on the stain, work on a flat surface. Remove any excess globs from the clothing by scraping them gently with a spoon or your thumb. Do not rub it in; you want to lift it off.

Vinegar

Vinegar is often the most effective method because the acetic acid breaks down the polymers in the slime. It works well on wet slime or clothes that have been washed but not dried.

Materials needed:

• White vinegar.
• A soft toothbrush or scrubbing brush.

Method:

1. Pour white vinegar directly onto the slime stain. Saturate it completely.
2. Let the vinegar soak for roughly five minutes. It needs time to dissolve the bonds, but do not let it dry out.
3. Use your toothbrush or thumb to gently scrub the area in a circular motion. You should see the slime breaking apart.
4. Rinse the area with hot water.
5. Wash the garment as usual.

Dish Soap

If you hate the smell of vinegar, dish soap is a great alternative. The non-concentrated versions often flow better into the fabric fibers, but concentrated soap works if you dilute it slightly.

Materials needed:

• Dish soap.
• Running water.

Method:

1. Squirt a generous amount of dish soap onto the slime.
2. Rub the fabric against itself vigorously under running warm water.
3. Rinse and repeat until the slime residue vanishes.
4. Toss it in the washing machine.

Laundry Detergent

This works similarly to the dish soap method. It is particularly effective if you use a high-quality liquid detergent with enzymes. You will need your favorite baby laundry detergent and access to a sink.

Simply apply the detergent, scrub the fabric against itself under warm water, and rinse until clean.

Ice Cubes

Freezing is the best approach for slime that has already dried and hardened ⁽¹⁾. It makes the goo brittle, allowing you to snap it off the fibers.

Materials needed:

• Ice cubes or a freezer bag.

Method:

1. Pick as much of the dry slime off the clothing as possible with your fingernails.
2. Rub an ice cube directly on the stain to freeze the remaining bits.
3. If the slime is stubborn, put the entire shirt in a freezer bag and leave it in the freezer for a few hours.
4. Once frozen solid, peel and scrape the slime away.
5. Launder the item immediately.

Acetone or Rubbing Alcohol

This is the heavy-duty option, best suited for glue-based slime or stubborn residue.

Warning: Acetone and alcohol are harsh solvents. They can bleach colors or melt synthetic fabrics like acetate or acrylic. Always test a small, hidden drop on the fabric first.

Materials needed:

• Acetone, rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover.
• Cotton balls or pads.

Method:

1. Dab a small amount of the liquid onto the slime using a cotton ball.
2. Blot the stain repeatedly. You should see the slime lifting onto the cotton ball.
3. Replace the cotton ball as it gets dirty.
4. Once the slime is gone, wash the item immediately to remove the solvent.

Lemon Juice

If you do not have vinegar, lemon juice is a solid natural alternative. The acidity works similarly to vinegar to dissolve the slime.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stain and scrub gently with a brush. This is safe for most colors, but rinse thoroughly afterward to prevent any bleaching from potential sun exposure.

Slime-Removing Products

Sometimes DIY methods are not enough. If the slime contains heavy dyes or extra sticky glue, consider commercial adhesive removers like Goo Gone, Sticky Stuff Remover, or Sticky Out.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle. Usually, you will apply the product, let it sit, and then wash the clothing item separately to ensure the chemical smell does not transfer to other laundry.

How to Get Dried Slime Out of Clothing

Dried slime is tougher to tackle than wet slime. Start with the ice method mentioned above. If that fails, or if you are short on time, try this scrubbing paste.

Materials needed:

• Baking soda.
• White vinegar.
• Water.
• A spoon.

Method:

1. Scrape off the top layer of dry slime with a spoon.
2. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Slowly add baking soda until you create a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste over the dried slime. Layer it on until the stain is completely covered.
4. Let the paste dry completely. This draws moisture and pigment out of the fabric.
5. Brush off the dried paste with a paper towel over a trash can.
6. Wash the clothing as usual.

How to Prevent Slime Stains

The best way to deal with slime stains is to avoid them entirely. Here are a few ways to keep the mess contained.

1. Wear protective gear: Have your kids wear a “slime shirt” or an old adult t-shirt over their clothes. It acts as a perfect smock.
2. Skip the dyes: When making homemade slime, skip the food coloring. Clear or white slime is much easier to clean up.
3. Use washable colors: If you must add color, use a water-based, food-grade coloring rather than heavy gel dyes.
4. Soap slime: For toddlers, make slime using soap flakes and water. It is bubbly, fun, and washes out instantly with zero effort.

Removing Slime FAQs

Slime mishaps are a rite of passage for parents. Here are common questions regarding cleanup.

Does Slime Come Out of Clothes in the Wash?

Do not put slimed clothes directly into the washing machine. Without pre-treating, the slime residue often remains on the fabric. Worse, it can break off and redeposit onto other clothes or clog your washing machine filter. Always scrape and treat the stain first.

Can Hand Sanitizer Remove Slime?

Yes, hand sanitizer can remove slime. Most sanitizers contain alcohol, which breaks down the slime’s structure. Gel sanitizers are particularly easy to work with because they sit on the stain rather than running off immediately. Apply, rub gently, and rinse.

How Do You Get Slime Out of Sheets?

Remove slime from sheets using the same methods as clothing. Vinegar works best for cotton sheets. If the slime has seeped through to the mattress, blot the mattress with a damp cloth and a little upholstery cleaner; do not oversaturate it.

How Do You Get Hard Slime Out of Carpet?

Start by gently scraping the area with a spoon to lift the hard crust without ripping the carpet fibers. Saturate the spot with white vinegar and let it sit for five minutes. Scrub with hot soapy water and blot dry with a clean towel.

How Do You Get Slime Out of Carpet Without Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar?

If you need a gentle method, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the carpet. Let it dry completely, then vacuum it up. Follow this by scrubbing the spot with hot water and dish soap to remove any remaining residue.

How Does Vinegar Remove Slime From Clothes?

Slime relies on cross-linking substances (like borax) to bind polymer chains together, turning liquid glue into a solid mass. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which dissolves these chemical links.

Once the links are broken, the “solid” slime returns to a more liquid state, making it easy to wash out of the fabric.

Set Some Slime Rules

To save your sanity, establish ground rules for slime time. Designate a specific “slime zone,” ideally at the kitchen table or outside, to keep the mess away from carpets and upholstery.

If an accident happens, don’t worry. White vinegar is your best friend. Just remember to scrape off the excess first, treat the spot, and wash as usual. You have got this!