The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Match the treatment to the stain: water-based craft glue, water-based paint, oil-based paint, regular felt-tip marker, and permanent marker need different approaches. Check the garment’s care label first, blot rather than spread ink, and keep the item out of the dryer until the stain is gone.
Before treating a craft stain
- Identify the material. Check the paint or marker label if available. “Water-based” ink is not necessarily washable; for future projects, choose markers specifically labeled washable.
- Check the garment label. Use only products and water temperatures suitable for the fabric. Spot-test any stain remover or solvent on a hidden area before applying it to the stain.
- Work while the stain is wet when possible. This is especially important for water-based paint. Avoid rubbing ink outward; use absorbent paper towels to contain color transfer.
- Air-dry between attempts. Do not use a machine dryer while a stain remains. Heat can make it harder to continue treatment, and a hot dryer is not a useful way to check whether the stain has lifted.
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) gives separate procedures for craft glue, paint, and non-permanent felt-tip markers. Its stain-removal guide distinguishes water-based paint from oil-based paint; follow the method for the actual medium rather than using one household remedy for every stain.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Remove water-based craft glue
- Scrape away excess glue. Use a dull edge and take care not to damage the fabric.
- Soften hardened glue if needed. ACI recommends saturating a stack of paper towels with warm water, placing it over the glue for about an hour, then scraping away the softened residue.
- Pretreat and launder. Apply a prewash stain remover, then wash at the hottest temperature safe for the garment.
- Inspect before drying. Let the garment air-dry. If glue remains, repeat only a treatment compatible with the fabric label.
This procedure is specifically for water-based craft glue; other adhesives may need a different approach.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Remove water-based paint
If the paint is still wet
Rinse the fabric in warm water while the paint is wet, then launder according to the care label. ACI warns that “Once paint is dry, it cannot be removed.” Do not count on a guaranteed fix for dried water-based paint.
#1 Best Overall
- What You'll Get: One 22oz spray bottle of Shout's Prewash Active Enzyme Stain Remover Spray. Bottle, excluding trigger & label, made of 25% Post Consumer Recycled plastic!
- Everyday formula: works on a wide range of stains from food, drinks, makeup, grass, dirt, red wine, blood, and more
- Clings, Penetrates, & Lifts: 50x more concentrated than in-wash powered when applied directly to stain
- Quick & Easy To Use: works on all machine-washable whites and colored fabrics, and works in all water temperatures and in HE and standard washers
- Spray, Rub, and Wash: our formula let's you treat the toughest stains and wash up to a week later
If the paint has dried
You can cautiously try a fabric-compatible pretreatment and wash, but ACI does not establish that this will remove dried paint. Do not use a solvent or aggressive scraping method unless its label and the garment’s care label support it.
Remove oil-based paint
- Read the paint-can label. Use the thinner named there. If the label does not identify one, ACI says to use turpentine; do not substitute an arbitrary household solvent.
- Rinse the treated area. Keep the solvent and rinse method compatible with the garment, and follow all product-label directions.
- Pretreat and rinse again. ACI lists prewash stain remover, bar soap, or laundry detergent as pretreatment options, followed by another rinse.
- Launder and inspect. Wash using a temperature safe for the garment. Air-dry and check the stain before considering another treatment.
Remove regular felt-tip marker
ACI’s method applies to felt-tip markers that are not labeled permanent. “Water-based” alone does not prove that a marker is washable.
Rank #2
- CHEMICAL GUYS LIGHTNING FAST STAIN EXTRACTOR (SPI_191_16) – Professional-strength stain remover formula penetrates deep into carpet, upholstery, and fabric to quickly break down and lift stains, dirt, and odors for a restored, like-new look
- SAFE FOR NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS – This car upholstery stain remover works on automotive interiors, home furniture, office chairs, rugs, and mats without causing fading, discoloration, or damage to delicate materials
- REMOVES TOUGH STAINS AND ODORS – A carpet stain remover that targets coffee, soda, wine, food, pet messes, and more while neutralizing lingering smells, leaving a clean, fresh scent behind after each use
- EASY TO USE SPRAY APPLICATION – Spray directly onto the affected area, agitate with a brush to loosen grime, and blot or vacuum away for professional results in minutes; great as an upholstery cleaner for furniture or auto upholstery cleaner
- DETAILER-APPROVED RESULTS AT HOME – Trusted by professional detailers, this upholstery cleaner spray delivers deep cleaning performance, giving any fabric surface a revived look, feel, and smell without harsh chemicals
- Rinse the stain with cold water until no more color comes out.
