Removing Epoxy from Clothes
Epoxy is a strong adhesive that can cause permanent damage to fabric. But if you act quickly, you can usually remove epoxy from clothing, and you have a variety of options at your disposal.
Using Soap and Water
If the epoxy is still wet, you can use hand soap and a firm bristle brush such as a toothbrush to scrub the fabric. Rinse it with water and continue until all of the epoxy is gone. The fabric will probably be weakened, so use caution when handling it.
Other Removal Options
If the epoxy is dry, you can try using a commercial epoxy remover or mineral spirits. Since these substances can be damaging to fabrics, test them on a small area of the fabric first. If the fabric is colorfast, you can proceed. Apply the remover and rub the area to remove the epoxy and then launder the fabric as normal.
Acetone
Acetone is another option. This can also be damaging to fabrics, so again, test it on an unseen area of the fabric first. Apply the acetone, scrub the affected area with a soft cloth and rinse it with cold water. Then, rewash the fabric and check to ensure that the epoxy is gone.
Additional Tips
- Launder with warm water if possible. This will help to remove the epoxy residue.
- Do not machine dry. Air dry the fabric after it has been laundered. This will help to prevent the epoxy from setting in.
- Read clothing labels. Some fabrics are not compatible with the methods mentioned here. Know the fiber content and wash according to the care instructions.