How to Get Slime Out of Clothes

Kids getting slime stuck to their clothing is inevitable. Slime is messy and so are kids! Many parents see green glue on their kids’ shirt or pants and assume it is stained forever – but wait! The slime can likely be cleaned (even if it has dried) and the spot totally removed – without dry cleaning.

You might have to try multiple methods depending on how the slime was made and how far it got into the fibers. Here are six of the most effective ways to remove slime from clothing.

1. Remove with Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective ways to remove most slime recipes – it actually melts the slime away! It works best on slime that is still wet but can also work to soften dried slime. White vinegar works best and can be found in most kitchens.

Apply white vinegar directly to the slime on the fabric and let it sit for a minute or two. Work the vinegar into the stain with your fingers, then scrape off as much slime as you can. Rinse with hot water and repeat if needed before washing.

2. Hot Water and Hand Soap

Hot water and hand soap is a quick and easy method for removing small spots. It works best if you can start scrubbing before the slime sets into the threads and fabric. Most styles of hand soap will work but clear ones seem to work a little better.

Turn the water on as hot as possible – give it a minute to heat up. Apply a small amount of hand soap directly on the stain then scrub with your hands. Most of the goo should slide right off and any remaining discoloration often disappears after 30 to 45 seconds under the water. Once all the slime is gone, keep rinsing to remove any remaining soap.

3. Dish Soap and Hot Water

If hand soap does not start to remove the slime from your shirt, try something a little stronger – dish soap. Dish soap is stronger than hand soap and has ingredients that work on hard-to-remove globs. This method works with liquid dish soap (not powder or pods).

Squirt a small amount of liquid dish soap onto the clothing then scrub with your fingers. The biggest pieces should wash away quickly and small bits of color will often wash out after a few minutes under the sink. Don’t use too much or you may risk discoloring the fabric.

4. Windex

It might sound like a joke but Windex is actually a super effective way to remove sticky things from clothing. Spray a few squirts directly onto the center of the slime, then remove as much as possible with your fingers. Finally rinse with hot water – or throw the item into the washing machine.

5. Washing Machine

A round of laundry is one of the best ways to remove slime from fabric – but you may have to wait for the load to run. We had best results using hot water and the longest wash setting. By the time the washer is done, the slime should be out; dryer settings won’t matter.

Tip: If the stain is still visible after washing, don’t put the item in the dryer – heat can set stains. Treat again with one of the methods above and wash once more.

6. Club Soda

Club soda is an age-old trick for removing stains from clothing. Pour a small amount right on the slime and remove as much as possible with your fingers, a sponge, or a brush. If a small amount doesn’t work, try a little more – you might need a washcloth. After removing the slime, rinse the garment with hot water and dry with a towel.

Tips & Tricks

Some kinds of slime are harder to remove than others. If your shirt or pants are still stained, try these extras.

Clean with an Old Toothbrush

Small bits of slime can be almost impossible to remove sometimes. For these stains, use an old toothbrush and soap. Put a small amount of soap on the toothbrush and scrub gently. Soft brushes work best, but hard bristles can also work if you are gentle and take your time.

Let the Slime Dry Out

Sometimes slime can’t be removed while it is still wet. If other methods aren’t working, let it dry out for a few days. Dried slime can be flaked off and broken into little pieces before putting the item in the laundry.

Related guides

• How to get slime out of hair – when slime ends up in hair instead of clothes
• How to get slime out of carpet – when slime ends up on the floor