Hair glue can be a sticky situation, especially when it gets on your clothes. But don’t worry, there are a few simple ways to remove hair glue from clothes without damaging them. Here, we’ll show you how to do it using common household items.
First, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need a clean cloth, a bowl of warm water, and a mild detergent. You may also need a pair of scissors or a razor blade to remove any excess glue. Once you have your supplies, you can start removing the hair glue from your clothes.
To remove the hair glue, start by soaking the affected area in warm water. This will help to loosen the glue and make it easier to remove. Next, apply a small amount of mild detergent to the area and gently rub it in. Be sure to avoid scrubbing, as this could damage the fabric. Once you’ve rubbed in the detergent, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water. Repeat these steps until the hair glue is completely removed.
Identifying the Type of Hair Glue
Hair glues come in various forms, and each type has its unique chemical composition that determines the best removal method. Accurately identifying the type of hair glue used is crucial to selecting the most effective cleaning solution without damaging the fabric. Here are some common types of hair glues and their characteristics:
Water-based Hair Glue
As the name suggests, water-based hair glues are water-soluble. They are typically clear or have a milky appearance and can be easily removed with warm water and a mild detergent. These glues are often used for temporary hair extensions or wigs.
Alcohol-based Hair Glue
Alcohol-based hair glues contain alcohol as their primary solvent. They are usually colorless and have a strong odor. These glues are more resistant to water but can be dissolved using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover containing acetone.
Solvent-based Hair Glue
Solvent-based hair glues are the strongest and most durable type of hair adhesives. They are made with industrial-grade solvents like toluene or methylene chloride and require specialized chemical removers for safe removal. These glues are commonly used for semi-permanent or permanent hair extensions.
Type of Hair Glue | Solubility | Removal Method |
---|---|---|
Water-based | Water-soluble | Warm water and mild detergent |
Alcohol-based | Alcohol-soluble | Rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover |
Solvent-based | Industrial solvents | Specialized chemical removers |
Removing Water-Soluble Glue
Water-soluble glue, as the name suggests, can be dissolved in water. However, it’s important to note that this method may not be effective on all types of water-soluble glue, as some may have additional components that make them resistant to water. Nevertheless, it’s worth trying the following steps:
1. Test the solution: Before applying the solution to the entire garment, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
2. Soak the garment: Fill a basin or sink with warm water and immerse the garment. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes to an hour, or as directed by the glue manufacturer.
3. Apply a detergent solution: Add a small amount of laundry detergent or dish soap to the water and agitate the garment gently. Allow it to soak for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly: After the soaking period, rinse the garment thoroughly with clean, cold water to remove the glue and detergent solution.
5. Dry the garment: Hang the garment to dry or place it in the dryer on a low heat setting.
Tips:
- If the glue has hardened, you can try softening it by applying a small amount of petroleum jelly or cooking oil to the affected area.
- For stubborn glue stains, you can use a commercial stain remover specifically designed for water-soluble adhesives. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
- If all else fails, you may need to seek professional dry cleaning services.
Dissolving Oil-Based Glue
Oil-based glue adheres strongly to clothing fibers, making it a bit tricky to remove. To dissolve it, you’ll need a solvent that can break down the oil without damaging the fabric.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is an effective solvent for oil-based glue. It’s also relatively gentle on fabrics, making it a good choice for delicate materials. To use rubbing alcohol:
1. Test the Fabric: Before applying rubbing alcohol to the entire stain, test it on an inconspicuous area of the garment to make sure it doesn’t discolor or damage the fabric.
2. Apply Rubbing Alcohol: Dip a cotton ball or swab into rubbing alcohol and gently dab it onto the glue stain. Don’t rub, as this can damage the fabric.
3. Let Sit: Allow the rubbing alcohol to sit on the stain for 5-10 minutes to give it time to dissolve the glue.
4. Blot and Rinse: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the rubbing alcohol and dissolved glue. Rinse the area with cold water to remove any remaining residue.
5. Repeat: If the stain persists, repeat steps 2-4 as needed. Be patient, as it may take several applications to fully remove the oil-based glue.
