Slime is fun but it can get on everything. Find out how to get slime out of carpet and clothes using simple steps including great ground rules too.
When it comes to slime, it can be a love it or hate it thing.
A couple of years ago, it became all the rage for school-aged kids along with fidget spinners and the floss dance. And with that came hilarious parent commentary about the non-Newtonian fluid running havoc in their homes.
From pictures of it dripping off of countertops to slime-stained carpets, it is clear that slime can be a problem. The good news? Whether you just love it or your kids do, we have some great parent-tested ways to enjoy slime without it being a problem.
Before we get into how to get slime out of carpet, let’s get into some preventative strategies for enjoying slime.
From pictures of it dripping off of countertops to slime-stained carpets, it is clear that slime can be a problem. The good news? Whether you just love it or your kids do, we have some great parent-tested ways to enjoy slime without it being a problem.
How to enjoy slime without it becoming a disaster
Set ground rules.
As a parent, I have come into the kitchen to find dirty mixing bowls, Borax spills and and trails of food colouring. I have also spent an inordinate amount of time with a scrub brush and water getting dried play dough out of our carpet.
Our rules for slime are simple.
- The kids have to ask before they make it.
- They need to clean up and put away whatever they use.
- The slime has to go into an airtight container.
- And, if they get any slime on their clothes, they need to tell me right away.
- Finally, they have to store their slime in an air-tight container.
Since setting ground rules, we haven’t had an issue. In fact, I haven’t had to clean up anything slime-related since.
How to stop slime from getting on the carpet
The best strategy for getting slime out of carpet is not to have slime on your carpet. In order to prevent carpet spills, slime must always be stored in an airtight container.

One of the coolest (and most treacherous things) about slime is that it drips. Slime left on a countertop or a coffee table for a certain amount of time will end up on the floor. If it dries, it can be a nightmare to clean up.
The other crucial piece is establishing a rule where slime isn’t allowed near
How to get slime out of carpet
Clean clothing and carpet with slime on it immediately
As soon as slime dries, it becomes so much harder to clean slime.
If slime gets in contact with clothing or carpet, remove any access immediately.
Pick away anything you can get out. Using a scrub brush and water, scrub what remains. If you’re cleaning clothing, launder clothing normally.
When getting slime out of
- rubbing alcohol,
- goo remover,
- citrus solvent, or
- WD-40.
It is best to test solutions on a hidden part of
If it has dried, here is how to get slime out of carpet
- Chip away at the dried slime using a knife, credit card, or similar. (We have used scissors on our shag rug too but did so very carefully.)
- Then, soak the spot with water and vinegar.
- Using a scrub brush clean the spot. You may want to add one of the cleaning solutions above.
If any food colouring gets on your hands while cleaning, put foaming shaving cream on your hands. Wait about 30-60 seconds and then wash thoroughly.
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