Do this in the sink to avoid making too much of a mess. The sooner you clean up the slime, the better. The more it dries and hardens, the tougher it is to remove. Substitute rubbing alcohol if you don’t have vinegar.
You may need to add more vinegar depending on the severity of the slime stain. For tougher stains, consider letting the vinegar soak for 3 to 5 minutes before you start scrubbing. If you don’t have a scrub brush, use an old toothbrush or rag.
If you notice a spot you missed, repeat the vinegar scrubbing process and then rinse again. You don’t have to completely submerge the clothing. You can also use a squirt bottle filled with water or a damp sponge to clean the area.
Any type or brand of liquid dish soap will work. This step will also help remove some of the vinegar odor. Rinse out the soap if you plan to wear the clothing without putting it in the washing machine.
If you only got a small area wet and want to wear your clothing immediately, use a clean towel to dab it dry.
Use an ice cube to freeze caked-on slime, making it easier to peel off. You can also stick the clothing in the freezer for a few minutes. Never put clothing with slime on it directly into the washing machine. It can spread to other areas or clothing in the wash. In more drastic cases, it’s usually a good idea to take the dirty pieces to a laundromat, to avoid contaminating your machine.
You can use any kind of liquid detergent you prefer, whether it’s one that’s unscented or one with brighteners or bleach. If you have sensitive skin, wear rubber or plastic gloves so the detergent doesn’t get on your hands or choose a gentler detergent.
Don’t leave the detergent on the clothes for much longer than 10 minutes. Detergent has acid and enzymes that remove stains but can damage clothing if left on for a long time.
Fill the dishpan with enough water to cover the clothing. If you don’t have a dishpan, use a plastic bucket or similar large container. You can also soak your clothing in the washing machine. Fill the chamber about halfway with water and place your clothing inside.
Set a timer so you know when the half hour is up. Leaving it to soak for longer than 30 minutes won’t damage the clothing. A tougher stain might benefit from additional soaking time.
You can wash other clothes with the piece that had the slime on it as long as you’ve removed the bulk of the slime.
Clothing made of silk or wool or that has embellishments usually shouldn’t be tumble dried. [9] X Research source
