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While contact cement is designed to harden, it's a real hassle when it sets on your favorite clothing or fabrics, leaving stubborn laundry stains. Here’s how to save those items from contact cement spots.
How to Remove Contact Cement From:
Acetate, Acrylic Fabric, Burlap, Synthetic Carpet, Wool Carpet,
Cotton, Linen, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Silk,
Spandex, Triacetate, Wool
Gently scrape off any excess contact cement from the fabric using a scraping tool. Sponge the stain with Afta Cleaning Fluid by applying light strokes with a dampened pad, working outward from the center. Then, apply a dry spotter and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the same dry spotter. Let it sit until the stain is removed, changing the pad as it picks up the stain, while keeping both the stain and pad moist. Afterward, flush the area with a dry-cleaning solvent. If the stain remains, repeat the process using amyl acetate (but avoid using this on cotton or linen) and flush with a dry-cleaning solvent. For stubborn stains on cotton or linen, flush with a few drops of acetone, then rinse with a dry-cleaning solvent.
How to Remove Contact Cement From:
Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Cork Glass,
Linoleum, Flat Paint, Gloss Paint, Plexiglas, Polyurethane,
Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering
To prevent stains from setting, remove any residue immediately. You can try wiping the area with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water with a few drops of amyl acetate. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry the surface. Remember, contact cement can cause irreversible damage, so act quickly.
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Dry spotter:
For a dry spotter, mix 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) with 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution can be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent the solvent from evaporating. Mineral oil can be used in place of coconut oil, though it’s slightly less effective.
Warning: Dry-cleaning solvents are hazardous and may be flammable.
Wet spotter:
To make a wet spotter, combine 1 part glycerine, 1 part dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use and store in a plastic squeeze bottle.
