Fabric glue can be a crafter’s best friend for quick and easy fabric bonding. But what happens when it’s time to toss that fabric item in the washing machine? Will the glue hold up or wash away?
The short answer is: it depends! Fabric glue is designed to bond fabrics together, so the glue itself won’t completely dissolve or disappear in the wash. However, the strength and durability of the bond can be impacted by washing over time, especially with certain types of fabric glues and fabrics.
Key Takeaways on Fabric Glue Washability
- Fabric glue won’t completely wash away, but the bond may weaken over time with laundering.
- Permanent glues withstand washing better than temporary ones. Always check the label.
- Sturdy fabrics hold up better to glue washing than delicate fabrics.
- Follow glue instructions for washing or drying. Test first on a fabric scrap.
- For best results, hand wash in cool water with mild detergent and air dry.
- Act quickly to remove wet glue stains from clothes using the glue manufacturer’s guidance.
- Sewing remains the most durable option for washability on heavy use items or delicate fabrics.
How Fabric Glues Are Formulated for Washing
The first thing to understand is that many fabric glues are engineered to be washable. Manufacturers design them this way on purpose.
Permanent fabric glues especially are created to withstand regular washing machine cycles. They go through extensive product testing to ensure the glued bond won’t completely dissolve or deteriorate when exposed to water, detergent, and machine agitation.
With that said, “washable” doesn’t necessarily mean the fabric will look brand new after many rounds in the washing machine. The glue bond may slowly weaken or wear over time with repeated laundering.
But in general, garments glued with a washable fabric glue should hold up through at least several gentle wash cycles.
Key Factors That Impact Fabric Glue Washability
While fabric glues are designed to withstand washing, there are a few key factors that affect how well the glued bond will hold up over time:
Glue Type: Permanent vs. Temporary
- Permanent fabric glues are specially engineered to create a lasting bond that can withstand washing. Brands like Aleene’s, Beacon, and Gorilla Glue all offer permanent fabric adhesives.
- Temporary fabric glues are not meant to be long-lasting. They create a bond that can more easily be reversed or removed. These glues are more likely to wash out sooner.
So permanent glues have better washability than temporary ones. Always check the label to see what type of glue you are using.
Fabric Type
- Delicate fabrics like silk, satin, and lace don’t stand up well to fabric glue over time. The adhesive can cause staining, and the bond is more likely to deteriorate.
- Sturdy fabrics like denim, canvas, and cotton hold fabric glue bonds better. They can withstand more laundering without the glue wearing down as quickly.
Ideally, test any fabric glue on a fabric scrap before using it on a finished garment.
Washing Conditions
- Hot water can cause fabric glue bonds to break down faster than cool or cold water in the wash.
- Harsh detergents also speed up bond deterioration compared to gentle cleaners.
- Agitation from vigorous wash cycles can stress the fabric and glue bond. Delicate cycles are gentler.
You’ll get the most longevity out of fabric glue bonds by washing in cool water on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent.
Tips for Maximizing Fabric Glue Washability
Here are some handy tips and tricks to wash fabric glue projects gently so the bonds last as long as possible:
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
The product label or packaging should indicate if a fabric glue is washable. Follow any special instructions provided for best results.
For example, Beacon Fabri-Tac permanent adhesive says the bond can be washed after 72 hours but recommends hand washing for delicate fabrics.
Test on Fabric Scraps First
Whenever possible, test the fabric glue on scraps of the actual fabric you plan to use before gluing your finished project.
See how the test scrap holds up after hand washing and machine washing before subjecting your project to laundering.
Let Glue Dry Completely
Don’t rush to the washing machine! Allow fabric glue to fully cure and dry for the entire time recommended on the label before washing.
This ensures the bond has reached its maximum strength and durability for laundering.
Consider Hand Washing
For delicate fabrics like silks and lace, hand washing with a mild detergent allows you to gently control the temperature and agitation.
Hang drying also avoids potential damage from the heat and tumbling of machine drying.
Use a Laundry Bag
Placing glued items in a mesh laundry bag provides an extra layer of protection during machine washing cycles.
The bag helps minimize stress on the bonds while still allowing adequate cleaning.
Avoid Harsh Detergents
Stick to gentle cleansers like Woolite or Forever New that are designed for delicates and won’t degrade fabric glues as quickly as harsh detergents.
Skip the Dryer
Tumbling in the dryer can damage delicate fabric glue bonds over time. Let items air dry instead to extend the life of the bond.
What to Do If You Get Fabric Glue on Clothes
Oops! Fabric glue stains on clothing are annoying but not impossible to remove. Here are some tips:
- Act quickly while the glue is still wet. Use a dull knife or your fingernail to scrape off as much excess glue as possible.
- Avoid hot water or detergent until you’ve removed the wet glue, as they can set the stain.
- Many fabric glues are water-based. Try rinsing the glue stain under cool running water.
- Check the glue label for specific stain removal recommendations, or call the manufacturer for guidance.
- If the glue dries, treat it like any stain. Use a pretreat spray before washing.
- For extra assurance, take clothes to a dry cleaner. Tell them the type of glue so they can safely treat the stain.
With some persistence and the right techniques, you can get fabric glue stains out of clothes and salvage the garment!
When You May Want to Sew Instead of Glue
While fabric glues have come a long way, sewing remains the gold standard for washability and durability.
Here are some instances where thread and needle may be the better choice over fabric glue:
- On heavy use garments that will be laundered frequently. Repeated washing can degrade fabric glue bonds faster than sewn seams.
- For structural areas like waistbands that need to withstand tension as the garment is worn and washed.
- On delicate and expensive fabrics like silks where glue may stain or damage the material over time.
- For heirloom quality creations designed to last generations, where only stitches will do.
- When making clothing that needs to hold exact shapes like tailored suits and dresses. Glue can result in lost shape.
- For human safety on gear like life jackets or parachutes that must function reliably when lives are on the line.
- Any application where product instructions warn that sewing is required or recommended for washability.