Mothers like slime much less than children, but the fact is that it is quite difficult to wash it off clothes or upholstery or carpet. Since regular washing with powder does not always help clear stains from slime (from the English word “slime,” another name for this toy), various folk and chemical remedies will come to the rescue. Freezing helps a lot; in this way you can remove sticky residue from clothes and even hair. But there are many other proven methods that we will discuss in this article.
How to clean slime from a sofa
Handgam includes a viscous and jelly-like material. The toy is distinguished by the properties of a non-Newtonian fluid. It may include various components. The main components include borax and polysaccharide.
Slime is a relatively safe toy. However, neglecting handling rules can lead to stains on the carpet or upholstered furniture, which is due to the characteristics of the composition.
The characteristics of slime depend on the variety. The following handgam options are called:
- original, including glue and activator;
- glossy, characterized by the presence of baby oil;
- fluffy containing shaving foam or gel;
- batter, characterized by the presence of clay or light plasticine;
- milky, created on the basis of glue;
- crunch, which has a crunch due to the addition of foam balls;
- mountainous, shimmering due to the inclusion of 2 bases;
- ombre, consisting of several colors;
- clear, having transparency;
- a pigment named because of its metallic shade;
- a cloud that falls evenly when stretched.
The main properties of the popular toy include the ability to stick to absolutely any surface. The sticky mass often gets stuck in children's hair and remains on upholstered furniture. The slime easily comes off from objects. If you leave the viscous mass for several hours, it will be absorbed into the fibers of the fabric. You can clean the sofa from slime using household chemicals and folk remedies.
Detergents
It is possible to remove a slime stain from a sofa using dishwashing detergent, which is dissolved in a small amount of water and applied to the sticky mass. The composition is left for several hours, washed and blotted with paper napkins.
Many housewives recommend using Vanish stain remover. The product allows you to effectively remove slime from the sofa.
Vanish stain removers can be in the form of an active foam or spray
Antiseptics
Hydrogen peroxide helps remove slime from the sofa. Soak a cotton pad in the liquid and wipe the stain thoroughly. After cleaning, rinse the area with a damp sponge.
We recommend reading: How to remove brilliant green from linoleum
Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for removing toys on dark-colored upholstered furniture.
Nail polish remover
You can remove slime from sofa upholstery using products containing acetone. A cotton pad is soaked in nail polish remover and used to separate the slime from the surface.
Nail polish remover containing acetone works well for removing sticky mass from the sofa.
Vinegar
To clean upholstery, you can use essence in combination with powder (washing powder). Mix water and soda in a container in a 2:1 ratio. Then vinegar and washing powder are added in the same quantities as sodium bicarbonate.
We recommend reading: Baking soda: beneficial properties, uses, how to take
The sponge is dipped into the resulting solution and the stain is treated. After the procedure, it is advisable to wipe the upholstery with a damp cloth.
Vinegar essence in combination with soda and washing powder helps remove slime from the sofa.
Alcohol
A cotton swab is soaked in vodka. You can also use alcohol to remove stains on your sofa. Wipe the surface with the product and then rinse with a damp sponge.
To achieve maximum results, the procedure for cleaning the sofa with alcohol can be repeated several times.
Soda
Sodium bicarbonate is used in the form of a slurry. Baking soda is mixed with water to form a thick paste. Rub the gruel onto the stain and leave for half an hour. Within 30 minutes, the sodium bicarbonate will soften the sticky mass and absorb the fat. Then the remaining soda is washed off with a damp sponge.
Sodium bicarbonate paste is used to remove sticky toys.
Starch and salt
You can remove slime from the sofa using a dry mixture. It includes salt and starch. The composition is poured into a sticky mass. Removal of small particles is carried out after the handgam has dried.
A mixture of salt and starch helps remove slime from upholstery.
By mechanical means
You can clean the sofa from slime not only using various means. It is recommended to try mechanical removal first. To scrape off the main part of the handgam, you need to use scissors, a blade or a knife. To increase effectiveness, you can apply ice and blot the stain with hot water.
After removing the slime, small particles usually remain. Apply household chemicals to a cotton pad and wipe the area of contamination. The procedure is completed by washing with a wet sponge or damp cloth. The affected area should be dried with a hairdryer.
After using the mechanical cleaning method, it is necessary to carefully treat the area of contamination with various means so that no stain remains.
