Glue on fabric
Short answer: Ordinary craft glue comes out with cold water if it is wet. Super glue and contact glue set in the fibre and rarely come out again. So it matters to work out what kind of glue it is and to act fast while the glue is still wet.
Wet craft glue
Rinse with cold water from the inside and keep going until the glue is gone. Then put liquid detergent on and wash the garment before the rest has time to harden. Avoid warm water, because heat can make the glue set in the fibres, and then it is much harder to remove without harming the fabric.
Why speed matters
Glue hardens when the water evaporates or the chemical reaction happens, and then it bonds to the fibres. If the glue is still wet, water and detergent can loosen it, but once it is hard it has to be softened again. That is why the first minutes are decisive, and you should tackle the stain as soon as you spot it.
Dried craft glue
Soak in cold water for an hour and scrape gently with the back of a spoon. Repeat if anything is still there, then wash the garment. Do not rub hard, because that can wear the soft fabric. Use patience rather than force, since a few short rounds work better than one hard one. See also our offers if you need a replacement.
Super glue
Super glue can rarely be removed without harming the fabric, because the glue hardens between the fibres. Acetone dissolves the glue but can also dissolve the fibre, so the fabric turns brittle or gets a hole. Always test on a hidden spot first, and be prepared for it not to go as hoped and for the garment not to be saved.
Contact glue
Contact glue and similar strong adhesives work the same way as super glue. They soak into the fibres and set there, so the stain often stays. Read the product instructions to see whether they say anything about textiles, and test on a hidden spot if you want to try a solvent meant for that kind of glue.
Cut the glue away
If the glue is on a seam, an edge or a flap, you can sometimes cut the affected area away. In the middle of the fabric that leaves a hole, and then it is better to let the garment become work clothing. Think about whether the garment has another use where the stain does not matter.
Glue left by a price tag
Residue from a price tag or label is often stickier than real glue and easier to remove. Dab rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth and let it work for a minute. Rinse with cold water afterwards and wash the garment as usual. Test on a hidden spot first, so you are sure the colour will not run.
Do not make it worse
Avoid warm water, the dryer and the iron until the glue is gone. Heat can melt glue residue and spread it, which makes the stain bigger. Take a break and look at the stain in daylight before you try something new, so you do not risk ruining the fabric.
When the garment cannot be saved
If the glue cannot be removed, use the garment for something where the stain does not matter. See bamboo sweatpants for men and bamboo clothing for women if you would rather have new everyday clothes. A garment with a glue stain can become work clothing if you wear it for tidying and crafts.
Frequently asked questions
Does acetone work on super glue
It dissolves the glue but can also harm the fibre. Test on a hidden spot first, and expect the fabric to turn brittle or get a hole if you use too much or let it work too long.
Can you cut the glue away
On a seam or edge, sometimes. Otherwise you get a hole in the fabric, and then it can be better to let the garment become work clothing than to cut into it.
What about glue left by a price tag
Dab with rubbing alcohol. It dissolves the adhesive so the residue can be wiped off, and afterwards you can wash the garment as usual once you have rinsed the spot well with cold water.
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