As the commander-in-chief of laundry in this household, I've tackled everything from blood to wine… to slime. And let me tell you, slime is the absolute worst. I wish I'd learnt how to get slime out of clothes years ago—you need to think fast when it's involved—once it sets, it's like trying to scrub regret off a bad life decision.

Personally, I hate the stuff. The texture gives me tremendous sensory overload, but three of my five absolutely love it. Unfortunately, that means it ends up everywhere—on clothes, tablets, carpets, hair… you name it, I've had to remove it.

Luckily, I've picked up a few tricks over the years to rescue school uniforms, hoodies, and my sanity.

So if you've got a kid (or partner) who's obsessed with slime, here's how to get rid of it—fast.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Slime Out of Clothes

Remove Excess Slime First

• Scrape off as much slime as possible using a spoon, butter knife, or even a credit card.
• Be gentle—rubbing it in will only make things worse.

Pro Tip: If the slime is fresh, put the fabric in the freezer for 30 minutes. This hardens the slime, making it easier to peel off.

Pre-Treat the Slime Stain

Once you've removed the bulk of the slime, you need to treat the sticky residue.

Option 1: White Vinegar Method (Best for most fabrics)

✅ Soak the stained area in white vinegar for 5-10 minutes.
✅ Use an old toothbrush or cloth to gently scrub.
✅ Rinse with warm water and check the stain.

Option 2: Dish Soap Method (Good for delicate fabrics like wool or silk)

✅ Apply a few drops of washing-up liquid to the stain.
✅ Rub it in gently with your fingers.
✅ Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse.

Option 3: Baking Soda & Vinegar (For Tough Stains)

✅ Sprinkle baking soda over the slime stain.
✅ Pour vinegar on top—it'll fizz, which helps break down the stain.
✅ Scrub with a toothbrush, then rinse.

Throw It in the Washing Machine

• Once the stain is mostly gone, toss the clothing in the washing machine.
• Wash on the hottest safe setting for the fabric.
• Air dry—don't use a tumble dryer until you're sure the stain is gone (heat can set the stain permanently).

Personal Story: The first time I tried washing my slime-covered shirt, I skipped the pre-treatment and threw it straight into the wash. Big mistake. Instead of getting rid of the slime, I ended up fusing it into the fabric. RIP top.

How to Get Dried Slime Out of Clothes

If the slime has already dried, it's a bit trickier, but not impossible:

1️⃣ Soak the fabric in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
2️⃣ Apply white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to break down the residue.
3️⃣ Scrub gently with a toothbrush.
4️⃣ Wash as usual.

Extra Tip: If it's glitter slime (because why wouldn't it be!?), use sticky tape or a lint roller to lift any leftover glitter after washing.

FAQ: Getting Slime Out of… Everything Else

How do I get slime out of the carpet?

Scrape off as much as possible.
Mix baking soda + white vinegar and let it fizz for a few minutes.
Blot with warm water and a cloth.
Vacuum once dry.

Can you use rubbing alcohol to remove slime?

Yes! Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) breaks down slime stains quickly. Just dab some on the stain with a cotton ball, scrub lightly, then rinse.

What if the slime has food colouring in it?

If you're dealing with coloured slime, try hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice after removing the slime. These natural brighteners can help lift dye stains.

Is it safe to use a tumble dryer after washing?

Only if all the slime is gone! Heat can set stains permanently, so check before drying. (I've made that mistake once).

How do I get slime out of hair?

Oh, I've been there.

Does anyone remember those little slime aliens in an egg? You know, the ones that supposedly hatched if you left them together long enough (according to every schoolyard rumour ever)?

Yeah. Those bastards.

Well, one year, I thought it would be hilarious to stick one in my little sister's hair. I was about seven at the time… and the instant regret was real. Cue me dragging her under the dining table, praying she wouldn't rat me out to Dad while I very carefully tried to comb it out.

Thirty minutes of quiet sobbing later, and she was finally free from the alien goo.

But if slime ever does end up in hair, here's how to get it out without causing trauma:

1️⃣ Coat the slime with conditioner or olive oil.
2️⃣ Work it through gently with your fingers (avoid yanking!).
3️⃣ Use a fine-tooth comb to remove the softened slime.
4️⃣ Rinse and repeat until it's all out.

If it's already dried, soak the hair in warm water first to loosen it up before trying these steps.

If you're dealing with coloured slime, try hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice after removing the slime. These natural brighteners can help lift dye stains.

Slime Out

Getting slime out of clothes is a rite of passage for any parent. But armed with the right tricks (and plenty of vinegar, or isopropyl alcohol), you can rescue your kid's favourite outfits and avoid turning their school uniform into something resembling that slime show from Nickelodeon.

Next time slime sneaks onto clothes, at least you won't panic—just grab some vinegar, baking soda, and patience.

Have any horror stories of slime mishaps? Drop them in the comments—I'd love to hear them!