Tips for Using Rubbing Alcohol – Use a white cotton ball or swab to avoid transferring any dye to the garment. – Avoid using rubbing alcohol on delicate fabrics like silk or wool. – If the stain is large or stubborn, you can try soaking the garment in a solution of rubbing alcohol and water (1:1 ratio) for 30 minutes before blotting and rinsing. Softening Glue with Heat
Heat can be an effective way to soften hair glue, making it easier to remove. Here are some methods you can try:
Using a Blow Dryer
Use a blow dryer on the hottest setting to apply heat directly to the glue. Hold the dryer about 10-12 inches away from the fabric to avoid scorching. Continue blowing hot air until the glue becomes soft and pliable.
Using a Hair Straightener
If you have a hair straightener, you can use it to apply concentrated heat to the glue. Place a piece of parchment paper over the glue to protect the fabric from damage. Set the straightener to a low temperature and gently press it onto the glue for a few seconds at a time. Repeat until the glue softens.
Using a Heat Gun
A heat gun provides a higher intensity of heat than a blow dryer or hair straightener. Hold the heat gun about 18-24 inches away from the fabric and move it in circular motions to avoid overheating any one area. Be careful not to hold the heat gun too close to the fabric to prevent damage.
Using an Iron
Place the fabric with the glue stain on an ironing board and cover it with a pressing cloth. Set your iron to a low heat setting and press it onto the cloth for a few seconds at a time. Slowly move the iron over the glue area until it softens.
Method Instructions Cautions Blow Dryer Use hottest setting, hold 10-12 inches away Avoid overheating the fabric Hair Straightener Use parchment paper to protect the fabric Use low temperature and press for short intervals Heat Gun Hold 18-24 inches away, move in circular motions Avoid overheating and burning the fabric Iron Use a pressing cloth, set iron to low heat Press gently and move the iron slowly Employing Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an effective solvent for dissolving hair glue, making it an ideal choice for removing stains from clothes. Here’s a step-by-step guide for using rubbing alcohol:
- Test a Small Area: Always test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
- Apply Alcohol: Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol directly to the hair glue stain using a cotton ball or swab.
- Blot and Rinse: Gently blot the stained area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the dissolved glue. Rinse the area thoroughly with water afterward.
- Repeat: If necessary, repeat steps 2 and 3 until the glue is completely removed.
- Wash and Dry: Once the glue is removed, wash the garment in cold water with a mild detergent. Allow it to air dry to prevent any potential heat damage.
- Additional Tips:
- Use a high-proof rubbing alcohol, such as 70% or 90%.
- Apply rubbing alcohol sparingly to avoid over-saturating the fabric.
- Avoid scrubbing the stain excessively, as this can damage the fabric.
- If the glue has penetrated deeply into the fabric, you may need to soak the garment overnight in a solution of rubbing alcohol and water (1:1 ratio).
- For stubborn stains, consider using a commercial hair glue remover specifically designed for clothing.
Alternative Solvents
If rubbing alcohol is not available or effective, consider using alternative solvents such as acetone, nail polish remover, or white vinegar. However, always test the solvent on a small area of the fabric first to ensure compatibility.
| Solvent | Cautions |
|—|—|
| Acetone | Highly flammable, may damage delicate fabrics |
| Nail Polish Remover | Contains acetone, may damage certain fabrics |
| White Vinegar | May not be as effective as other solvents |Trying Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a versatile substance that can be used to remove hair glue from clothes. It is a gentle and effective method that will not damage the fabric.
Instructions
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to a clean cloth.
- Rub the cloth over the area of clothing where the hair glue is located.
- Let the petroleum jelly sit on the hair glue for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe away the hair glue and petroleum jelly.
- If necessary, repeat steps 1-4.
- Once the hair glue is removed, wash the clothing as usual.
- Petroleum jelly can be used to remove hair glue from most types of fabric, including delicate fabrics like silk and lace.
Fabric Type Cautions Silk Use a small amount of petroleum jelly and test it on an inconspicuous area first. Lace Be careful not to rub too hard, as this could damage the lace. Applying WD-40
Materials You’ll Need:
- WD-40 lubricant
- Clean cloth or paper towels
- Optional: blow dryer
Steps:
- Test the WD-40 on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
- Apply a small amount of WD-40 to the hair glue stain. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently rub the WD-40 into the stain, working in a circular motion.
- Let the WD-40 sit for a few minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the hair glue and loosen it.
