Stickers are often used on clothing. From name tags at a conference to celebrating a special occasion, branded and customized stickers can be useful in many applications. That’s why StickerYou’s custom removable stickers are a smart choice for versatile applications. 

Not all stickers are created equal, so if you end up with sticky residue, don’t fret! Here are some of the best ways to remove sticker adhesive from your clothes.

Precautions When Trying to Remove Stickers From Clothing

• Choose the right solution or product for your clothing. Check the label to assess the fabric and any cleaning instructions.

• Choose the right product for natural-fiber clothing or synthetic clothing.

• Avoid bleach, as this is most likely to damage 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

• Plastic scraper

• Laundry detergent

Step 1: Microwave White Vinegar

Pour distilled white vinegar into a small glass bowl and put 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. Wrap a piece of the towel around your finger and quickly 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. Don’t put the piece of clothing in the dryer until you are sure the adhesive is entirely removed – otherwise, it will be harder to remove any remaining residue.

Step 6: Check the Fabric

After the article has dried, check the fabric for any remaining adhesive residue. If you see any, repeat the process from step one.

How to Remove Stickers From Clothing With a Clothes Iron

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

• Ironing board

• Clothes iron

• Plastic scraper

Step 1: Prepare Your Iron

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

Step 2: Iron Your Clothing

Turn the iron to the maximum heat level your clothing can withstand, and iron the sticker area.

Step 3: Short Bursts

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

Step 4: Peel The Sticker

Once the sticker and adhesive are warmed, try to remove the sticker by hand. If adhesive residue remains after peeling the sticker off, use a plastic scraper to remove the loosened adhesive. Be careful not to rub to avoid the adhesive smearing deeper into the fibers.

Step 6: Wash

Wash the clothing normally when the adhesive residue is gone. 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. Not all types of clothing should be frozen - this process works best on synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. 

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

• Plastic 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 peel or scrape off the sticker.

Step 3: After the sticker has been safely removed, wet the area and scrub gently with dish soap and water. If any residue remains, use one of the other listed methods to remove the last bit of glue before washing the item of clothing as usual.

How to Remove Stickers From Clothing With Masking Tape

Masking tape has an adhesive backing that can help you easily peel off a stuck sticker. 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: Quickly peel the tape back, removing the sticker. Repeat this process until the masking tape loses its stickiness. 

Step 4: Repeat with another piece of tape until all residue is gone before washing the item 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! Slightly dilute dish soap with water in a small bowl. 

Step 1: Apply a dish soap solution directly onto the front and back of the sticker.

Step 2: Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. 

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

Step 4: Rinse the area thoroughly.

Step 5: Repeat the process if the sticker and residue do not come off.

Removing stickers from clothing doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you know the best ways to do it.

Looking for something that won’t leave a mess? StickerYou’s custom stickers have a removable adhesive, making them safe to use wherever you like!