How to Remove Rhinestone Glue from Fabric

We’ve all been there. A rhinestone falls off, or worse—was stuck in the wrong place to begin with—and now you’re left with a patch of dried glue stubbornly clinging to your fabric. Whether it's your favourite jacket, a costume mid-repair, or a craft project gone slightly rogue, learning how to remove rhinestone glue from fabric without wrecking the material is a bit of an art. But don't worry—we've got you.

The good news? It’s not impossible. The not-so-good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all method. It all depends on the fabric, the glue, and your willingness to test things out carefully (slow and steady wins this race).

Let’s get into it.

Know Your Fabric and Glue Type

Before doing anything drastic, take a moment to identify what you’re working with. Is your fabric delicate like silk or lace? Or a sturdy denim or cotton blend? This changes the game. Some fabrics can handle heat or solvents, others… definitely can’t.

Equally important: what glue are we talking about? Was it a hotfix adhesive (the kind that bonds with heat), a permanent glue like E6000, or maybe Gem-Tac? If you didn’t apply it yourself, this can be tricky—but the removal method can give you clues about what you’re dealing with. More on that in a sec.

And if you're hunting for the perfect embellishments for DIY projects, we’ve got you covered. Browse our flat back rhinestones collection—we stock every major brand, in every colour you can dream up.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

You won’t need a toolbox, but here are a few bits and bobs that may come in handy:

• A clean, white cloth or towel
• Cotton buds or soft sponges
• Tweezers
• Acetone or glue remover (patch-test first!)
• Ice cubes or a freezer
• Hairdryer or iron (not both at once, please)
• Patience (mandatory)

Method 1: Heat Application

Best For: Hotfix adhesives or glues softened by warmth

If the glue was originally set using heat, chances are it’ll respond to heat again. This is especially true for hotfix rhinestones that were applied with an iron or heat wand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place a cloth or parchment paper over the glued area.
2. Use a hairdryer or warm iron (low setting!) to apply heat for 10–15 seconds. Keep it moving—no pressing down in one place or you risk scorching.
3. As the glue softens, gently peel or scrape it off using tweezers or your fingers (a soft touch, always).
4. Repeat as needed, and blot up any residue with a clean cloth.

Note: This method is not recommended for synthetics that melt easily or heat-sensitive embellishments nearby.

Method 2: Cold Removal (Freezer Method)

Best For: Glue that turns brittle in cold

Some adhesives get rubbery when warm—but brittle and flaky when frozen. If you’re not sure which glue was used, this is a safe place to start.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pop the item in the freezer for a few hours (ideally in a sealed bag so it doesn’t come out smelling like frozen peas).
2. Once it’s good and chilled, gently flex the fabric to crack the glue.
3. Use your fingers or a soft blunt tool (the edge of a credit card works) to chip or peel it away.

If the glue doesn’t budge, don’t force it. Try a different method instead.

Method 3: Solvent Treatment

Best For: Tough adhesives like E6000 or Gem-Tac

Some glues are here for a long time and a really hard time. In these cases, your best bet may be a glue remover or a mild solvent like acetone—but there’s a caveat: solvents can ruin fabric if you’re not careful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spot test first. Always. Choose an inconspicuous area of fabric.
2. If safe, soak a cotton bud or cloth in acetone or remover and apply it only to the glue.
3. Let it sit for 30–60 seconds, then gently blot or lift the softened glue.
4. Rinse the area with cool water and air dry. Repeat if needed, but don’t go overboard.

You might need to try this two or three times depending on the amount of glue. And again, test everything. We can't say that enough.

Tips to Avoid Damaging Fabric

A few final thoughts (read: warnings) before you go MacGyver on your garment.

Do Not Scrub Aggressively

Yes, we know it’s tempting. But rubbing too hard just frays fibres and smears glue deeper into the weave. Not worth it.

Skip Sharp Tools Like Knives or Razors

Please don’t reach for anything sharp. Not only can you slice the fabric, but you also risk pulling threads or causing irreparable damage.

Always Spot-Test First

We said it earlier. We're saying it again. Every fabric reacts differently. Even "sturdy" materials can discolour or weaken when exposed to certain solvents or heat.

Let the Fabric Air Dry Naturally

After cleaning or rinsing, let the fabric breathe. Heat drying can sometimes reactivate glue or warp the fibres—so give it time to chill (literally and figuratively).

Final Thoughts 

Glue removal can be fiddly. Sometimes it works on the first go, sometimes it’s a process. But taking it step-by-step—and being kind to your fabric—makes all the difference.

If you’re reapplying rhinestones after removal (maybe you’re correcting placement, or upgrading your sparkle situation), make sure you're using the right adhesive from the start. Want to stick around and read some more? Check out our breakdown of the best glue to use for rhinestones for each type of project.