Turn That T-Shirt Tragedy Around: How to Clean Glue Stains
T-shirt glue stains can be seriously tricky to remove. Whether you’re dealing with a craft gone wrong or just had an accident with your tape, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to get those unsightly glue stains out of your favorite T-shirt.
Updated 01 Jul 2023
By Noemi Denker
What You’ll Need
- White cotton cloth
- Small brush or toothbrush
- Cloth-safe detergent
- T-shirt stain remover (optional)
Removing Glue Stains from a T-Shirt
- As soon as possible after glue has dried, use the brush or toothbrush to scrape off as much of the hardened glue as you can without damaging fabric of the shirt.
- Dampen the white cloth in cool water and dab the glue stain gently to moisten it. Don’t rub or scrub the stain, as this can cause glue to spread.
- Apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stain and let the garment sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the stained area under cool running water.
- If any glue remains, apply a dab of specialized stain remover and rinse again.
- Launder the T-shirt according to its care instructions.
Final Tips
- Always take care to remove glue stains quickly. Dried glue can be much harder to eliminate.
- Be sure to check back of the garment for remaining glue stains to avoid setting them in the wash.