Sticky Situation? Here’s How to Remove Craft Glue from Clothes

Let’s set the scene. It’s Sunday evening. There’s glitter in the carpet, cut-up paper everywhere, and your child is proudly holding up their cardboard castle. You smile—until you spot it. A hardened patch of craft glue stuck on their school jumper. Again.

If you’ve been here before, you know that removing glue stains from craft activities isn’t as straightforward as rinsing under the tap. Craft glue dries fast, clings tight, and refuses to let go. But don’t worry, there are ways to deal with it. Whether you’re tackling a crusty blob of white glue or a trail of sticky residue left behind by a glitter pen, the right cleaning steps can help restore your clothes to normal.

Craft glue is designed to hold things together, and that includes fabric. Many of the glues kids use today (PVA, glitter glue, fabric glue) are quick-drying and made to bond fast. So when they accidentally drip or smear glue on clothes, it sets before you even know it’s there.

Even once dry, the glue doesn’t simply flake off. It hardens into the fibres, causing stiff patches and clingy stains. That’s why removing glue stains from craft activities takes more than a soak and scrub. But with the right method, it’s absolutely manageable.

Rule One: Let It Dry Before You Act

This may surprise you, but one of the best things you can do is wait.

Yes, really.

Trying to wipe away fresh glue spreads it deeper. Instead, let the glue dry naturally and gently lift the top layer with:

• A spoon
• The edge of a bank card
• A blunt butter knife

This stops the glue from embedding further and creates a smoother surface for stain removal. For thick blobs, it makes sticky residue cleaning much more effective later.

Soften What’s Left (Without Harming the Fabric)

Once the top layer is gone, what you’re left with is usually a thin, stubborn smear. Now it’s time to soften that residue.

Here’s one of the most effective homemade glue stain removers:

Warm Water + Detergent Soak

• Fill a bowl with warm (not hot) water.
• Add a teaspoon of liquid detergent or baby shampoo.
• Soak the stained area for 30 minutes.

Gently rub the fabric between your fingers while it’s soaking. This helps loosen the glue without damaging the weave of the cloth. This soak is especially great for school shirts, cotton dresses, and soft knitwear.

Once the stain has softened, you can move on to more targeted techniques depending on how sticky things still are.

Here are three tried-and-tested craft glue removal tips:

1. White Vinegar Dab

Perfect for dried glue or glittery adhesives

• Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar.
• Dab the stained area (don’t rub).
• Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Vinegar helps break down the adhesive, making it ideal for sticky residue cleaning, especially on coloured clothes.

2. Baking Soda Scrub

Ideal for thicker glue stains

• Mix a spoonful of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.
• Apply gently with your finger or a soft brush.
• Leave it for 15 minutes, then rinse off.

Baking soda lifts glue and neutralises stickiness. It’s one of the most versatile homemade glue stain removers out there.

3. Lemon Juice + Salt

Great for light fabrics or fresh glue spots

• Sprinkle salt over the glue stain.
• Add a few drops of lemon juice on top.
• Rub gently in circular motions, then rinse.

This natural exfoliant helps remove soft glue without harming sensitive fabric. Bonus: it smells great too.

Sometimes, especially with glitter glue or fabric glue, one round isn’t enough. Don’t worry, it just means you need to repeat the process once more. Soak. Treat. Rinse. Always let the garment air dry before checking. Heat from a tumble dryer can set glue stains permanently, so keep those clothes away from hot machines until the glue is completely gone.

And if you’re wondering whether it’s okay to wash glue-stained clothes with other garments, the answer is no. Until you’re done sticky residue cleaning, wash the item separately to avoid unwanted transfers.

Sometimes, natural methods don’t quite cut it. If you’re dealing with set-in glue, dyed glues, or fabric-safe adhesives, you might need a strong but safe solution.

Look for a laundry booster or stain remover designed to break down adhesive residues without harming colour or softness. These support your efforts with homemade glue stain removers and speed up results, especially when time is short.

You can pre-treat the stain using your chosen method and then follow up with a powerful detergent in a normal wash cycle.

Creativity should be messy. Glue, glitter, paint, and fun—these are signs your child is learning, exploring, making something with their hands. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your laundry pile to the craft gods.

By using a few simple techniques, some pantry ingredients, and a calm approach, you can confidently handle removing glue stains from craft activities, without needing harsh chemicals or replacing a favourite jumper.

Whether you stick to homemade glue stain removers or follow reliable craft glue removal tips, what matters is staying one step ahead of the mess.

Because childhood is full of creative spills. And now, you’ve got the tools to clean them up, with care.