Thermal influence
You can wipe the slime off the sofa using ice cubes. They need to cover the stain left by the slime and wait until it hardens completely. Then the toy is removed with the blunt side of a knife or a nail file.
You can remove slime particles from the sofa upholstery using hot water. High temperature helps to soak the components of the viscous mass, which can then be collected using a napkin.
After removing the slime with hot water, it is recommended to wash the stain with soap and water.
What actions to take
To remove residues of the substance, as well as stains, it is necessary to follow a certain sequence:
- Clean the carpet using a scraper or knife. It is important that most of the slime is removed.
- Apply one of the products and wait 30 minutes, then clean with a soft brush; you must start from the edge of the stain, otherwise it will spread over a large area.
- Treat the stain with a damp sponge, this will get rid of any remaining slime and detergent components.
- Place a dry towel on the stain and wait until the liquid is absorbed.
- Dry the area using a hairdryer.
Thus, you can remove any stains on the carpet, but you should first familiarize yourself with the composition and characteristics of the pile in order to correctly select the detergent. Regardless of the chosen method, it is necessary to conduct a small test before applying the substance to the furniture. To do this, wipe a not too noticeable area with a sponge soaked in the composition. If there is no negative reaction, you can begin cleaning.
How to Clean Dried Slime from a Couch
You can even remove old stains left by slime. To soften a dried toy, it is recommended to use hot water and wet wipes.
The sponge is moistened in a soap solution and applied to the stain. This is necessary to remove grease stains. After 5 minutes, wipe the contaminated area of the upholstery with a sponge soaked in hot water. When the handgam particles become soft, they are collected using wet wipes. Hot water helps remove dried slime from your couch.
When are dry cleaning services required?
Unfortunately, old slime stains (which are more than a week old) cannot be completely removed at home. The adhesive particles have already penetrated deep into the fabric. You will have to take the product to the dry cleaner, especially if we are talking about a carpet or rug.
Also, do not take risks trying to remove slime from expensive wardrobe items or particularly delicate fabrics (silk, chiffon, viscose). It is better to entrust the rescue of such things to professionals.
Laundry soap
Soap can be used on dark and white fabrics. To remove traces of slime, rub it with soap, soak, and leave for 1–2 hours. If necessary, repeat the procedure 2-3 times. You can also make soap slurry by diluting grated soap with a small amount of water.
- Dilute a tablespoon of salt with water to a paste.
- Rub the resulting mixture onto the stain and leave for 2–3 hours.
- Soak the cloth in salt water (a tablespoon per 1.5 liters of water), leave overnight.
- Then wash as usual.
Mix all ingredients in equal quantities until a paste forms. Apply the mixture to the stain. If the dirt is fresh, just rub it. An old stain will have to be soaked in the pulp for several hours, after rubbing it with a brush. Afterwards wash by hand.
To remove slime you need isopropyl alcohol. It is suitable for cotton and linen clothing. Apply alcohol to the stain with a cotton pad and rub well. The product works quickly, the item can be machine washed after 15 minutes.
Thermal impact
Like chewing gum and plasticine, slime is sensitive to temperature changes. These properties will help get rid of sticky mass from almost any fabric.
Before using the method, you must try to remove the maximum amount of substance from the surface mechanically.
Heat
Denim, cotton and linen products tolerate high temperatures well. You can remove the remaining slime on them using boiling water, then the sticky mass will become liquid.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Clean off any remaining slime mechanically.
- Pour boiling water into a container (basin, bowl).
- Soak the item and wait until the water cools to room temperature.
- Machine wash with stain remover added.
You can enhance the cleaning efficiency with ammonia. It is enough to add 1 tsp to the soaking container. The method has a significant drawback - large items (furniture, heavy curtains) cannot be cleaned this way.
It is imperative to study the manufacturer's recommendations for caring for the product on the label. Fabrics with natural composition may shrink after contact with boiling water.
Freezing
The method is universal, it can be used even for natural wool, viscose, silk and knitwear. The slime hardens under low temperatures and is easily separated from the fibers. Delicate fabrics will not lose their appearance and will not become deformed.
Algorithm of actions:
- Place the product in a plastic bag.
- Place in the freezer.
- Leave for 3-4 hours until the substance hardens.
- Clean off pieces of slime mechanically.
If the product is large (sofa, carpet), you can use ice cubes. It is enough to place them in a bag and apply them to the affected area.
Dishwashing liquid
They contain surfactants and alcohols of various types, therefore:
- are able to remove ingrained traces of slime from clothes;
- relatively safe for fabric.
