Figuring out how to get playdough out of clothes can be quite a challenge, especially when those pesky, yet fun and colorful stains seem to appear out of nowhere. But fear not, for there are simple and effective steps to tackle getting playdough out of your clothes.
First, let’s start by understanding why playdough is so difficult to remove from fabrics: its sticky, pliable nature tends to adhere to clothing fibers and can be a pain to remove without causing further damage.
Thankfully, there are tried-and-true methods for how to get playdough out of clothes, such as stain removal solutions like:
- A DIY vinegar solution
- Baking soda and water
We’ll dive deeper into the various approaches to safely remove playdough from your garments, ranging from gentle techniques for delicate fabrics to more potent solutions for stubborn stains. Let’s dive in!
In This Article
Pre-Treating Clothes with Playdough Stains: 2 Steps
1. Scrape Excess Playdough
Before you begin the process of how to get playdough out of clothes, it’s important to scrape off as much of the excess playdough as possible. This will make it easier to tackle the remaining residue.
Use a blunt-edged tool like a butter knife or a plastic scraper to gently remove the excess playdough from the clothing. Be careful not to damage the fabric while scraping.
If the playdough is soft and difficult to remove, consider following the next sub-section to harden it before continuing.
2. Chill the Clothing
To make it easier to remove the playdough from your clothing fabric, you can chill the stained clothing in the freezer. This will harden the playdough and make it less likely to spread further into the fabric.
Next, place the garment in a plastic bag, ensuring that the playdough-covered area is not touching any other part of the garment. Leave the garment in the freezer for about an hour or until the playdough has hardened. Once the playdough is solid, follow the scraping instructions from the previous sub-section to remove the excess playdough.
With these two pre-treatment steps properly executed, you’re ready for the rest of the process on how to get playdough out of clothes. Be sure to follow the subsequent sections in this article to completely remove the playdough.
Washing Techniques for Playdough Stains
1. Pre-Wash Treatment
When it comes to how to get playdough out of clothes, you should start with a pre-wash treatment. First, gently try to remove as much playdough as you can from the fabric using a spoon, knife, or the edge of a credit card. Be careful not to damage the fabric in the process.
Next, apply a generous amount of dishwashing detergent, dish soap, or liquid laundry detergent directly onto the playdough stain. For stubborn stains or light-colored fabrics, you can also use a paste made of equal parts baking soda and vinegar to treat the area.
Allow the fabric to soak for about 10-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the stain.
2. Washing the Clothes
After pre-treating the playdough stain, it’s time to wash the garment. For best results, opt for a cold water cycle, as this will help to minimize any remaining playdough residue from spreading. Use a strong laundry detergent specifically designed for stain removal, such as Tide Original Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent or Tide Ultra Stain Release Liquid Laundry Detergent, which are proven to be effective for a variety of stains.
During the wash cycle, you can add a soaking step for 10-15 minutes, allowing the detergent to soften and break down the remaining playdough residue. This step can help in achieving a more thorough cleanse. For reference, it usually takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to wash clothes.
3. Inspect the Stains
Finally, after the washing cycle is complete, make sure to inspect the garment for any leftover stains. If necessary, repeat the pre-wash treatment and washing process until the stain is completely removed.
Remember, learning how to get playdough out of clothes may require some patience, but following these techniques will increase your chances of success.
Proven Stain Removal Solutions for Playdough
When dealing with persistent stains on clothing, it is essential to know how to get playdough out of clothes effectively. In this section, we will explore two popular stain removal methods: Vinegar Solution and Baking Soda and Water Paste.
1. Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a versatile household ingredient that can help you remove playdough stains from your clothes. To create a vinegar solution, follow these steps:
- Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a small bowl.
- Apply the solution directly to the stained area, making sure to saturate the fabric.
- Gently rub the solution into the stain using a clean cloth or soft sponge.
- Allow the solution to sit on the stain for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse the treated area with cold water, then launder the clothing item as usual.
For particularly stubborn stains, you can also try adding a few drops of mild dish soap to the vinegar mixture for extra cleaning power.
2. Baking Soda and Water Paste
Another effective method of removing playdough stains is using a simple paste made from baking soda and water. Here’s how to make and use this paste:
- In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of baking soda with enough water to create a thick paste.
