Hair glue is one of the most common household items that get used and abused by everyone. Even the most cautious person has probably encountered hair glue during their lifetime. While it can help create hairpieces and accessories, hair glue also poses a lot of danger to your clothing and fabric when you don’t know How to Remove Hair Glue from Clothes.
Hair glue can cause damage to materials and seams and discolors them permanently, which can leave your clothing or linens looking dingy after just a few uses. Luckily, removing hair glue from clothes is easy once you know how!
Read also: How to Remove Human Hair from Clothes
What is Hair Glue?
Simply put, hair glue is a substance designed to strengthen hair so that it can be styled and fitted without damaging the hair’s natural structure. It’s used in various ways, like creating hair pieces or adhesives that attach hair accessories to the head. Hair glue can also attach wigs and extensions to the head.
However, hair glue is also commonly used by individuals to strengthen their hair. This can result in damage to the scalp and the sensitivity of the hair follicles. Other common uses for hair glue include securing extensions and creating hair ties.
Why is Hair Glue Dangerous to Clothing?
Hair glue is extremely sticky and concentrated and clings to fabrics like a magnet. Even if you’re careful to only apply the glue to your hair and not to your clothes, hair glue is tough to remove from fabric. Most hair glues are made with ingredients similar to dyes and tend to leave a whitish residue that is almost impossible to extract.
Even if you use multiple washes on the item and stain removers, the glue residue will still be visible in the fabric. Hair glue residue is often permanent, damaging your clothing and leaving a residue that discolors your linens permanently. Alcohol-based removers designed to remove ink stains can also damage fabric, so avoiding using these on hair glue residue is best. Blotting paper and a clean cloth are also ineffective, as hair glue is very sticky and keeps sticking to your fabrics.
So you’ll need to use a strong cleaner and scrubbing motions to scrape it off. Hair glue residue can also discolor your fabric, leaving it with a dull, yellowish color that is difficult to remove.
How to Remove Hair Glue from Clothes: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Identify the Type of Fabric
Before attempting any stain removal method, it’s crucial to identify the type of fabric your clothes are made of. Different fabrics require different treatments, and using the wrong method may result in discoloration or damage. Check the clothing label for information on the fabric type and recommended cleaning instructions. If there are no instructions or you’re unsure, it’s best to proceed with caution and perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area.
2. Scrape off Excess Glue
Using a blunt object, such as a butter knife or a spoon, gently scrape off any excess hair glue from the fabric. Be careful not to push the glue further into the fabric fibers. By removing the excess glue, you’ll make the subsequent removal steps more effective.
3. Apply an Oil-Based Substance
An effective way to soften and dissolve hair glue stains is by applying an oil-based substance. You can use common household items like olive oil, coconut oil, or baby oil. Simply saturate a clean cloth or cotton ball with the oil and gently dab it onto the stained area. Allow the oil to sit on the stain for a few minutes to penetrate and loosen the glue.
4. Gently Rub the Stain
After letting the oil sit for a few minutes, gently rub the stained area with a clean cloth or sponge. Use circular motions to lift the hair glue from the fabric. Be patient and avoid rubbing too aggressively, as this may cause damage to delicate fabrics. Continue rubbing until the glue starts to dissolve and transfer onto the cloth.
5. Launder as Usual
Once the majority of the hair glue has been removed, it’s time to launder the garment as you normally would. Check the clothing label for washing instructions and follow them accordingly. For best results, use a quality laundry detergent that is suitable for the fabric type. Wash the garment in the appropriate water temperature and allow it to air dry or tumble dry as recommended.
6. Repeat if Necessary
If traces of the hair glue stain remain after laundering, repeat the oil-based treatment and gentle rubbing process. It may take a few attempts to completely remove stubborn stains, especially if the glue has dried or set into the fabric fibers. With persistence and continued effort, you’ll eventually succeed in eliminating the hair glue stain from your clothes.
Tips for Storing and Care of Removing Hair Glueed Clothes
Hair glue doesn’t always leave residue on fabrics, but you’ll want to avoid storing items that have been glued with hair. You can also avoid hair glue residue by keeping your things in plastic bags or hanging them up when not in use. Ensure you regularly wash any items exposed to hair glue to prevent damage to your fabrics.
You can also use a strong laundry detergent or a bleach-based stain remover to remove hair glue residue from your clothing. If you’d like to clean a few items quickly without using a detergent or bleach, you can try using a mixture of dish soap and warm water.
Avoid using hot water on items glued with hair; the heat can cause the glue residue to melt and run. You can also use a dryer on the lowest heat setting to remove the glue residue from your clothing.
Conclusion
Like most stains and spills, hair glue is best prevented. If you’ve used hair glue, cleaning it off as soon as possible is best to avoid damage to your clothes and fabrics. Hair glue residue can cause your clothing to look dingy, and it can also discolor your fabrics permanently.
You can remove hair glue residue from your materials by washing them in a mild detergent and using a sponge to remove the residue gently. Make sure to avoid storing items with hair glue, and avoid storing items that have been glued with hair. Hope you read this article on how to remove hair glue from clothes.
FAQs on How to Remove Hair Glue from Clothes
Can I use acetone or nail polish remover to remove hair glue from clothes?
Yes, acetone or nail polish remover can be effective in removing hair glue stains from clothes. However, it’s essential to perform a spot test first to ensure that the fabric can withstand the harsh chemicals. Acetone is best suited for sturdy fabrics like denim or cotton, but it may damage delicate or synthetic materials.
Is it safe to use heat or an iron to remove hair glue stains?
Using heat or an iron is not recommended for removing hair glue stains from clothes. Heat can actually cause the glue to set further into the fabric and make the stain more difficult to remove. It may also cause the fabric to shrink or discolor.
Are there any commercial stain removers specifically designed for hair glue stains?
Yes, there are commercial stain removers available that are specifically formulated to tackle hair glue stains. Look for products that mention hair glue or adhesive removal on the label. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and perform a spot test before applying the product to the entire stained area.
Can I use vinegar to remove hair glue from clothes?
Vinegar can be an effective natural remedy for removing hair glue stains. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and apply the solution to the stained area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub the stain with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the fabric thoroughly with water and launder as usual.
How can I remove hair glue stains from delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon?
When dealing with delicate fabrics, it’s crucial to be gentle and avoid using harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing. Instead, try the oil-based method mentioned earlier. Apply a small amount of oil to the stained area and gently rub with a soft cloth. If the stain persists, consider taking the garment to a professional cleaner for expert assistance.
