StickerYou Blog

Stickers have become part of how we express ourselves and our affiliations. They’re now commonly used to jazz up any article of clothing and as an affordable way of tapping into brands.

So when brands, businesses, and personalities change as much as they do, you need easy ways to remove stickers from clothing and create fresh surfaces for new custom-made stickers.

Branded and customized stickers are among the fashion industry’s most sought-after items, and fortunately for you, StickerYou stickers are easily removed.

Here are some of the best ways to remove vinyl-made custom stickers from clothing.

Precautions When Trying to Remove Stickers From Clothing

• Choose the right solution or product for your clothing. Check the clothing label to assess what fabric it is and what cleaning instructions may entail.
• Choose the right product for natural-fiber clothing and the right product for synthetic clothing.
• Avoid bleach at all costs, as this thins the fabric and damages the clothing item.

How to Remove Stickers From Clothing With Warm White Vinegar

White vinegar, with its strong acidic composition, can serve as a solvent to break down sticker adhesive, allowing you to remove it from clothing. Before you start, gather the following materials:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Small bowl
• Clean towel
• Dull scraper or kitchen knife
• Laundry detergent

Step 1: Microwave White Vinegar

Place distilled white vinegar in a small glass bowl and pop it into the microwave. Microwave the solution for about 20 seconds until it becomes warm.

Step 2: Dampen a Clean Towel

Dampen a clean towel with the vinegar, but do not soak. For good measure, simply wrap a piece of the towel around your finger and dip that area in the vinegar solution.

Step 3: Wipe the Sticker Area

Wipe the towel with white vinegar solution onto the sticker area and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the adhesive will begin to loosen and roll up.

Step 4: Gently Scrape the Sticker Off

Using a dull scraper or a dull kitchen knife, gently scrape the sticker off the clothing. Be careful not to scrape with too much force to avoid damaging the fabric.

Step 5: Rinse and Wash

Once you remove the sticker, apply a little laundry detergent to remove the white vinegar smell and ensure the clothing is clean. Rinse and wash the clothing item and hang it up to dry.

Step 6: Check the Fabric

After washing, check the fabric for any remaining adhesive residue. If you see any, repeat the process from step one. Don’t put the piece of clothing in the dryer until the adhesive is fully removed – otherwise, it will be harder for you to retreat the fabric and remove the residue.

How to Remove Stickers From Clothing With a Clothes Iron

Applying heat to the fabric can also help loosen up the adhesive and make it easier for you to peel the sticker off. For this method, you’ll need the following materials:

• Ironing board
• Clothes iron
• Dull scraper or knife

Step 1: Place the item of clothing on an ironing board, with the sticker area in the middle of the ironing board but facing down onto the ironing board.

Step 2: Turn the iron onto maximum heat and iron the sticker area.

Step 3: Do not leave the iron on the sticker area for more than 5 to 10 seconds.

Step 4: Once the sticker and adhesive are warmed up, gently remove the sticker by hand.

Step 5: If adhesive residue is left behind after peeling the sticker off, use a dull scraper or knife to lift away the loosened adhesive. Be careful not to rub to avoid the adhesive smearing deeper into the fibers.

Step 6: When the adhesive residue is gone, wash the clothing as you normally would. If, after washing, you still find adhesive residue on the fabric, repeat the process again before tossing the clothing into the dryer.

How to Remove Stickers From Clothing By Freezing

Freezing the clothing will help harden the glue, eventually causing it to lose its stickiness. However, keep in mind that not all types of clothing can be frozen.

Use this method only for synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. If the piece of clothing is cotton, wool, or other natural fabrics, it’s best to try the other methods we listed in this article.

To remove stickers from clothing by freezing, you only need the following:

• Metal spatula or scraper
• Dish soap and water mixture
• Sponge

Step 1: Place the item of clothing into the freezer for about 45 to 90 minutes to allow the sticker to solidify.

Step 2: Once the sticker has solidified, gently pluck or scrape off the sticker with a metal spatula.

Step 3: After the sticker has been safely removed, wet the area and scrub gently with dish soap and water before washing the item of clothing as usual.

How to Remove Stickers From Clothing With Masking Tape

Masking tape also has an adhesive backing that will help you peel off the sticker with ease. This method only requires one material:

• Masking tape, preferably a roll that is thick and wide to make it easier for you to cover the sticker and peel it off.

Step 1: Place the item of clothing on a flat surface.

Step 2: Apply a piece of masking tape on the desired sticker or adhesive spot.

Step 3: With repeated action, quickly peel the tape back, removing the sticker.

Step 4: Repeat if necessary before washing the item in clothing as you usually would.

How to Remove Stickers From Clothing With Dish Soap and Water

Regular dish soap and water can do a lot when it comes to removing stickers from clothing. This method is best for synthetic fabrics such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon. This might also be the most accessible method, requiring materials that you already have at home, such as:

• Dish soap and water mixture
• Dull spatula or knife

Step 1: Locate the sticker on the clothing and apply a dish soap solution thoroughly over it.

Step 2: Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The longer you let it sit, the better.

Step 3: Using your fingers, gently pull the sticker up, starting from the edge.

Step 4: Rinse the area thoroughly.

Step 5: If the sticker and residue do not come off, repeat the process. You can also use a dull spatula or knife to help you tackle adhesive residue.

Conclusion

Removing stickers from clothing doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you’re armed with knowledge of the best ways to go about the task.

If all else fails, you can try removing the sticker with a stain-removing solvent specifically made for removing adhesives from washable fabrics. After removing the sticker, make sure to wash the item of clothing thoroughly before use.