How to Get Hot Melt Glue Off Clothes: A Simple Guide

Got hot melt glue on your clothes? Don’t panic—it’s easier to remove than you might think. Here’s a simple, step-by-step method that works for most fabrics.

The Best Way: Soak It in Water

Hot melt glue isn’t water-resistant, which is your secret weapon. Start by soaking the glued area in water. Over time, the water weakens the glue’s grip on the fabric. For better results, let the clothes soak for a few hours (or even overnight).

If the glue is stubborn, gently wipe the area with a soft cloth while it’s wet. Apply light pressure—too much force could damage delicate fabrics like wool or silk.

Why It Works (and When It Might Not)

How well this works depends on your clothes’ material. Smooth fabrics (like cotton or polyester) usually release the glue easily after soaking. But fuzzy or loosely knit fabrics—think sweaters or chunky knits—are trickier. The glue can seep into their fibers, making it stick longer, even after multiple washes.

What Not to Do: Avoid Heat

Whatever you do, don’t use heat (like a hair dryer or iron) to remove the glue. Heat melts hot melt glue, turning it back into a liquid. This lets it seep deeper into the fabric, making it stick harder—and nearly impossible to remove. Plus, heat can burn or damage your clothes.

[Image Suggestion 1: A step-by-step infographic. Left: A shirt with a glue spot soaking in a bowl of water. Middle: Gently wiping the area with a cloth. Right: The clean shirt with no glue left.]

[Image Suggestion 2: A comparison. Left: A fuzzy sweater with glue seeping into fibers (magnified). Right: A smooth cotton shirt with glue peeling off after soaking.]

With a little patience and water, you can say goodbye to hot melt glue stains—no special tools or harsh chemicals needed!