- Spread the paste generously onto the stained area, ensuring that the entire stain is covered.
- Allow the paste to dry completely, which could take several hours or even overnight.
- Once the paste has dried, brush it off the clothing item using a stiff brush or the edge of a spoon.
- Any residual powder can be rinsed away with cold water, followed by laundering the clothing item as usual.
Both the vinegar solution and the baking soda and water paste are effective ways to tackle playdough stains, ensuring your clothes return to their original, stain-free condition.
Drying and Final Inspection
Once you have treated the stain and removed as much playdough as possible from the clothing, it’s time to focus on the drying process and inspect the garment for remaining stains. Following the appropriate steps will help ensure the garment looks its best and is free of any lingering playdough residue.
1. Inspect Clothes for Remaining Stains
Before drying the garment, carefully inspect it for any remaining stains. If traces of playdough are still visible, you may need to repeat the cleaning process. Be especially attentive to the areas where the playdough was embedded, as these areas are more prone to staining.
If you need help on how to get playdough out of clothes, refer back to the previous sections of this article for specific guidance on treating different types of fabrics and stains.
2. Air Dry or Tumble Dry
Depending on the fabric, you may choose to either air dry or tumble dry the clothing item. For delicate fabrics, it’s recommended to air dry the garment to avoid potential damage from heat.
Allow it to dry in a well-ventilated area, preferably away from direct sunlight. Hang or lay the garment flat on a clean, dry surface, and ensure that it is not in contact with other damp or dirty items.
For more durable fabrics, you may choose to tumble dry the garment according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. Make sure to check the care label for any special drying requirements, such as low heat or gentle cycle settings.
Avoid overloading the dryer, as it may hinder the even distribution of heat and impede the drying process. Remember to check the garment periodically during the drying cycle to ensure that it is not becoming overly dry or damaged.
Tips to Prevent Playdough on Clothing
While knowing how to get playdough out of clothes is essential, it’s even better to prevent stains in the first place. In this section, we’ll discuss playtime rules and choosing the right clothes to minimize the chances of playdough getting stuck on your garments.
Playtime Rules
Establishing a few simple guidelines during playtime can keep your clothes playdough-free. Here are some suggestions:
- Designate a specific area for playdough activities, ideally on a washable or disposable surface like a plastic mat or large tray.
- Encourage children to keep playdough away from their clothes, so the chances of staining are reduced.
- Teach kids to clean up after themselves by putting the playdough back in its container and wiping down surfaces.
- For tips on cleaning playdough from other surfaces, check out this article on removing playdough from carpets.
Choosing the Right Clothes
Selecting appropriate attire for playdough activities can make all the difference in stain prevention. Here’s what to consider:
- Choose clothes made from fabrics that are easy to clean, such as cotton or synthetic blends, rather than delicate materials that require special care.
- Opt for darker colors or patterns that can help camouflage minor stains.
- Consider using aprons or smocks during playtime to protect the clothes underneath.
By implementing these prevention tips, you’ll be better equipped to avoid playdough mishaps and keep your clothes looking fresh. However, if playdough does find its way onto your garments, you now know how to get playdough out of clothes and tackle those stubborn stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid using hot water or a dryer as this can set the stain.
Next, apply a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent to the stain and gently work it in with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area with cold water and repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Then, soak the fabric in warm water for at least 15 minutes. Once the Play-Doh has softened, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the stain.
If the stain persists, apply a small amount of vinegar or rubbing alcohol to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
To avoid stains, it’s important to remove Play-Doh from clothing and fabric as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Playdough Out of Clothes
In conclusion, knowing how to get playdough out of clothes can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, getting playdough out of clothing can be done effectively.
We won’t lie: playdough is really difficult to remove from fabrics, but if you follow the steps about, you’ve got a fail-proof roadmap for tackling difficult to remove playdough stains.
Ken Lyons is one of the founding members of Cleaner Digs. He is also the senior editor and contributing author. Ken has owned and operated two cleaning companies in the past: one commercial and one that serviced residential customers. He writes for Clean Digs to share his professional expertise on cleaning and organization. He's been a fastidious cleaning nut and writing about it for more than a decade.
