How to Get Plumbing Glue Off a Shirt

Plumbing glue, also known as pipe glue, adheres PVC piping together when it's used for plumbing repairs. It's also used for pipes in vents and central vacuum systems. The glue works by causing the top layer of PVC to melt long enough for the ends of the two pipes to become welded together. A spill of plumbing glue on your shirt can't be washed out in the laundry. But you can use other methods to get the glue off your shirt.

Nail file
Acetone-based nail polish remover
Cotton swabs
Laundry detergent

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe as much of the glue off your shirt as you can while the stain is still fresh, then lay your shirt on a flat surface with the glue stain facing up. Allow the remaining plumbing glue to dry on your shirt.
- 2
  
  A nail file acts as sandpaper and wears off hardened glue.
  
  Rub a nail file back and forth over the dry plumbing glue stain to wear it down. Wear the dried glue down as close to the fabric as possible. Brush the fabric off to remove the dust.
- 3
  Pour acetone-based nail polish remover onto a cotton swab to wet it. Wipe the plumbing glue residue with the nail polish remover to remove it. Change to another cotton swab as needed until the glue residue is gone.
- 4
  Pre-treat your shirt by rubbing three or four drops of laundry detergent into the fabric at the site of the plumbing glue stain. Allow the detergent to be absorbed into the fabric for five minutes.
- 5
  Wash your shirt in the washing machine with laundry detergent. Dry it in the dryer or hang dry the shirt, as directed on the care label.

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