Among the effective household chemicals, glass cleaners should be noted - their composition is similar to dish detergent. The only difference is that they contain more alcohol (isopropanol), are more toxic, but work faster.
The algorithm for working with kitchen chemicals is as follows:
- Pour the product over the stained area and leave for an hour or two.
- Try cleaning the area with a napkin or fingernail - if the process goes well, wipe off the slime particles, then wash the item. If the slime does not come off, repeat step 1.
- Rinse the item thoroughly in warm or hot water (depending on the fabric).
How can you use slime if it has dried out?
- If you have used all the methods and the slime has dried out, try not to throw it away, but get creative and give it a second life.
- So, for example, crumble it into pieces and add them to a new slime. You will receive an unusual decorative filling. To prevent these crumbs from sticking out, sand them when you crumble them, rounding off the sharp edges.
- If your slime is not dirty, then put it in a transparent container, pour in rhinestones, sequins, beads, beads - in a word, everything bright and shiny. You will get a real “space” design. This unique decoration for a child's room will become even more interesting if you collect several dried slimes there.
Make a ball of dry slime
- Or you can make a funny ball that will bounce around happily. The main thing is to try to give the slime a round shape (this is possible if the toy has not completely hardened and it is still possible to knead it a little).
- When the ball is dry, you can play with it. By mixing several of these slimes of different colors, you can get several balls that will delight the eye with an unusual color with streaks.
Folk recipes for red wine on clothes
If professional stain removers do not help you cope with the problem, turn to traditional methods. They often help get rid of not only fresh marks, but also old ones that have gone through more than one wash.
| 1 | Hydrogen peroxide |
| 2 | Ammonia |
| 3 | Lemon |
| 4 | Milk |
| 5 | Vinegar |
1
Hydrogen peroxide
In addition to the fact that peroxide has disinfecting and disinfecting properties, it can remove pigment from fabric fibers and lighten it. Because of this, it is often used in the question of how to wash red wine from white clothes.
The essence of the method:
- Mix 1 part peroxide with 3 parts water. Add a few drops of ammonia to the solution.
- The liquid is applied to the stain and left until a visually noticeable lightening effect appears.
- After 20-25 minutes, the item should be rinsed in cool water and soaked in a regular soap solution.
- After 15 minutes, put the material in the wash.
2
Ammonia
Ammonia is often used at home as a stain remover, but be careful - it can leave small stains on the fabric, so it is recommended to use it on colored or dark clothes. Ammonia will help deal with both fresh and old red wine stains.
It is used as follows:
- 2 tbsp. alcohol is mixed with a jar of glycerin solution.
- A cotton pad is soaked generously with the resulting liquid, and then the fabric is treated with it.
- After 15 minutes, the fabric goes into the wash.
The method is suitable for processing even thin and difficult-to-care materials, for which other, more aggressive methods are not suitable.
3
Lemon
Lemon juice is a strong natural antioxidant that has whitening properties. It is often used for household purposes, even to clean plaque from plumbing fixtures.
In the laundry, lemon can be used to remove red wine stains on colored or white clothes:
- Roll the lemon a little on the table, pressing it with your palm to make it juicier.
- Cut the fruit in half and apply one part to the stain.
- After 15 minutes, when the fabric is soaked in lemon juice, place the fabric on a windowsill, balcony or street so that it receives direct sunlight. As the material dries, the juice will act and gradually discolor the mark.
- Rinse the item in cool water and wash.
Important! Lemon will even help to lighten old and stubborn stains that other methods cannot cope with. You can replace it with a concentrated solution of citric acid.. 4
Milk
If you don’t know how to remove a fresh red wine stain from natural fabric, if you don’t have a stain remover on hand, you can also use milk
Dairy products have a fairly strong bleaching effect, so it is not recommended to use them when washing dark clothes.
4
Milk
If you don’t know how to remove a fresh red wine stain from natural fabric, if you don’t have a stain remover on hand, you can also use milk.
Dairy products have a fairly strong bleaching effect, so it is not recommended to use them when washing dark clothes.
The essence of the method:
- Use a brush or cotton pad to dampen the stained area.
- Heat the milk to 50-60 degrees and pour it over the soiled item for an hour.
- After soaking, rinse the fabric and put it in a regular wash.
5
Vinegar
The method is most often used to clean silk fabrics (even natural ones), since it does not involve aggressive or mechanical action on the material, but only gradually removes the pigment.
