Advice from experienced housewives on how to remove slime from fabric at home

Games with slime (from the English Slime - “slime”) are a popular pastime for modern teenagers and children.

A plastic jelly-like mass with unique physical properties is capable of stretching, flowing, becoming dense and even bouncing off hard surfaces.

When it gets on the fabric, the mucus spreads, penetrates deeply into the structure of the fibers and gradually dries out. This causes a lot of trouble for mothers. Removing traces of children's play from textiles at home is a difficult task.

We'll tell you in this article how to remove slime from fabric - blankets, rugs, jeans and other things.

How to remove using mechanical methods?

If a large piece of slime has stuck to the fabric, it is not recommended to wash the item immediately. The sticky mass does not dissolve in water and will remain on the surface. It is necessary to clean it off as quickly as possible.

Suitable for this:

• brush;
• wooden spatula;
• plastic spatula;
• butt (blunt side) of the knife;
• a plastic card;
• tool for working with plasticine.

Sharp objects (knife blade, scissors) will cut through the sticky mass faster, but the risk of damaging the material will increase significantly.

Some housewives use tape or pieces of slime. It is enough to stick the product to the contaminated area, sharply tear it off and repeat until all the substance has left the tissue.

Even dried slime can be removed mechanically. The method is fundamentally not suitable for delicate fabrics; for them it is better to use freezing.

Thermal impact

Like chewing gum and plasticine, slime is sensitive to temperature changes. These properties will help get rid of sticky mass from almost any fabric.

Heat

Denim, cotton and linen products tolerate high temperatures well. You can remove the remaining slime on them using boiling water, then the sticky mass will become liquid.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Clean off any remaining slime mechanically.
2. Pour boiling water into a container (basin, bowl).
3. Soak the item and wait until the water cools to room temperature.
4. Machine wash with stain remover added.

You can enhance the cleaning efficiency with ammonia. It is enough to add 1 tsp to the soaking container. The method has a significant drawback - large items (furniture, heavy curtains) cannot be cleaned this way.

It is imperative to study the manufacturer's recommendations for caring for the product on the label. Fabrics with natural composition may shrink after contact with boiling water.

Freezing

The method is universal, it can be used even for natural wool, viscose, silk and knitwear. The slime hardens under low temperatures and is easily separated from the fibers.Delicate fabrics will not lose their appearance and will not become deformed.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Place the product in a plastic bag.
2. Place in the freezer.
3. Leave for 3-4 hours until the substance hardens.
4. Clean off pieces of slime mechanically.

If the product is large (sofa, carpet), you can use ice cubes. It is enough to place them in a bag and apply them to the affected area.

How to remove contamination with folk remedies?

After removing the main part of the slime from the textile surface, a colored and greasy mark remains. Components that can be found in every housewife’s arsenal will help you get rid of them.

Laundry soap

If slime has recently got on the fabric, a universal budget product will help get rid of it - laundry soap containing 72% fatty acids. It copes with almost any type of pollution.

Instructions for use:

• grind the product using a grater or knife;
• add water to the shavings until a paste forms;
• treat the stain with the product and leave for half an hour;
• remove the product with a damp cloth;
• Rinse the treated area thoroughly with clean water.

Soap shavings should be diluted with boiling water; the product should be applied to the fabric surface after it has cooled. The procedure must be repeated until the problem disappears completely. If you don't have the product you need at home, you can replace it with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.

Organic solvent

To fix the problem, use gasoline, purified kerosene, or acetone-based nail polish remover.

Instructions for use:

1. Place the product on a flat surface.
2. Place napkins under the contaminated area.
3. Apply the product to a tampon, rag or napkin (preferably white).
4. Treat the stain, moving from the edge to the center.
5. Wash the product using conditioner.

It is better to work with aggressive liquids with gloves, and protect your respiratory tract with a mask or respirator. Drying must be done in fresh air to get rid of the specific odor.

Medical alcohol

Housewives use the product in pure form or in solution, it depends on the type of fabric. Mode of application:

• place the item on a hard surface;
• place napkins under the area that requires treatment;
• moisten a rag with alcohol and apply to the stain;
• rinse the surface with clean water after 15-20 minutes;
• wash the product in the usual way.

Professional compositions

Residual slime stains from textile surfaces can be removed with industrial products that are used to remove chewing gum and paints and varnishes. Housewives recommend:

Dr. Beckmann Office and hobby

Universal stain remover. Effectively fights residues of chewing gum, glue and paint. Does not contain phosphates and chlorine. The release form is bottles with liquid, there are bottles with a convenient roller. Price from 170 rubles for 50 ml.

Vanish Oxi Action

Surfactant-based concentrate for removing stains. The product is used for pre-treatment of dirt, soaking and main washing. Does not contain chlorine, safe for delicate fabrics. Price 340 rubles per 1 liter.

WD-40 or RW-40

Universal spray lubricant from automotive stores. Contains mineral oil and white spirit. Removes sticky mass from the surface without difficulty, but leaves a characteristic greasy residue that must be removed. Price from 320 rubles for 450 ml.

