Last Updated on 10 months by Susan Mayrich
Are you wondering can you use hot glue on fabric and wash it? Hot glue is a type of adhesive that turns solid as it cools.
It’s flexible and transparent when dry, making it an excellent bonding agent for fabric. This glue will allow you to get creative and bond material you never thought possible.
But can you use hot glue on the fabric and wash it?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to wash fabric that was glued with hot glue. Hot glue should be hand washed.
In this article, we will discuss tips for using hot glue on fabric and whether you can wash it after using it or not.
Can You Use Hot Glue On Clothes?
So, can you use hot glue on fabric and wash it? You don’t have to sew everything by hand. It’s often faster and easier to use hot glue than sewing, especially with fabric that doesn’t fray.
While hot glue is a handy way to sew clothing or do craft projects quickly, it’s not suitable for all fabrics.
The glue can damage delicate materials and leave permanent stains on other fabrics.
Hot glue can be used on clothes, but you must be careful about applying it. Instead, use low-temperature hot glue guns on clothes because they won’t damage the fabric.
Does Hot Glue Come Off With Water?
Hot glue is typically not water-resistant. It does not take much water exposure for the bond to fail. Many types of adhesives work well in wet environments if you’re looking for water-resistant glue.
Can You Use A Hot Glue On Fabric And Wash It?
Yes, it is possible to wash fabric that was glued with hot glue. While hot glue dries quickly and is easy to use, it’s not always permanent. It’s also limited to low-heat applications.
But with the right approach, it’s possible to wash fabric glued with hot glue. Hot glue shouldn’t be laundered in a washing machine.
A washing machine has an agitator and spins at high speeds. This agitation can cause the glue to lose its bond with the fabric. Because of this, you shouldn’t use a washing machine or dryer on fabric bonded with hot glue.
Most formulations of hot glue will hold up well if you hand-wash them and dry them flat.
However, when a dryer is used, the glue tends to melt, which causes the glued items to come apart. To ensure that a hot glue bond stays intact for years, you should hand wash your fabric gently with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Can You Use Hot Glue On Cotton?
Yes, you can use hot glue on cotton. However, I would suggest first using a low-temp gun and testing on a scrap piece of cotton. Hot glue guns vary in the amount of heat they put out, and you don’t want to burn your cotton.
Can You Use Hot Glue On Polyester?
Yes, you can use hot glue on polyester. Polyester is one of the most common types of fabric used in clothing, bedding, and other household textiles.
It’s typically used in combination with cotton, rayon, or silk. There are many different ways to bond polyester to itself or other materials.
Hot glue is famous for bonding polyester because it’s easy to use and sets quickly. The downside is that hot glue tends to melt when exposed to heat or friction.
How To Use The Fabric Glue Gun?
To use the fabric glue gun, plug it in and allow it to heat up for 5-10 minutes, depending on the model. When it’s warmed up, insert a fabric glue stick into the back of the gun.
Test the tip of the gun on some scrap paper or cardboard before using it on your project to ensure it is putting out enough glue to adhere appropriately but not too much that it will squeeze out from under your material when you press down on it. Press the gun’s tip against the fabric where you want to apply the adhesive. Hold it there for about 30 seconds.
Hot Glue Vs. Fabric Glue – Is Hot Glue Better Than Fabric Glue?
Choosing glue for your project can be a tricky endeavor. There are many options, and it can be challenging to know which glue is best for which materials. Hot glue and fabric glue each have benefits and drawbacks that make them more suitable for different projects.
When deciding between hot glue vs fabric glue, consider the materials involved in your project. Fabric glue is explicitly designed to work with fabrics, while hot glue can bond fabrics to other materials such as wood or plastic. However, hot glue doesn’t always hold up over time and may need to be re-applied periodically.
Clothing projects generally look better when fabric glue, but hot glue is a good choice for crafts or décor, especially when attaching fabric to furniture or accessories made from non-fabric materials.
Glue Gun Safety Tips
Know these safety tips before using a glue gun:
- Always unplug your glue gun when you are not using it.
- Never leave a plugged-in glue gun unattended; keep it under constant supervision.
- Please do not touch the nozzle of the glue gun or recently applied glue until it has completely cooled, as it can cause severe burns.
- Never point the nozzle of a glue gun toward yourself, other people, or animals when the trigger is depressed; molten glue can cause severe burns and potentially permanent damage to skin and eyes.
- Do not touch hot glue or try to remove it from the skin until it has completely cooled, as this may cause additional burns. Instead, rinse the affected area with cool water for 15 minutes. If hot glue gets on the skin or in the eyes, seek medical attention if necessary.
How To Remove Hot Glue On Fabric?
Remove hot glue from the fabric with the help of a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.
Remove hot glue from the fabric by soaking a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently brushing the dried glue spot with it. The alcohol weakens the adhesive, making it far easier to scrape off with a dull knife or razor blade.
Repeat these steps if glue remains on the fabric until it is gone. Launder the item according to care label directions. You may also be interested to know about fabric defects.
It’s A Wrap!
Now, you’ve known can you use hot glue on fabric and wash it! You may also want to read about is silk breathable – how breathable is a silk fabric and why is my sewing machine not moving the fabric – here are the causes.
