How to get slime out of clothes

We've all been there. Your child has been playing with slime, and now it's stuck on their favorite shirt. Don't panic! Getting slime out of clothes is easier than you might think.

The science of slime and why it sticks

Slime is a non-standard fluid that behaves like both a liquid and a solid. The unique property of slime makes it fun to play with but tricky to remove from clothes and other fabrics.

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Step-by-step: How to get slime out of clothes

1. Scrape off excess slime. Use a spoon or a dull knife.

2. Pretreat the stain with liquid laundry detergent or a concentrated stain remover.

3. Let it soak for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse the garment under warm water. Repeat if necessary.

5. Wash as usual per the label instructions.

Tips to prevent slime stains

Prevention is always better than intervention. Try these to minimize the slime damage.

• Set designated areas for kids to play with slime.

• Have kids wear old clothes or stained clothes they don’t care about.

• Use a washable tablecloth or mat to catch any spills.

• Choose water-based colorings and dyes for slime.

• Show your kids how to properly close containers after playtime.

What if the slime has already dried?

1. Scrape off as much dried slime as possible.

2. Soak the garment in warm water with liquid laundry detergent for 30 minutes.

3. Wash the garment as usual.

What if the slime stain is stubborn?

• Apply a citrus-based cleaner or white vinegar directly onto the stain before washing.

• Use a toothbrush to gently scrub the stained area with laundry detergent.

• Soak the garment in a mixture of warm water and oxygen-based bleach (a plant-derived version of bleach) for one hour before washing.

• For tough stains, take the garment to a professional cleaner.

Removing slime from different fabrics

Different fabrics might require different methods for removing slime:

• Cotton: Follow the steps above.

• Wool and silk: Instead of liquid laundry detergent, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water to pretreat the stain.

• Upholstery or carpet: Scrape off excess slime, then use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water to gently dab the stain. Repeat until the stain is gone.

• Denim: This sturdy fabric can withstand a lot, so you can follow the same steps as cotton. If the stain is stubborn, use a toothbrush with laundry detergent to gently scrub the area before washing.

• Synthetic fabrics (like polyester): Scrape off as much slime as possible, pretreat the stain with liquid detergent, and wash per usual. If needed, soak the garment in warm water and an oxygen-based bleach before washing.

• Leather and faux leather: Avoid submerging these materials in water. Instead, use a soft cloth dampened with soapy water to gently clean the area. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.

• Velvet: This delicate fabric requires careful handling. Never scrape slime off velvet! Use a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water and gently dab the slime. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and let it air dry. If the stain persists, take the item to a professional cleaner.

Don't let slime stains spoil the fun

Slime is cool and educational for kids. Now that you know how to get slime out of clothes, don't let fear of stains stop them from exploring and learning!