HOW TO GET SLIME OUT OF CLOTHES LIKE A PRO
As a parent, ooey-gooey slime is everywhere when the kids are around. While it’s fantastic for sensory play and offers tons of developmental benefits, there’s one sticky situation: it somehow always finds its way onto kids' clothing. It never fails!
Trust me, as a mom, I get it. If you’ve been following the Mothercould blog for a while, then you know I’m a HUGE fan of slime recipes. They’re easy to manipulate and perfect for tons of sensory play activities. But, one minute, our little ones are squishing and squeezing the colorful goo, and the next, you’re staring at a stain that looks impossible to clean.
Today, I’m sharing a guide on easy ways to remove slime from clothing that won’t have you losing your mind (or your favorite shirt!). You can go back to enjoying slime without stressing over a mess. Let’s dive in!
How to Get Slime Out of Clothes
Before we jump into slime removal tips and tricks, we need to discuss what slime actually does to clothing. It might seem like one giant harmless, sticky blob, but that blob can leave behind some stubborn stains or even damage delicate fabrics.
No need to panic just yet; I’m here to walk you through different ways to rescue clothes from any tricky stained area you may find. Whether it’s a fresh stain from wet slime or dry slime that’s been sitting for a while, these tips are safe, helpful, and easy to follow!
Does Slime Stain Clothes?
If you’ve seen my post on how to remove slime from a blanket, then you know that slime does indeed have the ability to stain. But does slime stain clothing, too?
The short answer is yes; slime can unfortunately stain clothing especially if it’s brightly colored. Aside from food coloring and different dyes, slime has a few ingredients (like borax and glitter) that make getting a stain out a bit more complicated.
Removing dried slime is particularly tricky because once it sits for a while, it’s practically absorbed into the fabric and bonded with the fibers. But, with a little patience and the proper techniques, slime stains are no match for a parent with a plan! Let’s take a look at some of the best tips for removing slime stains without a hassle.
How To Get Slime Off Clothes
The Ice Cube Trick: Place an ice cube on top of the stain for a few minutes, then gently scrape away excess slime with a butter knife. If there’s slight discoloration, rub the area with a damp sponge.
Dish Soap and Warm Water: Mix dish soap and warm water in a bowl. Pour the mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Afterward, gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge.
Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with hot water to create a paste. Apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away at the stain until it lightens, and then rinse the clothing off to see your progress.
White Vinegar and Dish Soap: Mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap with two parts warm water. Soak your stain for 10-20 minutes, and gently blot the clothing with warm water after you pull it out.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain, then pour a small amount of white vinegar on top. Once your mixture stops fizzing, gently scrub the area and rinse.
Laundry Detergent and Warm Water: Remove as much slime as possible with a butter knife, and apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly to the stain. Rub it in, pour a little bit of warm water on top, and scrub away!
Stain Remover: Follow the instructions on the stain remover, scrape away any remaining slime, and then throw it into your laundry as usual!
Rubbing Alcohol: Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, dab it onto the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, scrape away excess slime and rinse as usual.
Say goodbye to stubborn slime stains with these simple hacks!
With sensory play comes the occasional mess, but it’s always worth it in the end. Slime is a fantastic and fun material to use for lots of different activities, and now you have a few simple tools in your toolbox for removing those stubborn stains. Whether you’re looking to remove dried slime stains or new and fresh ones, there’s nothing that a little homemade cleaning hack can’t fix!
Ready to dive into the exciting world of slime? Be sure to check out some of these recipes that are sure to take playtime to the next level:
Want more fun and imaginative ways to encourage your kids to play independently? Pre-order our new book, Playful by Design your stress-free guide to raising confident, creative kids through independent play.
For more engaging sensory play recipes, check out the Mothercould blog! And, if you’re looking for more in-depth tutorials, helpful cleaning tips, and exciting activity packs, download the Mothercould in your Pocket resource.