Find out how to get PVA glue out of clothes and other fabrics in this handy article. PVA is one of the most common types of household glue, so get the details here on how to deal with spills.
Whether you're tackling a woodworking project, working on crafts with the kids, or making a small household repair, you are likely using a form of PVA glue. It is typically white for household use or yellow for carpentry work, but the main components are very similar.
Cleaning up uncured PVA glue is easy because it is water soluble. Whether you want to get PVA glue off clothes, remove PVA glue from carpet, or just clean up excess glue while working, dissolving PVA in water is the key.
For most surfaces, simply use a clean cloth generously dampened with water. Wipe away the glue until the surface is clean.
If you need to remove PVA glue from clothes, carpet, or other fabrics, use a stiff bristled brush and plenty of water. If the fabric is delicate, try a damp cloth rather than a brush. Continue rinsing until the glue is gone, then wash the item in the washing machine if practical.
Cured PVA glue will not dissolve in water, so another solvent is needed. Acetone (or nail polish remover) is the most common solution for removing dried glue.
Acetone is an excellent PVA glue solvent and is often used to remove PVA glue from wood surfaces if disassembling furniture or other items. However, it can also be used on carpets and clothing.
Always test the acetone on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric, because in some cases, it may cause damage or discolouration. For many materials it will be fine.
Here’s how to remove dried PVA glue from clothes:
- Soak the item in warm water for a few hours. This should soften the glue enough for the next step.
- Gently scrape away as much of the glue as possible with a putty knife or a similar metal-edged object. Be careful not to damage the material.
- Apply some acetone to the area and use a brush to loosen and remove the dried glue. This may take several applications.
- Wash the item in the washing machine after you have removed as much of the glue as possible.
As an alternative to acetone, you might try a commercial stain remover. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but typically it is just a matter of applying the stain remover to the dried glue, letting it soak, and brushing away the loosened glue.