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away the loosened hair glue.
- Rinse the area with cold water. This will remove any remaining WD-40 and hair glue residue.
- Blot the area dry with a clean towel.
- If the stain persists, repeat steps 2-6.
- To help remove the WD-40 odor from the garment, you can:
- Hang the garment outside in the fresh air.
- Place the garment in a dryer on low heat for a short period of time.
- Cover the stained area with baking soda and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming or brushing it away.
Using Hairspray
Hairspray is a common household item that can be used to remove hair glue from clothes. It is important to test the hairspray on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to make sure it does not damage the fabric. To remove hair glue with hairspray, follow these steps:
- Spray the hairspray onto the hair glue.
- Allow the hairspray to sit for a few minutes.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe away the hair glue.
- Rinse the area with water.
- Repeat steps 1-4 as needed.
Here are some additional tips for using hairspray to remove hair glue from clothes:
- Use a strong-hold hairspray.
- Allow the hairspray to sit for as long as possible.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe away the hair glue, rather than a dry cloth.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water.
- Repeat steps 1-4 as needed.
- Spray the hairspray onto the hair glue.
- Allow the hairspray to sit for a few minutes.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe away the hair glue.
- Rinse the area with water.
- Repeat steps 1-4 as needed.
- Stubborn Stains: If the hair glue has set in or is particularly stubborn, a professional cleaner may have access to specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that can effectively remove the residue without damaging the fabric.
- Delicate Fabrics: Some fabrics, such as silk, lace, or leather, require delicate cleaning methods that may not be possible to achieve at home. Professional cleaners have the expertise and experience to handle these delicate fabrics appropriately.
- Time Constraints: If you are short on time or do not have the patience to attempt removing hair glue yourself, professional cleaning can save you both time and hassle.
- Multiple Stains: If you have multiple items of clothing with hair glue stains, or if the stains are particularly large or numerous, it may be more efficient and cost-effective to seek professional assistance.
- Guarantee of Results: Professional cleaners often offer a guarantee of satisfaction, ensuring that you are happy with the results of their cleaning services.
- Specialized Knowledge: Professional cleaners have specialized knowledge of different fabric types and cleaning techniques, allowing them to tailor their approach to your specific garment.
- Insurance: Professional cleaners are typically insured against accidents or damage that may occur during the cleaning process, giving you peace of mind.
- Convenience: Drop-off and pick-up services offered by professional cleaners can make the process convenient and hassle-free.
- Time-Saving: Instead of spending hours trying to remove hair glue yourself, you can save time by having a professional handle the task.
- Peace of Mind: Professional cleaning can give you peace of mind knowing that your clothing is being handled by experts and that the stains will be removed effectively.
Stain Type Treatment Hair Glue Seeking Professional Cleaning Assistance
If you find yourself unable to remove hair glue from your clothing using the methods described above, it may be necessary to seek professional cleaning assistance. Here are some reasons why you might consider this option:
How To Get Hair Glue Out Of Clothes
Hair glue can be a sticky mess, but it doesn’t have to ruin your clothes. With a few simple steps, you can remove hair glue from clothes without damaging the fabric.
1. Check the care label. Before you start removing hair glue from clothes, check the care label. Some fabrics may not be able to withstand certain cleaning methods.
2. Remove excess glue. Use a dull knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess hair glue from the fabric. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
3. Apply a stain remover. Apply a stain remover to the affected area and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the product label. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove the hair glue.
4. Wash the garment. Wash the garment in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse the garment thoroughly and dry it according to the care label.
People Also Ask About How To Get Hair Glue Out Of Clothes
Can I use acetone to remove hair glue from clothes?
No, you should not use acetone to remove hair glue from clothes. Acetone is a harsh chemical that can damage the fabric.
Can I use nail polish remover to remove hair glue from clothes?
No, you should not use nail polish remover to remove hair glue from clothes. Nail polish remover is a harsh chemical that can damage the fabric.
Can I use vinegar to remove hair glue from clothes?
Yes, you can use vinegar to remove hair glue from clothes. Vinegar is a mild acid that can help to dissolve the hair glue. Apply vinegar to the affected area and let it sit for the amount of time specified on the product label. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to remove the hair glue.