How to Remove Glue from Clothes

Glue on Clothes: The Type Determines the Method

There are many types of glue, and each requires a different removal approach. White craft glue (PVA) is water-soluble and very easy to remove. Hot glue peels off when cold. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) needs acetone. Fabric glue is designed to be permanent. Identifying your glue type before treating is the most important first step.

What You'll Need

• Goo Gone Pro-Power
• ForPro 100% Pure Acetone
• 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
• Dawn Ultra Dish Soap
• Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray
• Microfiber cloths
• Warm and cold water

By Glue Type

White Craft Glue / School Glue (PVA) — Easiest

1. While wet: Rinse immediately with warm water — PVA glue is water-soluble and washes out easily when fresh.
2. When dried: Soak in warm water for 30 minutes to rehydrate, then peel off the softened glue. Apply Dawn dish soap for any residue and machine wash warm.

Hot Glue (Glue Gun)

1. Let it harden completely — never try to remove hot glue while warm.
2. Peel off the hardened glue — hot glue doesn't bond strongly to most fabrics and usually peels off cleanly.
3. Apply Goo Gone Pro-Power for any remaining sticky residue. Goo Gone Pro-Power dissolves adhesive residue. Let sit 3–5 minutes, then blot.
4. Apply Dawn dish soap and machine wash cold.

Craft Glue / Tacky Glue

1. While wet: Rinse with warm water immediately.
2. When dried: Apply Goo Gone Pro-Power and let sit 5–10 minutes. Peel and scrape off softened glue, then apply Dawn dish soap and machine wash.

Epoxy Glue

1. While wet: Blot immediately, then apply isopropyl alcohol to dissolve before it cures.
2. When cured: Very difficult — apply acetone carefully and let soak. Dried epoxy may be permanent on fabric.

Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate)

See our separate guide on removing super glue from fabric for the complete acetone method.

After Removing the Glue

After removing the bulk of any glue, always follow with Shout Active Enzyme Spray to treat any remaining residue or staining, then machine wash cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Goo Gone remove all types of glue from fabric?

Goo Gone Pro-Power is very effective on hot glue, tacky glue, craft glue, and adhesive residue. It's less effective on super glue (use acetone) and epoxy (use isopropyl alcohol while wet). Always follow with Dawn dish soap to remove the Goo Gone residue.

Can I remove dried white school glue from clothes?

Yes — soak in warm water for 30 minutes to rehydrate the PVA glue, then peel off and wash. White school glue is one of the easiest glues to remove from fabric even when dried.

What glues are permanent on fabric?

Fabric glue and textile adhesives are specifically designed to be permanent on fabric. Fully cured epoxy is also very difficult to remove. For these, professional dry cleaning may be the only option.