There’s nothing quite as frustrating as having your clothes ruined by a minor stain. Rather than spending hours trying to remove it, why not try one of these simple tips?
Cleaning products are often used incorrectly, leaving stains on our clothes that are difficult to remove. Here are four ways to get rid of that pesky theraputty.
- Scrape off the Excess Theraputty
- Treat the Stain with WD-40
- Wipe off the Stain with Cotton Balls
- Remove Remaining Residue with Liquid Dish Soap
- Blot the Stain with Rubbing Alcohol
- Repeat the Process if Necessary
- Clean the Area with Liquid Dish Soap
- Alternative Methods to Remove Theraputty
- Precautions to Consider
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Removing theraputty from clothes is an easy task with the right tools and techniques. By following these steps, you can avoid future laundry disasters.

Theraputty is a soft and pliable putty commonly used for hand therapy and rehabilitation exercises. It is designed to strengthen hand muscles and improve dexterity. However, accidents happen, and theraputty can sometimes find its way onto your clothes, causing unwanted stains. Don’t worry, we have got you covered with effective methods to tackle this issue.
Scrape off the Excess Theraputty
The first step in removing theraputty from clothes is to scrape off any excess putty. Take a dull knife or a metal spoon and gently scrape off as much of the putty as possible. Be careful not to push the putty further into the fabric while scraping.
Treat the Stain with WD-40
Once you have removed the excess theraputty, it’s time to treat the stain. WD-40, a popular car part lubricant, can be used effectively for this purpose. Spray the stain with WD-40, ensuring that the affected area is well-covered. Allow it to stand for a few minutes to penetrate the stain.
Wipe off the Stain with Cotton Balls
After letting the WD-40 sit for a few minutes, take a few cotton balls and re-spray the stain with the lubricant. Gently wipe off the stain using the cotton balls. Repeat this process until the stain is no longer visible. Avoid rubbing aggressively, as it may damage the fabric.
Remove Remaining Residue with Liquid Dish Soap
To eliminate any remaining residue, dampen a sponge or cloth with liquid dish soap. Gently wipe the affected area to lift off the remaining theraputty and WD-40 residue. Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently and continue until the fabric is clean.
Blot the Stain with Rubbing Alcohol
In case there are still remnants of the stain, proceed to blot the area with rubbing alcohol. Saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stain. Re-saturate the cotton ball as needed and continue blotting until the stain is completely removed. Take care not to rub vigorously to avoid damaging the fabric.
Repeat the Process if Necessary
Stubborn stains may require multiple attempts to completely remove them. If the stain persists, repeat steps 3 to 6 until the theraputty stain is no longer visible.
Clean the Area with Liquid Dish Soap
After successfully removing the theraputty stain, it is essential to clean the area with liquid dish soap. Dampen a soft cloth with liquid dish soap and gently wipe the cleaned area. This will help remove any residue from the WD-40 and rubbing alcohol, leaving the fabric fresh and clean.
Alternative Methods to Remove Theraputty
While WD-40 and rubbing alcohol are effective solutions, there are other products that can also help remove theraputty stains. Goof Off and hand sanitizer have been known to work well in similar situations. However, always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying any product to ensure it does not cause damage.
Precautions to Consider
When dealing with theraputty stains, it’s important to keep a few precautions in mind:
- Act quickly: The sooner you attend to the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
- Read garment care labels: Check the garment’s care instructions to ensure you’re using appropriate cleaning methods that won’t harm the fabric.
- Test in inconspicuous areas: Before applying any cleaning agent, test it on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
- Follow proper cleaning techniques: Always blot or gently wipe the stain instead of rubbing it vigorously, as rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric fibers.
Conclusion
Accidentally getting theraputty on your clothes can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it’s possible to remove the stain effectively. By following the step-by-step methods outlined in this article, you can say goodbye to theraputty stains and restore your clothes to their former glory.
FAQs
- Can I use a hairdryer to remove theraputty stains? No, using a hairdryer may cause the stain to set into the fabric. It’s best to follow the recommended steps in this article for safe and effective stain removal.
- What if the theraputty stain is old and set-in? Older and set-in stains can be more challenging to remove. You can try repeating the cleaning process several times or consider seeking professional help if necessary.
- Is it safe to use WD-40 on all types of fabrics? While WD-40 is generally safe for most fabrics, it’s essential to perform a patch test first. Apply a small amount of WD-40 on an inconspicuous area and check for any adverse reactions before using it on the stain.
- Can I machine wash clothes with theraputty stains? It’s recommended to remove the stain before machine washing the garment. Washing without treating the stain first may set it in further, making it more difficult to remove.
- Are there any alternative methods to remove theraputty stains? Yes, besides WD-40 and rubbing alcohol, products like Goof Off or hand sanitizer can also be effective. However, always test these products on a small area of the fabric first to ensure they don’t cause any damage.