How to Remove Rubber Cement From My Clothing

Rubber cement--an adhesive made from latex polymers and solvents--creates a flexible rubber bond. Rubber cement is used in a variety of art and craft projects and is available at local department stores next to the school glue. Rubber cement creates toxic fumes and must be used in well-ventilated areas. Rubber cement can stain fabrics and clothing while adhering to the clothing's fibers.

Things You'll Need

• Butter knife
• Petroleum jelly
• Pre-wash stain treatment
• Towel
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Cloth

Instructions

Petroleum Jelly

1. Use the back of a butter knife--the non-serrated side--to scrape as much rubber cement off the clothing as possible.

2. Rub petroleum jelly with your finger into the rubber cement. Use your finger to rub the rubber cement into a ball and discard into the trash.

3. Apply a pre-wash stain treatment to the area and launder the clothing as you normally would.

Dry Cleaning Solvent

1. Use the back of a butter knife--the non-serrated side--to scrape as much rubber cement off the clothing as possible.

2. Place a towel directly under the rubber cement stain. Saturate a cloth with a dry cleaning solvent. Blot the rubber cement with the cloth.

3. Reposition the clothing so the rubber cement stain is directly under a clean area of the towel.

4. Continue blotting the rubber cement until you have removed all traces of the cement.

5. Apply a pre-wash stain treatment to the area and launder the clothing as you normally would.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster -- Rubber Cement
• Elmer's : General FAQ's
• Cornell University College of Human Ecology: Removing Stains at Home