- Place the stained area face down on clean paper towels.
- Sponge the back of the stain with rubbing alcohol, starting around the stain and moving toward it. Replace the towels as they collect color.
- Launder at the hottest setting safe for the garment, then air-dry and inspect.
Keep the stained area over absorbent towels so loosened ink transfers into the towels rather than spreading through the fabric.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Permanent marker: a cautious, product-specific option
Permanent marker may not come out. Clorox describes a method using alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a pretreatment, followed by a fabric-appropriate laundry stain treatment and a wash according to the care label. Its advice is manufacturer-specific, not a universal remedy or guarantee; check the product instructions and test fabric compatibility first.
Rank #3
- 12 FL OZ OXICLEAN MAX FORCE STAIN REMOVER SPRAY; this newborn and baby essential helps parents power out tough set-in laundry stains the first time; spray now and wash up to 7 days later
- SPRAY NOW, WASH UP TO 7 DAYS LATER; this convenient baby stain remover spray penetrates tough laundry stains
- 5-IN-1 STAIN FIGHTERS help remove tough dried-in stains the first time, like berries, baby food, fruit juice, grass, mud, oil, grease, coffee, wine, chocolate, ketchup, blood, ink and washable paint
- TOUGH ON STAINS, GENTLE ON CLOTHES; this color-safe, enzymatic stain remover for baby clothes is a baby and newborn essential that contains no chlorine bleach, no brighteners, no dyes and no phosphates
- FOR ALL MACHINE-WASHABLE FABRICS; a powerful laundry stain remover for onesies, bibs, sheets, towels, denim jeans, t-shirts, workout gear, canvas shoes, dresses, bras; and washable fabrics like cotton, linen, spandex, fleece, polyester, nylon
Clorox’s guidance varies for colored fabric, spandex, and bleach-safe whites. Do not bleach wool, silk, mohair, leather, or spandex. Never assume chlorine bleach is suitable just because the garment is white.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Removes Both Oil & Water-Based Stains
- Stains Will Not Reappear
- WoolSafe Approved – Safe for Carpets
- USE ON WATER-SAFE FABRICS – This cleaner is perfect for cleaning carpets, rugs, upholstery, and other water-safe fabrics
Rank #4
- POWERFUL & FAST WORKING This lightning fast laundry stain remover spray is perfect for clothes, upholstery, and carpets.
- SAFER CHOICE CERTIFIED Our stain remover is proudly EPA Safer Choice certified, giving you peace of mind that it meets your high standards for health and safety. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater formula gets the job done while being a safer choice for you and your family.
- WORKS MAGIC ON STAINS This stain remover for baby clothes is great for infants, toddlers, and adults and is effective on both fresh and set-in stains. Works on fruit juice, baby food, formula, ketchup, blowouts, and even blood.
- EASY TO USE: First, ditch the excess gunk and dampen dry stains with a splash of water. Spray on Miss Mouth’s, give it a little rub if needed, then toss it in the wash or clean as usual. Still see the stain? Hit repeat. Easy peasy.
When a stain remains
- Do not put the garment in a hot dryer. Repeat a compatible treatment, then air-dry and inspect again.
- Replace paper towels as soon as they absorb marker color, and keep working from the outer area toward the stain.
- Stop if the fabric changes color, texture, or finish during a spot test, or if a product label rules out the garment material.
- For an old stain or one already exposed to heat, results are uncertain. The cited guidance does not establish a universal remedy or success rate across fabrics.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
