7 Easy Ways to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes (2023)

We've all been through it: a forgotten name tag from a reunion, a size tag left on your new pair of pants, or a school presentation tag on your child's shirt that accidentally went through the washer and dryer. Now you have a bunch of sticky residue on your favorite t-shirt. Read on to learn how to remove adhesive residue from clothing.

No matter what type of fabric you're dealing with, there's an easy DIY solution to removing sticker residue from clothing with simple products you already have around the house.

The job is more demanding if the garment has already been machine washed and dried. However, with a little effort, you can remove the glue from clothing and make it look like new again.

Normally, when a garment with a sticker on it is washed, the paper part will wash away, leaving behind the adhesive residue.

Glue marks attract dirt and lint and appear as a black mark on the garment. If it goes through the dryer, the adhesive solidifies and is much more difficult to remove.

The best ways to remove sticker residue from clothes

Before using any of the following treatment methods, try to scrape off as much of the sticky adhesive as possible with a butter knife or the edge of a credit card. Place the garment in the freezer for an hour to allow the adhesive to harden and make it easier to remove. this works tooremove hot glue from fabricafter it dries and alsochewing gumMade of cloth

Alternatively, try using masking tape to remove the adhesive from clothing. Press the tape over the affected area, and then remove it. Repeat the process until all loose sticker residue is gone.

Always check the care label on the garment to ensure you choose the correct cleaning solution. Wool, silk, lace, and other delicate fabrics require mild detergents and special precautions.

Most cotton and synthetic garments can be safely washed with normal detergent and normal cycle. For items that can only be dry cleaned, treat the affected area with a dry cleaning solvent or take it to a professional dry cleaner.

Remove the remains of stickers with liquid detergent.

As a first step, dampen the garment and apply a few drops of Dawn Dishwasher to the sticky residue and rub in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth.

Then soak it in warm water for at least 20 minutes before letting it air dry. Check the garment for any additional adhesive residue before running it through the washing machine again.

How to remove traces of stickers from clothes with vinegar

The acidity of the vinegar works to loosen any glue residue. This miraculous notebook for the home alsoremoves super glue from clothesand other surfaces. In a medium bowl, heat distilled white vinegar in the microwave. Soak a clean sponge in hot vinegar and apply to the decal glue.

Or, pour the vinegar into a clean spray bottle and soak the fabric. Let the vinegar soak into the fabric for a few minutes, then scrape away the adhesive with a flat, blunt edge like a butter knife or credit card.

For particularly stubborn glue, try scrubbing the area with an old toothbrush. Rinse the garment in cold water and let it air dry. Inspect thoroughly for sticky adhesive residue before rewashing.

Remove tape residue from clothing with nail polish remover

Acetone is great for removing tape residue from cotton and polyester clothing. However, it may discolor or damage delicate fabrics such as acetate, wool, silk, or rayon. Test in an inconspicuous area first to avoid damage.

ARemove tape waste, place the dry garment on one of the hard surfaces available, such as an ironing board or the top of the washing machine. Soak a cotton ball or paper towel in nail polish remover and rub it into the fabric for a few minutes.

Repeat as necessary until all adhesive residue is gone. Nail polish remover is also helpful.Remove gum from clothing.

Get adhesive glue out of clothing with isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is an effective stain remover that can be used on more delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and linen, as well as cotton and polyester.

Avoid using alcohol on viscose and acetate and test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure fabric dye does not bleed. Lay the garment out on a hard surface with a towel underneath.

Soak a microfiber cloth, paper towel, or cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the affected area to remove the sticky residue.

Repeat as necessary. For stubborn sticky stickers, try leaving a cloth soaked in alcohol for ten minutes. Once you have removed all the glue residue, wash the garment as usual.

If you have small children, you may also be wonderingWhat does slime do to clothes?. Try this alcohol solution and follow up with soap and water.

Remove adhesive residue with WD-40

WD-40 is a petroleum-based lubricant that breaks down sticky bonds and removes sticker residue. WD-40 also works well forget wax out of clothes. Spray the affected area with WD-40 and let it sit for a few minutes.

Scrape the adhesive off the decal with a butter knife or credit card. Wash garment with Dawn dish soap and warm water and allow to air dry.

Before putting the garment in the washer and dryer, carefully check that all traces of adhesive have come off.

Use peanut butter to remove glue from clothing.

One of the most amazing techniques to remove sticky residue from clothes is to use peanut butter.

Spread a generous layer of peanut butter over the glue residue and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub the affected area with an old toothbrush to loosen the adhesive on the decal.

Rinse garment in hot water and wash in Dawn dishwasher to prevent greasy stains. Allow to air dry, then inspect fabric for decal residue before machine washing and drying.

Remove duct tape residue from clothing with DIY Goo Gone

Duct tape is incredibly useful for DIY projects. Still, it's sometimes difficult to remove sticky residue from clothing and other surfaces.

Goo Gone is an effective glue remover, but it contains harsh chemicals that you might not want to rub on your clothes. Try this recipe for Homemade Goo Goo Gone instead.

To do thisDIY Sticker Residue Remover, mix ingredients in a small container with a lid until a thick paste forms. Apply half a teaspoon of the mixture on the residue of the sticker and leave it to act for a few minutes. Scrape off any loose adhesive with a butter knife or credit card.

Or gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove tape residue from clothing. Wash garment with Dawn dish soap and lukewarm water to prevent greasy stains. Let air dry, then check for glue residue before rewashing.

Although they may seem difficult to remove at first, there are many practical ways to remove decal residue from clothing without damaging it.

Be sure to check the garment's care label to avoid damage, and test on an inconspicuous area first before using stain remover on visible areas of your clothing. Take expensive items that can only be dry cleaned to a professional dry cleaner.

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