Many people love hot glue because of how strong the glue is when you apply it. Sometimes this strong glue lands on your fabric, and therein lies the problem of trying to remove something designed to be unremovable. So, I’ll be showing you some easy ways to get hot glue off your fabric.
5 Methods To Getting Hot Glue Off Your Fabric
I’ll show you five methods involving inexpensive and readily available items. Also, you can use them to remove hot glue from your fabric without harming it.
1. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a common solvent for removing dried glue on fabric. It works by breaking down the bonds of the hot glue, and higher alcohol content equals better performance. Rubbing alcohol is most effective with 70 percent purity or above.
To remove hot glue with rubbing alcohol, follow these steps:
- Soak up a substantial amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and rub it on the hot glue.
- Use a clean rag afterward and smooth over the stain if there is a lot of glue. Give it five minutes to settle.
- Work the cotton ball around the border, then toward the stain’s center.
- Try using your fingernails or a dull butter knife to pry up one edge of the sticky glob while the cloth is still wet.
- Use your fingers to gently remove the edge if it comes away from the fabric easily. Apply additional alcohol if the adhesive continues to be adhered and hardened.
Note: Rubbing alcohol won’t harm most fabrics; however, performing a drop test is safer. To perform the test, put a drop of the alcohol solution on a hidden part of the fabric and observe any reactions.
2. Using a Freezer
Hot glue becomes brittle if you freeze it enough. Follow these steps to utilize the freezer method:
- Set the cloth in the freezer with the cured hot glue. Place the cloth in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes.
- The cloth should be removed from the freezer and placed so that the cold, firm adhesive faces up on a solid surface.
- Using a spoon or butter knife, delicately pop or scrape off the dry adhesive from the fabric. Work a knife between the cloth and the adhesive to gently scrape it off if the spoon doesn’t work.
3. Ironing Method
Using an iron, you can transfer adhesive on fabric to a cotton cloth or paper bag. Both options are viable for this strategy.
- Set an iron to its medium-to-high or appropriate setting for the cloth. Use the steam setting sparingly. Place the fabric with the dry adhesive facing up on a firm surface, such as an ironing board.
- Put a cotton towel or a brown paper bag over the cured glue. For about 20 seconds, push firmly on top of the paper bag with the iron. Then remove the iron from the paper bag.
- To check your progress, carefully lift the brown paper bag. Reposition the clean area of the paper bag to cover the hot glue if there is still dried hot glue on the cloth. For 10 to 20 seconds, press the iron firmly on the top of the bag.
- Repeat the procedure till the dried glue is gone.
4. Acetone
Acetone, a strong solvent used in nail polish remover, may destroy the chemical bonds holding many stains to cloth, including hot glue. The steps to remove hot glue using acetone are as follows:
- Soak a cotton ball in acetone. Consider using latex gloves if you don’t want to handle the acetone with your bare hands during this procedure.
- Use the wet cotton ball to smooth the adhesive stain’s edge, ensuring the acetone soaks the fabric well around the blob.
- Rub the cotton ball lightly over the glue’s surface. Try wetting a cotton rag in acetone and placing it on the glue for five minutes to remove bigger stains.
- Take a second clean towel now, and dab it on the adhesive. You should notice some adhesive separating and landing on the fresh cloth.
- Repeatedly apply acetone until all the glue has been transferred to the clean cloth.
A chemical that is potent enough to remove dried-on nail paint is rather potent. Since it is intended for use on the skin, it won’t hurt you. However, it can melt some materials, so try a tiny drop of acetone on your garment before trying this method.
5. Washing Machine/Hot Water Method
Hot glue may occasionally wash out of cloth, especially if the water temperature in your washing machine is high. The washing machine is the best option for removing any leftover sticky glue. However, washing clothes with hardened hot glue is not a good idea.
After eliminating most of the glue, hand wash your items for the greatest outcomes. Try directly applying a few drops of laundry detergent if you have a sizable sticky spot after removing the glue glob. Place the item in your washing machine and wash it as usual.