How To Remove Hot Glue From Fabric (5 Ways To Do It!)
Whether you are fixing something around the house or doing an art project with the kids, hot glue can prove to be very useful. It is never fun, however, to unintentionally get hot glue on fabric. Fortunately, it is possible to remove hot glue from fabrics. Using a few everyday items, you can quickly restore your fabric to its original state.
There are several ways to remove hot glue from fabric. Among other common methods, rubbing alcohol and acetone nail polish remover remove hot glue from fabric effectively.
Method 1: Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
First, make sure the glue has thoroughly dried. Place a toothpick on it to feel the texture. If the toothpick comes out clean and no glue transfers onto it, the glue is completely dry, and you can get to work.
Pour some rubbing alcohol into a bowl and dip a cotton swab into it. Make sure you use isopropyl alcohol that contains 70% pure isopropyl or higher. Dab the cotton swab around the glue and give it about 5 minutes to react.
The rubbing alcohol will loosen the grip of the glue around the edges. Once this is done, get a butter knife and peel the glue off. You must be careful, though, especially if the glue is binding two fabrics together. Gently separate the two and get the glue out.
Once the glue is out, wash the fabric with detergent and water, and dry.
Method 2: Nail Polish
An acetone nail polish remover can help you get rid of stubborn hot glue stains. Dip a clean piece of cloth into the nail polish remover and apply it to the affected area. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes.
After that, blot the glue with a clean, dry rag. The acetone solution should have loosened the glue’s hold on the fabric so that it will transfer onto the rag. Keep blotting till all the hot glue comes off.
While acetone works well to loosen the hold of hot glue, it can be harsh on clothes. Before you use it, put a little on a hidden part of the fabric to see its reaction. If it stains or fades the color of the fabric, you might want to try using another method.
Method 3: Using an Iron
Ironing is an excellent way to remove hot glue from fabric effectively. For this method, all you need is an iron and a paper bag or piece of clean, cotton cloth. If you don’t have either, you can use a piece of newspaper that does not have print on it.
The goal with this method is to melt the hot glue off of the fabric and transfer it onto the cloth or paper. Follow these easy steps to iron out the hot glue from your fabric:
- Gather your paper bag or piece of clean, plain cloth. You will not be able to use the cloth after this, so use a cloth that you do not mind throwing away. Again, a paper bag or newspaper without printing will also work.
- Spread out the affected textile. The side with the hot glue stain should face up. Then, lay the rag cloth or paper bag over the stained part.
- Set the iron to a medium temperature. It should be just hot enough to melt the glue without burning your cloth. Do not turn the steam on either.
- Run the iron over the stained area for about 20 seconds. The glue will gradually melt off your cloth and transfer onto the rag cloth or paper bag you placed on top.
- Lift the iron and place a new fresh part of the rag cloth or paper bag on the glue. Apply the iron on the cloth again for a few seconds.
- For best results, and if possible, turn the fabric over. Place a clean part of the rag or paper bag underneath it and run the iron over it again.
Repeat this entire ironing process until the hot glue comes off completely.
Method 4: Ice To Remove Hot Glue from Fabric
You can get rid of hot glue from your cloth by freezing it. While this method may take some time, it does work! Once frozen, it is much easier to pull hot glue off of fabric. Start by putting the glue-stained fabric into your freezer.
Leave it in there for a while until the hot glue hardens and freezes. You can also spread the fabric and place ice cubes on the affected area, especially for fabric that cannot be easily removed and placed into your freezer. Once the hot glue is hard, remove the fabric from the freezer. Using a butter knife or another thin, dull tool (like a plastic scraper), gently scrape the glue off the fabric. In most cases, the glue should pop right off effortlessly.
If there are still remnants of glue left on the fabric after scraping, put it back into the freezer. If you used the ice cube method, repeat the process. When the glue becomes solid, scrape it off again. This time, you should be able to remove all the hot glue. Wash to remove excess glue residue.
Method 5: Wash In Hot Water
Washing in hot water can also be used to remove glue from fabrics. However, the material must be designed to handle hot water. So, before you try out the hot water method, check the recommended care instructions of the garment.
