How to remove stubborn glue from fabric?

December 4, 2021 11:16 AM

I acquired a fast fashion dress in plain grey jersey, but with shiny metal circles glued all along the neckline and hem. I dived into Google and removed the circles with an acetone soak as recommended for rhinestones on dance costumes. But traces of the glue are stubbornly remaining despite repeated applications of acetone, stain remover and heat. It's not tacky, sort of dry but not flaking off. How can I get rid of it?

This is what it currently looks like.

I'm aware of the option to disguise the traces by embroidery, patching or rolling up the hem (though neckline would be trickier). I'd like to keep the dress leaning towards gender neutral, with no embellishments. If only I can get rid of the glue!

posted by I claim sanctuary to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

Have you tried Goo Gone? I'd probably have started there.
posted by stormyteal at 11:24 AM on December 4, 2021

The heat application of the sequins may have melted the polyester fabric. Best to cover it up. Would applying a subtle contrast binding/facing work?
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 11:28 AM on December 4, 2021

I might try ironing it with a tea towel covering the fabric, in the hopes that any remaining glue would melt into the towel?
posted by mmf at 11:50 AM on December 4, 2021

I don't know how to get it off -- it looks like it has fused with the fibers of your garment -- but I do have an idea for more gender-neutral embellishment. This very awesome zero-waste garment project used acrylic paint, painted, stenciled, or stamped on, to finish garment edges and create designs. The designs, often small squares or triangles at the edges of the garment, have a sort of futuristic vibe. I could imagine this working well for your garment to cover the glue.
posted by ourobouros at 5:06 AM on December 5, 2021

Yeah that's never coming out. Paint the glue a darker grey so it looks like a design but not much of one maybe. That looks like heat-fuseable cement.. it's all up in the fibers.
posted by sexyrobot at 8:57 AM on December 5, 2021

I have had very good success with Orange oil and Dawn dish soap. A liberal spritz of oil so it soaks into the fibers and a dab of the Dawn and pop into the wash.
posted by Lescha at 11:34 AM on December 6, 2021