How to get playdough out of clothes
Playdough is a wonderful sensory activity for kids, but it can be quite messy, especially when it gets on clothing. The colorful and squishy playdough can leave stubborn stains that are not always easy to remove. However, with the right techniques and a little patience, you can successfully get playdough out of clothes and save your favorite garments.
Act quickly: When playdough accidentally finds its way onto clothing, it’s important to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to remove the stain. As soon as you notice playdough on your child’s clothes, gently scrape off any excess playdough using a dull knife or spoon. Be careful not to rub or smear the playdough further into the fabric.
Pre-treat with dish soap: After removing the excess playdough, run the stained clothing under cold water to flush out as much of the remaining playdough as possible. Then, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stained area and gently rub it in. Leave the dish soap to penetrate the fabric for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Wash with warm water: Once the dish soap has had time to work its magic, rinse the clothing again under cold running water. Then, check the stained area. If the playdough stain is still visible, don’t worry. Place the clothing in the washing machine and set it to a warm water cycle. Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain.
Note: It’s essential to follow the care instructions on the clothing label to prevent any damage during the washing process.
Treat stubborn stains: If the stain persists after the first wash, repeat the pre-treatment process with dish soap before putting the clothing back in the washing machine. For particularly stubborn stains, you may also consider using a stain remover or a pre-wash stain treatment product. Follow the instructions on the product label and rewash the clothing as directed.
Avoid the dryer: Lastly, avoid putting your playdough-stained clothing in the dryer until the stain has been completely removed. The heat from the dryer can set the stain and make it even harder to remove. Instead, air dry the clothing or hang it up until you’re certain the stain is gone.
By following these simple steps and treating the playdough stains promptly, you can keep your children’s clothes looking clean and playdough-free. Now, go on and let your little ones explore their creativity with less worry about the aftermath!
Step-by-step guide to remove playdough stains from clothes
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Materials needed:
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- Scrape off the excess playdough: Use a butter knife or spoon to gently scrape off any excess playdough from the surface of the clothes. Be careful not to spread the stain further.
- Blot the stain: Using a white cloth or sponge, blot the stained area with cold water. This can help to loosen the playdough and prevent it from setting into the fabric.
- Apply laundry detergent: Apply a small amount of laundry detergent directly onto the stain. Gently massage it into the fabric using your fingers or a soft-bristle brush. Make sure to cover the entire stained area.
- Let it sit: Allow the laundry detergent to sit on the stain for about 10-15 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the playdough and break down the stain.
- Wash as usual: After letting the laundry detergent sit, wash the garment as you normally would. Use the recommended water temperature and laundry settings for the fabric type.
- Check for stains: Once the washing cycle is complete, carefully inspect the garment for any remaining stains. If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 3-5 before drying the clothes.
- Air dry: Hang the clothes to air dry, away from direct heat sources. Avoid using a dryer if the stain has not completely disappeared, as the heat can set the stain and make it even more difficult to remove.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to effectively remove playdough stains from your clothes and restore them to their original condition. Remember to act quickly and avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fabric. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can enjoy playdough fun without worrying about stains on your favorite clothes.
Pre-treat the stain
Before attempting to remove playdough from clothes, it is important to pre-treat the stain as soon as possible to help with easier removal. Follow these steps:
- Scrape off any excess playdough gently using a spoon or butter knife. Be careful not to smudge the playdough further into the fabric.
- Gently shake the clothing item to remove any loose playdough particles.
- Make a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Mix well until the detergent is dissolved.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and blot the playdough stain. Avoid rubbing as it may push the stain deeper into the fabric.
- Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and blot the area again to remove any soapy residue.
- If the stain persists, you can try using a stain remover specifically formulated for removing tough stains. Follow the instructions on the stain remover product carefully.
- After pre-treating the stain, proceed to wash the clothing item according to the fabric care instructions.
Remember to always test any cleaning solution or stain remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the clothing item.
Scrape off any excess playdough
If you notice that playdough has gotten onto your clothes, the first step is to scrape off any excess playdough. Taking a blunt knife or spoon, gently lift and scrape off as much playdough as you can without damaging the fabric. Be careful not to push the playdough further into the fabric, as this could make it more difficult to remove.
For freshly dried playdough, you can also try to crumble it off by gently rubbing the fabric between your fingers. The goal is to remove as much of the dry or hard playdough as possible before moving on to the next step.
Important: It’s important to tackle the playdough stain while it is still fresh. The longer the playdough sits on the fabric, the more difficult it can be to remove. So, act quickly!
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