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How to Remove Sticker Residue from Clothes (Causing No Fading)

How to Remove Sticker Residue from Clothes

Have you ever been annoyed by that sticky residue left behind when you try to peel off a label from your clothes? It’s a common issue we all may get and that’s where the question “How to Remove Sticker Residue from Clothes” comes in. Even though there are some usual methods out there, they might end up causing fading and your favorite outfits can lose their original charm. 

But don’t worry! Our comprehensive guide is here to rescue. CustomAny has rounded up 5 easy-to-follow instructions on how to remove sticker residue from clothes without any risk of fading or damage. Let’s get started, goodbye to all sticker or label struggles!

What causes sticky residue on your clothes? 

The sticky residue on your clothes are caused by various types of stickers we encounter daily, including:

  • Price tags, barcode or QR code stickers
  • Sticker labels with fabric care instructions
  • Size stickers
  • Sale or discount stickers
  • Stickers from events or concerts
  • Decorative custom stickers or personalized stickers
What causes sticky residue on your clothes 
What causes sticky residue on your clothes 

When we peel off these types of stickers, there may be frustrating sticky residue left on our clothes. To minimize the chances of residue sticking around, you should peel stickers off before washing your clothes or wearing them for the first time. Applying heat will help make stickers easier to peel off initially.

How to Remove Sticker Residue from Clothes: 3 solutions that won’t cause Fading

If you still find yourself dealing with residues, rest assured! The methods we’ll discuss below are your solution, ensuring you know how to remove sticker residue from clothes  without causing fading and leaving them as good as new.

1. Use your iron

When it comes to removing sticker residue from clothes without compromising their color, use your iron. The heat is the key in this method as it softens the adhesive, making it easier to peel off without harming the fabric. This technique is a versatile solution suitable for a range of materials.

How to remove Sticker Residue from Clothes using Iron:

  • Place your clothes on an ironing board.
  • Cover the residue areas with a thin cloth or paper towel.
  • Iron over the affected areas with a low to medium heat.
  • Peel off the sticker residue gently.
  • Repeat if necessary, you can adjust the heat if needed.

This iron method not only preserves the color of your clothes but also offers a sweat-free way on how to remove sticker residue from clothes.

2. Using vinegar

Vinegar is the household hero because it can tackle stubborn sticker residue on your clothes. Its acidic nature breaks down the adhesive, making it easier to wipe away without causing fading to the fabric. 

Dip a clean cloth sponge into the vinegar
Dip a clean cloth sponge into the vinegar

How to remove Sticker Residue from Clothes using Vinegar:

  • Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
  • Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the vinegar solution.
  • Gently dab the sticker residue with the vinegar-soaked cloth.
  • Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the adhesive.
  • Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the residue away with.

For tougher residues, you should repeat the process.

This vinegar method is not only effective but also ensures your clothes look good as new, without any risk of fading. However, it may leave some vinegar scents, so you need to launder the clothes as usual to remove them.

3. Soap and Water

For a simple yet effective solution for the question of how to remove sticker residue from clothes, look no further than the classic combination of soap and water. This mixture is gentle on fabrics, because the common soap works as a natural lubricant, breaking down the adhesive in sticker residue. This method ensures your clothes remain free of residue without any risk of fading.

Soap works as a natural lubricant, breaking down the adhesive in sticker residue. This, coupled with water, creates a mild yet efficient solution for tackling the stickiness without compromising the integrity of your clothes.

How to remove Sticker Residue from Clothes using Soap and Water:

  • Dampen a clean cloth with water.
  • Add a small amount of mild dish to the cloth.
  • Gently rub the sticker residue with the soapy cloth, ensuring the affected area is well-covered.
  • Allow the soap to penetrate for a few minutes.
  • Use a clean cloth to wipe away any residue left.
  • Let the garment air dry.

Whenever you wonder how to remove sticker residue, this method helps you confidently do it without worrying about fading or damage.

4. Try Rubbing alcohol

If you’re worried about stubborn sticker residue on your clothes, rubbing alcohol is a powerful solution to get stickiness off fabrics.

Rubbing alcohol, with its solvent properties, efficiently breaks down the adhesive in sticker residue. This method is particularly effective on fabrics, ensuring a residue-free finish without any risk of discoloration or fading.

Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solution to get stickiness off fabrics
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solution to get stickiness off fabrics

How to remove Sticker Residue from Clothes using Rubbing alcohol:

  • Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth or cotton ball.
  • Before proceeding, test the alcohol on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t affect the fabric.
  • Dab and gently rub the sticker residue, ensuring the alcohol saturates the affected area.
  • Use a clean cloth to wipe away the residue.
  • Allow the garment to air dry.

Tips to keep in mind:

  • Avoid excessive rubbing, especially on delicate fabrics.
  • Always test the rubbing alcohol on a small area first to ensure compatibility.

This method offers a swift and effective solution for the wonder of how to remove sticker residue from clothes, leaving your clothes sticker-free and looking as good as new.

5. Dry-cleaning solvent is your solution

When faced with the question of how to remove sticker residue from clothes, consider the effectiveness of dry-cleaning solvents. Engineered to break down tough stains and adhesives, they prove highly efficient in eliminating sticker residue. This method caters to various fabrics and will not cause fading to your clothes.

How to remove Sticker Residue from Clothes using Dry-cleaning solvent:

  • Before application, perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area to verify compatibility with the fabric.
  • Dampen a clean cloth with the dry-cleaning solvent.
  • Gently blot the sticker residue, allowing the solvent to penetrate the adhesive.
  • Employ a clean cloth to wipe away the residue.
  • Ensure the garment receives ample time to air dry.

You should use dry-cleaning solvent in a well-ventilated area for optimal safety and allow this approach to liberate your clothes from stubborn sticker residue.

Substances you shouldn’t use for Removing Sticker Residue from Clothes 

While certain methods are effective for removing sticker residue on hard, flat surfaces (like removing stickers from glass, or getting sticker off wood, etc), they are not suitable for clothes or fabrics. Some common things are:

  • Acetone: It can be harsh on fabrics, leading to color fading and damage.
  • Bleach: This powerful stain remover is too aggressive for fabrics. It can weaken fibers, cause discoloration.
  • Harsh Chemical Cleaners: They contain abrasive ingredients that can compromise fabric integrity, causing fading and wear.
  • Hot Water: Excessive heat, like hot water, can cause fading, especially in the first laundry.

Remember, when it comes to fabrics, gentle solutions are key to preserving the original quality and vibrancy of your clothing.

Last words

When finding a way for the question “How to Remove Sticker Residue from Clothes?”, ensuring you use a fabric-friendly solution is the key. Try our suggestions in this article to make sure your clothes are sticker-free but remain in their best condition: not faded and not torn. 

For more tips and tricks on stickers, both applying, using or removing, don’t hesitate to explore other comprehensive guides on our blog page

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About Karen Lee

Meet our Creative Master – Karen Lee! Karen is the DIY wizard and the creative mind behind all of our inspiration posts: from fantastic gift ideas to exceptional decoration tips that make your events pop. Stick around for more exciting content, as we belive she is your partner in all things fun and fabulous.