In this case, you need to mix 1 part of 9% table or apple cider vinegar and 2 parts of cool water. A cotton pad is soaked in the solution, and then the soiled area of the cloth is treated with it.
Over time, the pigment will begin to lighten. Repeat the steps and periodically replace the cotton pads with clean ones until the fabric returns to its previous condition.
After the stain is completely removed, wash the item with added conditioner.
How to prevent the slime from drying out?
- To prevent the slime from drying out, first of all, you need to take care of proper storage. If special sealed packaging is provided for purchased slimes, then for homemade slimes you can use any jar, plastic cup or container with a lid.
- It is better to store the toy in a cool place - on the balcony or in the refrigerator at a temperature slightly above 0°C. If the temperature is higher or lower, the slime is unlikely to be able to maintain its elastic properties: it will simply “go sour” or, conversely, freeze.
- When you make slime, don't add a lot of thickener - just a couple of drops is enough. It is better to add drop by drop several times, if necessary, for better plasticity, constantly kneading the resulting mass.
- When making a toy and for “feeding” it, do not use bulk products such as flour or starch. This makes the slime harder and harder, and you won't be able to play with it for a long time.
- And one more thing: do not leave the toy for a long time without moving, in which case it also loses its properties.
The main causes of carpet contamination
If you do not remove the slime from the upholstery or carpet, it will be absorbed into the fibers.
Lime is not the only thing that can stain carpets. They are constantly underfoot, acting as a kind of filter that traps dust, dirt and other small debris. Residents usually carry them away - they walk on the carpet in unwashed shoes, take out dirty laundry from different rooms, and leave behind dusty bags.
The source of pollution can be anything - dust brought from the street, greasy stains left after cooking or eating, traces of the heating system, the consequences of playing with plasticine, paints and slime. According to statistics, about 80% of all garbage is dry particles, mainly sand, but also food debris, soil, and pet hair. This is real pollution.
Sometimes there are apparent stains: wear of the coating, large scratches, defects in the pile, loss of light or shadow. They cannot be eliminated using cleaning products.
How to remove handgam marks from walls
The most difficult types of contamination are greasy stains and stuck fragments of this toy on the walls of the house. Traces of slime may appear on wallpaper and walls coated with water-based paint. Sometimes it is impossible to explain to a child that you need to play carefully. And then the fun turns into a lot of trouble.
Any housewife knows from personal experience how difficult it is to keep the house clean every day. Therefore, we have prepared valuable, effective tips so that you spend as little effort as possible on this.
How to clean slime from paper wallpaper?
It’s not easy to do something about a stain on paper wallpaper. But there are several ways that builders use:
Video instructions on how to quickly remove traces and particles of smart plasticine from wallpaper:
How to remove a stain from smart plasticine from a painted wall
If the walls are decorated with wallpaper for painting, then the problem is practically solved. Take this paint from stock or buy the same one at a hardware store. Carefully paint over the stained area.
If the walls are covered with water-based emulsion, then the washable paint can be cleaned with a damp cloth soaked in ammonia or peroxide solution. And you can remove a stain from a wall covered with wood using purified Galosh gasoline. This cleaning method is described in point 3.
With walls lined with plastic, everything is even simpler. Apply nail polish remover to a cleaning sponge and wipe the plastic. You can also use vodka or any other tincture containing alcohol.
There is a greasy stain left from the slime: what to do?
Making slime at home is easier than cleaning up greasy marks after playing with it. To do this, use the old “old-fashioned” method. Every mother and grandmother used it when you got food on your clothes as a child.
To remove an oily residue and clean a sofa, clothing or the covering of wooden furniture, sprinkle the stain with table salt and leave for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to work. In this case, the salt will act as a sorbent and absorb fat.
Laundry soap can clean products made from chipboards (chipboards) and finely dispersed fractions (MDF). Apply it to part of an absorbent cellulose wipe and wipe the greasy mark. Wait 5 minutes, then remove the soapy layer with a damp cloth and wipe the furniture dry. To do this, we recommend using an acetic acid solution, but do not use it to remove stains from varnished surfaces.
Before using one of these methods, conduct a test experiment. Apply cleanser to an inconspicuous part of the coating. Wait for the effect. If no problems arise, then this method can be used without the risk of ruining anything.
It’s possible to remove slime stains from clothes, carpets, and furniture. To do this, you need to follow the recommendations in the article to eliminate such troubles.
