How can I wash out glue stains on clothes?
Q:
No matter how careful I am, wood glue sometimes gets on my clothes when working in the shop, and it doesn't always come out in the wash. How can I get it out?
— Tim Kirkpatrick, Mason, Tennessee
A:
Wood glues that aren't water-resistant, such as hide glue or Titebond original yellow glue (red label), will wash out, even after they dry, Tim. If residual staining lingers, try soaking the fabric in a 50-50 mix of vinegar and water, then launder as usual.
On the other hand, water-resistant and waterproof glues, such as Titebond II, Titebond III, and polyurethane glues, will likely not wash out once dry, so rinse these glues out of fabric or carpet before the adhesive dries. If it dries before you get to it, attack it with a hot steam iron and stiff-bristle brush.