HOW TO GET SLIME OUT OF A BLANKET
Oh, gooey slime. Loved by children everywhere, and tolerated by parents who’ve reluctantly accepted the mess. There’s no denying it’s a super fun and even beneficial form of sensory play, but it's also extremely sticky and clings to everything! And, sometimes when slime latches on, it won’t let go.
One of the most common things slime seems to stick to is fabric. It adheres quickly to the fibers, and it feels like nothing will get it off. And, this is beyond a “sticky situation” when your child’s security blanket is the slime’s victim!
But, have no fear. You don’t need to ban slime in your house. There are ways to get slime out of blankets and textiles! As a mother myself, I know just how much you may dread removing slime and playdough from hair, blankets, clothing, and even carpets! Luckily, these awesome tried-and-true methods will help you restore your textiles to their former glory.
Here’s how to get slime out of blankets:
How To Get Slime Out of a Blanket
Method One: Freeze and Scrape
Materials
Ice cubes
Ice pack
Butter knife
Instructions
First, remove whatever slime you can from the blanket. Start by just picking it off, and then use a butter knife to pull up additional globs of slime. The more you can scrape off at this point the better!
Once you’ve done all you can with your fingers and the knife, we’re going to freeze the slime. To do this, take an ice cube or ice pack and place it on the slime-affected area, and leave for 10-15 minutes.
After you’ve confirmed it's frozen, take a butter knife and continue scraping. The excess slime will come off much easier now!
Ta-da! All sorted.
Method Two: Vinegar Solution
Materials
White vinegar
Water
Spray bottle
Paper towel
Butter knife
Instructions
To do this one, again start by removing as much slime as you can with your fingers and a butter knife. But, once you get to the point where no more is coming off, it’s time to bring in the cleaning solution.
The solution is a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. Make that and pour it into a spray bottle. Then, spray the vinegar and water mixture onto the remaining slime. Let that sit for 5 minutes!
Once it’s set, spray it again and rub it gently away with a paper towel. After all the globs of slime are gone, spray one more time and blot your blanket with a fresh paper towel to get rid of any greasy stains.
Just make sure you throw it in the wash before your little one gets it back. Right after using the solution, the smell will be a little intense and vinegar can be harsh on sensitive skin. A quick wash is best!
This method works for both sticky slime and dried slime!
Method Three: Rubbing Alcohol
Materials
Rubbing alcohol
Paper towel
Butter knife
Instruction
Start by getting rid of as much of the slime as possible before you go in with your rubbing alcohol. Use your fingers and a butter knife to scrape and pick off what you can. The less on the blanket, the better!
After you’ve removed what you can, grab your rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the slime stain with the paper towel. Soon, all the slime particles will be gone and you might just have a greasy slime stain remaining. Keep blotting until that’s gone too!
Like vinegar, rubbing alcohol can be harsh on the skin, so wash it before giving it back to your child or throwing the blanket back on the couch.
Method Four: Dish Soap
Materials
Water
Paper towel
Butter knife
Instructions
You guessed it! Start by getting rid of as much slime as you can with your fingers and a butter knife. Once that’s done, mix the dish soap and water together in a small bowl. When bubbles form, pour the soapy water over the slime. Give it a second to saturate!
Next, use a paper towel to scrub off the slime using the soapy water. Once the pieces of slime are gone, keep blotting to make sure there’s no grease stain left behind.
I like this method because dish soap is a gentle degreaser that won’t be too hard on your fabrics or your child’s skin. Still, it’s probably a good idea to throw it in the wash after you’re done!
Method Five: Stain Remover
Materials
Spoon or butter knife
Instructions
The stain remover is the number one way to get rid of the slime and any slime stain it may leave behind. Not only does it get rid of the slime itself, but prevents ANY damage or discoloration from the slime itself.
Follow the instructions on the stain remover to get rid of the slime. Usually, you will just apply the stain remover, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it away with a butter knife, spoon, or soft brush!
If you’re still having trouble, you could try soaking your fabric and the stain remover before trying to remove it.
Method Six: Laundry Detergent
Materials
Warm water
Laundry detergent
Paper towel
Instructions
For this one, you’ll need a bit of patience. Remove the slime with a butter knife or one of these other methods. Then, just fill a sink with water and add a bit of laundry detergent to the mix. Soak the blanket for about 30 minutes.
Once it’s done, lift it out of the water and gently rub away the remaining slime. The laundry detergent should loosen it enough that it comes off pretty easily, but if not, don’t be afraid to give it a little scrub! Finally, wash as normal and all evidence of slime should be gone!
Don’t stress, you can get slime out of fabric!
Sensory play can definitely get a little messy at times, but it’s so worth it! All you need is the right tools and resources to foster the best sensory play environment AND clean up the mess when you’re done. That’s what the Mothercould in Your Pocket Resource can do for you!
I’m here to help you make incredible slime creations like cloud slime and epic slime and keep your home stain-free when it’s over. These sensory play opportunities can be beneficial to your child in so many ways, so great job sticking it out and dealing with the “sticky” mess. You won’t regret this time your kids get to spend exploring, growing, and bonding through play!
I hope these tips come in handy when you need to remove slime from clothes, blankets, or any other type of fabric!