The Laundry Hack That Makes It Easy To Remove Hot Glue Stains From Clothing

Hot glue is an incredibly versatile adhesive, making it a go-to for crafters and DIYers because of its ability to bond a wide range of materials, including textiles, wood, plastics, and ceramics. Its strength and ease of use make it a staple in any DIY toolkit. But what's all too common when you have a hot glue gun is the stringy mess it typically makes. It's not unusual to end up with stray blobs of hot glue on your workspace and, more frustratingly, on your clothing. But there's no need to panic if you find yourself dealing with hot glue stains. A simple and effective solution is at hand — ice cubes.

For more minor stains, a single ice cube should do the trick. A plastic zip bag filled with several ice cubes can be more effective for larger ones. The cold from the ice hardens the glue, making it much easier to peel off surfaces or fabric. So, keep your glue gun clean and ready, and don't worry about whether or not you accidentally get some on your shirt — you can easily clean it up.

If you get hot glue on your clothing, resist the urge to rub it off immediately. When the glue is still wet, trying to remove it this way can push it deeper into the fabric fibers, making it more challenging to get out later. The better approach is to cool it down rapidly to harden it. You can do this by applying an ice cube directly to the stained area or using a plastic bag filled with ice. This temperature change will cause the glue to harden faster, preventing it from seeping further into the fibers of the fabric. For smaller items, you might find it easier to place the entire garment or piece of clothing in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Just be sure you don't spread the hot glue while placing it in the freezer!

Keep an eye out for a noticeable change in the appearance of the glue. This is a sign that it has frozen and hardened, making it ready for removal. Carefully use a dull-edged tool, like a butter knife or a spoon, to gently scrape off the glue. Be sure to do this delicately to avoid damaging the fabric, especially if it's made of lace or sheer fabric. If, after scraping, you find tiny bits of glue clinging to the fabric, spot-treating the area with a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover or alcohol can help banish remaining glue stains.