Tried-and-True Ways to Remove Glitter from Clothes Fast

You wore the perfect outfit. The fit was just right, the look was on point—and then bam—glitter.

Whether it came from a party, a craft project, or a well-meaning hug from a sparkly child, that shimmer now feels like a curse.

Glitter clings to fabric like it’s fused by static. Its tiny size and rough edges let it wedge deep into threads, making it one of the most stubborn things to clean from clothing.

Even after a full wash cycle, it often reappears—like it never left.

Short on time? Here’s the quick fix:

Lint roller + strong tape + a cold wash cycle is your best shot at tackling it fast without damaging your clothes.

But not all fabrics are created equal, and using the wrong method can stretch, stain, or embed glitter even deeper.

That’s why choosing the right removal technique matters—not just for effectiveness, but to keep your garments in great shape.

Why Glitter Sticks to Clothes So Well

Glitter might look harmless, but once it lands on fabric, it doesn’t let go easily—and there’s a reason for that.

Static electricity is the biggest culprit. Many fabrics, especially synthetic ones like polyester or nylon, build up static that attracts glitter like a magnet.

The charge holds the tiny particles tightly against the surface of the fabric.

Then there’s the type of glitter itself. Craft glitter is often made from plastic, with sharp edges that snag fibers.

Cosmetic glitter, while slightly finer, can still burrow into clothing. Some glitters even have adhesive backing, which makes things worse.

The smaller and more lightweight the glitter, the deeper it embeds into the weave of the fabric.

Traditional washing alone doesn’t do much because water doesn’t break static—and in some cases, the agitation of the machine spreads the glitter around, making it cling to other items.

Without a pre-treatment step, a regular wash usually ends with one result: more glitter, not less.

Quick Prep Before Cleaning

Before diving into glitter removal, it’s important to prep the garment properly.

Skipping this step often means making the mess worse.

1. Shake it out — outside.

• Take the garment outdoors and give it a firm shake.
• This helps loosen any loose glitter and keeps it from spreading all over your floors or furniture.

2. Turn it inside out.

• This is especially important for delicate fabrics like chiffon, silk, or lace.
• Glitter often clings to the inner fibers, and flipping the garment helps you reach those spots without adding extra friction to the outside.

3. Lay it flat.

• Place the garment on a clean, flat surface with good lighting.
• This gives you a full view of where the glitter is concentrated so you can target your cleaning efforts effectively.

Proven Methods to Remove Glitter from Clothes

When it comes to glitter, the right tools can make all the difference.

Here are the most effective methods to remove glitter without ruining your clothes:

Method 1: Lint Roller or Tape

Best for: Light surface glitter on cotton, denim, or blends.

Steps:

1. Lay the garment flat on a clean surface.
2. Use a lint roller to press and lift glitter from the surface.
3. For stubborn patches, switch to strong tape (like duct or packing tape).
4. Press the tape down firmly, then peel it off in one quick motion.
5. Repeat until most visible glitter is gone.

Method 2: Vacuum with Brush Attachment

Best for: Fleece, wool, corduroy, and textured fabrics.

Steps:

1. Attach a soft brush to your vacuum hose.
2. Lay the garment flat and gently run the brush over the glittered areas.
3. Use light pressure to avoid damaging the fibers.
4. Focus on seams and folds where glitter tends to hide.
5. Shake the garment outside after vacuuming to remove any loosened particles.

Method 3: Dryer Sheet Trick (Before Washing)

Best for: Reducing static in synthetics like polyester or nylon.

Steps:

1. Place the garment in the dryer with one dryer sheet.
2. Set dryer to low heat or an air fluff cycle.
3. Run the dryer for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove the garment and give it a gentle shake.
5. This helps loosen glitter before a wash.

Method 4: Washing Machine + Vinegar Rinse

Best for: Machine-washable clothes with leftover glitter.

Steps:

1. Turn the garment inside out to protect the outer surface.
2. Place it in the washing machine alone or with similar items.
3. Use cold water and a mild detergent.
4. During the rinse cycle, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the dispenser.
5. After washing, shake the garment again before drying.

Method 5: Fabric Softener Soak

Best for: Clothes heavily coated in glitter or glitter embedded deep in fabric.

Steps:

1. Fill a sink or basin with warm water.
2. Add liquid fabric softener according to the label instructions.
3. Submerge the garment completely and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
4. Gently agitate the water to help release glitter.
5. Rinse thoroughly, then wash as usual using the cold wash method.

Extra Tips for Delicate or Expensive Clothing

Delicate fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon, and lace require extra care when removing glitter.

One wrong move—like scrubbing or using heat—can permanently damage the fabric.

1. Spot Treat with a Microfiber Cloth

• Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with cool water.
• Gently blot (don’t rub) the glittered area.
• This lifts glitter without snagging fibers or spreading it around.

2. Skip Heat and Scrubbing

• Never use high heat (like a hot dryer or iron) on delicate fabrics—especially when glitter is present.
• Heat can cause glitter to melt, smear, or bond to the fabric.
• Also avoid scrubbing or using stiff brushes, which can distort the weave or cause pilling.

3. When in Doubt, Call the Pros

• If you’re dealing with a high-end garment or something with sentimental value, it’s worth taking it to a professional dry cleaner.
• Let them know there’s glitter involved so they can use the right solvents and methods.

How to Prevent Glitter Transfer in the Future

Dealing with glitter once is annoying enough—so preventing it from becoming a repeat problem is key.

Here’s how to stop the sparkle from spreading:

1. Wash Glittery Clothes Separately

• Always wash glitter-covered garments alone or inside a mesh garment bag.
• This keeps loose particles from transferring to your other clothes—and limits how much glitter ends up in your washer.

2. Use Hairspray to Lock Glitter in Place (Short-Term Fix)

• Before heading out, lightly spritz your glittery item with unscented hairspray.
• Hold the can about 10 inches away and spray evenly to “seal” the glitter temporarily.
• It won’t last forever, but it does reduce fallout for a few hours.

3. Avoid High-Contact Surfaces

• Be mindful of where you sit or lean. Glitter loves soft surfaces like car seats, couches, and bedding.
• If you’re wearing something ultra-sparkly, use a jacket or scarf as a barrier when sitting down.

What NOT to Do

When trying to remove glitter from clothes, the wrong move can make the mess worse—or even ruin your garment.

Here’s what to avoid:

Don’t Rub Aggressively

• Scrubbing or rubbing with pressure can push glitter deeper into the fabric.
• Always blot or lift gently using the right tools—never drag across the surface.

Avoid Sticky Lint Brushes on Delicate Fabrics

• Those adhesive rollers can snag or damage silk, satin, chiffon, and other delicate materials.
• Use a microfiber cloth or vacuum instead for safer results.

Never Mix Glittery Clothes with Regular Laundry

• One glitter-covered top can contaminate an entire load.
• Always wash separately to prevent spreading sparkles to everything you own.

Conclusion

Glitter may be fun to wear—but not so fun to clean. The easiest and safest way to get glitter out of clothes?

Start with a lint roller, follow up with a dryer sheet or vacuum, then finish with a gentle wash and vinegar rinse.

For heavy glitter, a fabric softener soak works wonders.

Just remember: patience is key.

Avoid harsh scrubbing or high heat, especially on delicate fabrics. A calm, step-by-step approach protects your clothes—and your sanity.