When choosing an industrial product, you must carefully study the instructions on the packaging so as not to spoil the fabric fibers.

Cleaning clothes

If the sticky mass gets on a piece of clothing, you can use one of the methods suggested above.

The algorithm of actions will always be the same:

1. Remove particles of sticky mass that did not have time to penetrate the fabric using mechanical means.
2. Get rid of remaining slime using the chosen method (freezing, soaking in boiling water, soap solution, active substances, stain removers).
3. Wash the product and dry it.

This video will show you how to remove slime from clothes:

Features of cleaning various textiles

The choice of cleaning method directly depends on the composition of the fibers of the material affected by the sticky mass. Freezing is suitable for any textile products, but there are recipes that are used only for certain groups.

Jeans, cotton, linen

Natural fibers of plant origin are resistant to aggressive components. Can be soaked in boiling water, processed:

• laundry soap;
• medical and ammonia alcohol;
• solvents;
• table and apple cider vinegar;
• kerosene, gasoline;
• industrial products (stain removers, refrigerants).

Organic solvents must be used carefully so as not to discolor the fabric.

Silk, wool, guipure

For removing slime from delicate fabrics more often used:

• freezing method;
• solutions based on laundry soap or dishwashing detergent;
• industrial stain removers.

Professionals do not recommend using acidic solutions containing lemon juice, vinegar and alcohol (ammonia is especially dangerous). Treatment with hydrogen peroxide is fundamentally unsuitable for silk.

Items made of knitwear, viscose, synthetics

The best way to get rid of sticky mass on such fabrics is to use household chemicals. The choice of stain remover should take into account the composition and color of the material.. The safest folk remedies are freezing and subsequent treatment with soapy water.

Rustle or carpet

Slime that gets onto the carpet can be easily removed by mechanical scraping after drying or freezing with ice. Industrial carpet cleaning products work well to remove residual stains.

Step-by-step instruction:

• add the liquid to the water and foam well;
• Apply a generous layer of foam to the stain and rub with a sponge;
• blot the area with a napkin to remove excess moisture;
• remove residues with a vacuum cleaner.

Suitable folk remedies:

• soapy,
• acetic,
• alcohol solution,
• organic solvent.

The method of application is identical. The solvent is not recommended for use on synthetic surfaces.

This video will show you how to clean slime from a carpet:

Plaid

It is more difficult to remove non-Newtonian fluid from a fleecy surface. The mechanical method is not suitable, as there is a risk of damaging the fibers and ruining the product.Exposure to low or high temperatures is also difficult.

In this case, it is necessary to choose an effective industrial or folk remedy and use it according to the instructions:

1. If possible, remove large particles of slime.
2. Moisten the stain with a small amount of water.
3. Apply the cleaner to a rag and treat the textile surface.
4. Rinse the area with clean water.
5. Dry the product.

From furniture upholstery

It is more difficult to clean armchairs, sofas, and mattresses from the jelly-like mass due to their large size. In addition, contact with large amounts of moisture is contraindicated for products. The best way is to use professional dry cleaning services.

If the owner decides to carry out the procedure on her own, it is necessary to act locally, Be careful with the following points:

1. Remove pieces of slime mechanically.
2. Treat the surface with one of the products described above (stain remover, homemade solution).
3. Rinse the area with clean water.
4. Let the fabric dry.

When cleaning the sofa, you should remember that you cannot pour detergent or clean water onto the surface. The liquid must be applied to a rag or napkin and treated with it.

From outerwear

Jackets and coats are cleaned using methods that are used for clothing, but the large size does not allow the product to be placed in the freezer.

Things can be placed on the balcony at sub-zero temperatures air or use ice cubes in a plastic bag.After 2-3 hours, you can use the mechanical cleaning method and remove the residual stain using any of the suggested means.

Recommendations from professionals

To remove non-Newtonian fluid from fabric, you need to follow simple rules:

1. Prepare the room in which the procedure will be carried out. Open the windows, turn on the ventilation. Constant air circulation is especially important when working with volatile substances and acids.
2. Take care, if necessary, to protect the skin of the hands, upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes. A mask or respirator, rubber gloves will allow you to get rid of specific contamination without harming your health.
3. Assess the size of the soiled item and prepare a container that matches its size (bowl, basin, bathtub). If you only have to clean a small part of the surface, you should not soak it all.
4. Select a cleaning agent based on the type of material. Delicate fabrics do not tolerate contact with aggressive components and prolonged mechanical impact.
5. Read the instructions on the detergent label and treat the surface in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
6. Avoid prolonged rubbing and brushing of delicate fabrics (silk, organza, natural wool). Wash with gentle movements, without pressure.
7. Rinse the product several times after cleaning. Most active ingredients are poorly washed out of the fibers and can further cause skin irritation.

Conclusion

A stain of sticky slime on a textile surface is not a reason to prohibit your child from playing with slime. It develops fine motor skills and is a great stress reliever.

It is enough to stock up on an effective home or industrial product to troubleshoot the problem and be patient. Or designate a special place for children's play with hard surfaces that are easy to handle and clean.