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How to Hand Wash a Shirt With Fabric Glue on It

Fabric glue is a wonderful craft tool that allows you to jazz up even the plainest T-shirt. Fabric glue is fairly sturdy and made to stand up to repeated washings. However, if you spend a lot of time and creative energy embellishing a shirt, you may prefer to treat it as a delicate garment and wash it by hand. Fortunately, it only takes a bit more time and effort on your part to hand wash a shirt containing appliques or rhinestones tacked on with fabric glue.

Things You'll Need

  • Basin or sink
  • Water
  • Mild detergent
  • Towel
  • Hanger
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a basin or sink with enough warm water to fully immerse the shirt. Don't use hot water, because it can cause some colors to fade.

    • 2

      Swirl a small amount of mild detergent into the water. You only need very little detergent, typically less than a capful, to launder a garment in a basin or sink, but check the detergent product label for a suggested amount.

    • 3

      Turn the embellished shirt inside out, and put it into the warm water in the sink.

    • 4

      Use your hands to gently press it down into the water until it is completely wet.

    • 5

      Allow the shirt to soak in the warm water for 3 to 5 minutes.

    • 6

      Knead the shirt gently with your hands for 2 or 3 minutes. Don't rub the front and back of the shirt together, as this can cause the appliques or rhinestones to dislodge.

    • 7

      Drain or pour out the soapy water. With the sudsy shirt still in it, refill the sink or basin with clear water. Swirl the shirt around with your hands, kneading it gently to rinse it.

    • 8

      Continue rinsing the shirt by repeating the process until the rinse water is clear of any suds.

    • 9

      Drain the remaining water in sink or basin. Gently press the shirt down with your hands to remove excess water. Don't wring or twist the shirt, as this can damage the appliques or rhinestones.

    • 10

      Spread a dry towel out on a flat surface, and place the shirt on top of it. Smooth the shirt so it lays flat on the towel, without any wrinkles.

    • 11

      Roll up the towel and shirt together. Gently press on the rolled towel to help remove the remaining moisture from the shirt.

    • 12

      Hang your shirt on hanger on your clothesline, or in your laundry room or bathroom, to air-dry.