Buzz
Making slime has become a popular creative trend, with countless online videos showing children and adults how to make this squishy, colorful, sparkling, and sometimes even edible toy. However, the fun only lasts until it sticks to your clothes. In this case, you can easily remove the slime using vinegar or laundry detergent to tackle the stubborn stains.
Steps
Removing Slime with Vinegar
Pour a small amount of vinegar directly on the fabric where the slime has stuck. Distilled white vinegar, often found in kitchens, can help solve the problem. Just apply enough vinegar to thoroughly moisten the affected area.
- It’s best to do this over a sink to avoid a mess.
- Act quickly because once the slime dries and hardens, it becomes much harder to remove.
- If you don’t have vinegar, you can use rubbing alcohol as an alternative.
Tip: Ice cubes can help you remove slime stuck to clothes. Move the ice cube around the affected area before applying vinegar. This method will harden the slime, making it easier to peel off.
Use a laundry brush to scrub vinegar onto the fabric with slime. Scrub firmly so the brush bristles can penetrate and lift off the slime. The acid in the vinegar will dissolve the slime.
- Add more vinegar depending on the extent of the slime stain.
- For stubborn stains, let the vinegar sit on the fabric for 3-5 minutes before scrubbing it away.
- If you don’t have a laundry brush, you can use an old toothbrush or a cleaning rag instead.
Rinse the clothes with warm water. After removing the slime, rinse off the vinegar in the sink. Use your fingers to clean any remaining slime while running water over the affected area.
- If you find any remaining slime, repeat the scrubbing and rinsing process again.
- You don't need to soak the clothes in water. You can also use a spray bottle or a damp sponge to clean the fabric.
Use dish soap to remove any leftover slime. If the fabric still feels sticky from the slime, apply a few drops of dish soap to that area. Next, scrub to allow the soap to penetrate the stain.
- Any dish soap will work effectively.
- This step will also help remove the vinegar smell.
- Rinse off the dish soap when you're ready to wear the clean clothes without needing a washing machine.
Wash the clothes according to the care label instructions. Put the clothes in the washing machine if possible. If the item requires dry cleaning, take it to a dry cleaner, or wash it by hand if needed. Always read the specific care instructions on the garment label first.
- If only a small part of the clothes is wet and you need to wear it immediately, use a clean towel to blot the wet area.
Removing slime with a washing machine
Carefully remove as much slime as possible. Gently peel off the slime from the fabric using your hands or tweezers. Be cautious not to damage or tear the fabric.
- Use ice cubes to freeze the slime stuck to the fabric, making it easier to peel off. Alternatively, you can place the clothes in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Never put clothes with slime into the washing machine to avoid the slime sticking to the drum or other clothes inside.
Apply laundry detergent to the affected area. Pour a small amount of laundry detergent onto the slime stain and rub it into the fabric with your hands.
- You can use any type of detergent, whether unscented or with bleaching properties.
- If you have sensitive skin, wear rubber or plastic gloves to avoid irritation, or opt for a gentler detergent.
Wait 10 minutes for the detergent to soak into the fabric. This step helps soften the remaining slime and allows the detergent to break down the stain. Use a timer or your phone’s clock to track the time.
- Don’t leave the detergent on the fabric for more than 10 minutes. While the detergent’s acids and enzymes clean the stain, prolonged contact can damage the fabric.
Place the clothes in a tub of warm water. The warmer the water, the more effectively it reacts with the detergent to loosen the slime. Gently stir the clothes to ensure they are fully submerged.
- Add enough water to completely immerse the clothes in the tub.
- If you don’t have a tub, a plastic bucket or similarly sized container will work as well.
- You can also soak the clothes in the washing machine by waiting until the drum fills halfway and adding the clothes at that point.
Soak the clothes for about 30 minutes. Ensure that the clothes are suitable for soaking by checking the care label. Occasionally agitate the clothes during the 30-minute soak.
- Set a timer to keep track of the 30-minute duration.
- Soaking for more than 30 minutes won’t damage the fabric. Stubborn stains will be more easily removed with a longer soak.
Remove the clothes from the water and washing machine (if machine washing is possible). Follow the instructions on the care label. If machine washing is not an option, wash according to the label instructions.
- You can wash other clothes alongside the slime-stained garments as long as most of the slime has been removed.
Dry the clothes according to the instructions. Check the care label to determine the best drying method. Some garments can go in the dryer, while delicate fabrics should be air-dried. If unsure, air-drying is the safest option.
- Avoid placing silk, wool, or garments with intricate designs in the dryer.
Items You Will Need
Using Vinegar
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Sink
- Laundry brush
- Dish soap
- Towel (optional)
- Washing machine (optional)
Cleaning Slime with a Washing Machine
- Detergent
- Hot water
- Bucket or basin
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer (optional)