Throw the cloth into your washing machine and use the setting with the highest heat. The hot water and agitation should remove the hot glue from the fabric. To ensure complete removal, add a cup of white vinegar to the machine.
How to Remove Hot Glue from Specialty Fabrics
Remove Hot Glue from Polyester
To remove hot glue from polyester, most of the methods already mentioned will work. One of the easiest ways to get hot glue off polyester fabric is the freezing method.
Acetone is also effective as long as it doesn’t negatively impact the dyes in the material. Once finished, wash thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove the last of the glue.
Get Hot Glue Off Denim
If you mistakenly spill hot glue on your jeans, get some rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Let the glue dry out thoroughly first. Once it is dry, dip a clean cloth or a paper towel into the solution and blot the affected spot.
Let the solution sit in the fabric for about 10 minutes. Then, scrape the glue off with a brush, butter knife, or credit card. A toothbrush will also work fine. Wash the fabric when you are done to get the chemicals out of the cloth.
Remove Fabric Glue From Leather
Nail polish remover works well to get hot glue off leather. Dip a cotton swab in the nail polish remover and apply it to the glue. Give the substance some time to settle and loosen the hold of the glue.
After about 5 minutes, wipe the affected area with a clean, dry cloth to take off the glue. Then, using a soft cloth dipped in warm water, rinse the remover and remains of the glue away.
Additional Hot Glue Removal Tips
If you still aren’t having any luck, consider the following additional hot glue removal tips:
- Try vinegar for a natural solution. Vinegar is known for being a natural glue remover. Plus, it can be used on a wide range of materials. Try using it on your fabric to loosen the grip of the glue so it can be scrapped off.
- Only deal with dried glue. While we understand the instinct to panic and act immediately after a spill, you’ll end up creating a bigger mess and possibly burning yourself. Instead, after a hot glue spill has occurred, wait until it dries before trying any of the above methods.
- If you don’t have alcohol, try olive oil. You likely have some olive oil in your kitchen anyways. Simply soak a cotton ball in olive oil and apply it to the affected fabric. Repeat this process until the glue is loosened enough to be pulled free.
When A Professional Cleaner Is the Right Choice
In most cases and with so many removal methods to try, you should be able to get hot glue out of every fabric easily enough on your own, at home. However, some clothing and fabrics are very sensitive and costly.
If such clothes get stained by hot glue, the best thing to do is get an expert cleaner involved. Using rubbing alcohol, acetone, or any of the other common methods, could ultimately damage the fabric. A professional will know the proper course of action to remove the hot glue without causing any harm to the fabric.
Related Questions
Can I Remove Glitter Glue from Fabric with Hot Water?
Using hot water to remove glitter glue from a piece of fabric will only make things worse. Aside from the fact that glitter glue is dye-based, it contains protein. Therefore, adding hot water will only make the stain settle and lessen the chances of removal.The best way to remove glitter glue from fabric is to scrape the glue when it is dry. Another option is to soak in cold water and leave it overnight. By morning, the glue should have loosened from the fabric to a large extent. Blot the stained section with a clean cloth to get it out. Once all glue has been removed, clean the fabric.
How Do I Remove Hot Glue from a Carpet?
If you drip hot glue on your carpet, you should immediately dab out the glue stain with a paper towel. This only works if the glue is still hot. If you are not able to catch the hot glue in time, you can use heat or acetone to remove the glue from the carpet.
How Do I Remove Hot Glue from Skin?
First, you must cool down the burning sensation by running the skin under cold water or rubbing it with ice. Do this for at least ten minutes, massaging during this time to try to free some of the glue. Then, wait until the glue has dried completely and rub an olive-oil soaked cotton ball on the skin to loosen up the remaining glue.Wash away any of the lingering residue and run the skin under cold water one final time. Finally, don’t forget to apply an antibiotic cream and bandage to help heal the burn.
Benjamin is a proud homeowner who loves to write about DIY projects and home improvement projects. Traveling, perfecting his home, and spending time with his family are just a few of the many things that keep him inspired.
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