Silly putty is sticky and has a gum-like texture, and can be fun to play with until it gets stuck in the fibers of your clothes. It can be challenging to remove when stuck by pulling it out with your hands.
There are various methods to get putty out of clothes, and you’re about to learn ten of them.
10 Different Ways to Get Putty Out Of Clothes
Putty can best be removed from clothes when they are not yet dried up; it is difficult to remove putty stains after they have dried up.
So, before using any method to clean your clothes, remember to test on a small material area. Also, using products that break down and loosen the putty will make it easier to remove the putty stain.
Here are ten ways to effectively get putty out of your clothes.
Method 1: Scraping
In this method, you must scrape off as much putty as possible to enable whichever cleaning agent is used to remove the rest of the putty from the fibers.
When scraping off putty, use a blunt-edged knife like a butter knife or a putty knife. Using a sharp-edged knife could accidentally cut the fabric. Gently scratch the putty with the knife until you’ve taken out however much you can from the clothing.
Method 2: Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer contains a large percentage of alcohol, which can help break down putty and evaporate without leaving a stain. However, a hand sanitizer containing fragrances or dyes could leave behind a stain.
Before using it, test it on a small cloth area to avoid more stains to remove.
To use it, pour enough sanitizer that can cover the putty stain, and use your finger or a cloth to rub it into the stain gently. As the alcohol in the sanitizer breaks down the stain, start scraping away the putty with your fingers or a blunt-edged knife.
Method 3: Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is less likely to leave a stain on most fabrics because it doesn’t contain fragrances and dyes. However, the 99% concentration of rubbing alcohol can be too strong to use on delicate fabrics, so don’t forget to test on a small area first.
To use it, dip a few cotton balls in alcohol and wipe the stain, and because the alcohol will work rapidly, use your fingers or a knife to scrape away more of the stain. Scrub with a scrubbing brush for more prominent putty spots or thoroughly infiltrated.
Method 4: Ice Cube
Ice cubes are great for delicate fabrics that are not exposed to harsh chemicals. They can also be used on all fabrics by themselves before or after rubbing alcohol products to make the stain easier to scrape.
Ice works by hardening the stain without drying it. It will be simpler to scrub the stain away if it is tougher; take an ice cube and rub it all over it, then use a knife to scrape the putty.
Method 5: WD-40
WD-40 is a solid chemical product containing petroleum. It can easily remove the stain but not without leaving behind a grease stain on your clothing when used, so in addition to removing the putty, you will also need to remove the WD-40 stain before washing the clothing.
On delicate fabrics, avoid using WD-40. Spray a little on the stained area on both sides of the fabric and let it sit on the stain for a few minutes. After about five minutes, scrape the putty away. Then, dish soap and water remove the putty and WD-40 stain.
Method 6: White Vinegar
White vinegar is an effective stain remover for most stains, and you can also use it on putty. It is very acidic, so it is so excellent at removing stains. When diluted with water, it prevents damage to clothes.
To use, mix one-part vinegar and two parts water. Then, dip a cloth in the solution and rub it on the putty stain. As the vinegar breaks down the putty, scrape the putty out of the fabric, and wash in the washing machine, using a half cup of vinegar and some detergent.
Method 7: Goo Gone
Goo Gone is a cleaning agent specially made for eliminating sticky substances from surfaces, and it does not leave a mark on the clothing if it is washed after use. So, after scraping away the putty, pour some Goo Gone onto a cotton ball or rag, then dab the clothing with it and use a scrub brush to scrub away the putty.
Treat the stain with dish soap afterward and add half a cup of vinegar to the wash to help remove the stain and odor left by the Goo Gone.
Method 8: Pressing Iron
You can use an iron to remove putty because it can soften the putty by melting it to make it easier to pull it out of the fabric. Place a cloth you no longer use over the stain while ironing to give the putty something to stick to. After ironing over the stain for a few seconds, pull up the cloth to see if any putty is stuck.
Place a clean layer of fabric on the stain and iron it for a few seconds. Repeat until most or all of the stain has been gone. Scrub the clothing with vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove residue.
Note: You have to rotate the cleaner layer of cloth for effectiveness because the putty could stick back to the initially stained clothing as you iron over it again.
Method 9: Liquid Dish Soap
Dish soap is made to break down the oils and grease left on dishes and works on clothing. You can use it to remove grease stains left behind by the putty or the products used in cleaning the putty.
Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the cloth, then scrub it with a scrub brush, an old toothbrush, or a towel. The soap will help to dissolve the greasy stain and remove it. After removing the grease, you’re finally ready to wash the clothing if all the putties have been removed.
Method 10: Washing the Clothing
Use a regular detergent when washing your clothes. You can add a half cup of vinegar to the wash to help further clean the stain or remove any odor left behind by the cleaning products.