There’s nothing quite like a crisp new shirt with that fresh, new-out-of-the-pack feel. But if you’re anything like us, you probably don’t have time to iron every article of clothing you own. The alternative is removing the labels from your clothes, which can be a tricky task if you don’t know how to get them off. If the thought of removing an annoying piece of clothing makes you cringe and your favorite T-shirt is one of these pieces, rest assured we have you covered! This post will give you everything you need to know about removing iron-on labels from your clothing in a snap. So keep reading for our ultimate guide on how to remove iron on labels as fast and efficiently as possible!
How To Remove Iron On Labels?
Bleach
Bleach is one of the best ways to remove an iron-on label. However, you’ll need to ensure that you use the correct bleach for your particular fabric. Make sure you read the care label and select the appropriate bleach accordingly. We recommend testing a small, hidden area of your garment to make sure the bleach doesn’t damage the fabric. Mix a small amount of bleach with water (about one tablespoon of bleach per cup of water) and soak the garment for a few minutes. Use a clean scrub brush to gently work the bleach into the fabric of the garment, making sure to get under the label. The amount of time the garment needs to soak will vary based on the type of fabric and how heavily the garment has been worn. You might need to soak it for several hours or even overnight. For heavily soiled garments, you can also pretreat the fabric with a small amount of bleach.
Detergent
Iron-on labels are essentially the glue that has been melted onto the fabric. You can remove an iron-on label using a mild laundry detergent. Make sure to select a detergent that is gentle on your fabric type. Mix one tablespoon of the detergent with a cup of water and soak the garment for a few minutes. Gently scrub the fabric under the iron-on label with a clean scrub brush. You can also massage the iron-on label with your fingers to help loosen the glue. Rinse the garment and launder as usual. If the iron-on label contains any metal, you’ll need to be careful when using detergent. Some types of iron-on labels have small metal pieces attached to them. These metal pieces are often used to “iron” the label more securely onto the fabric. If you use too much detergent, it can cause the metal to rust.
Vinegar and baking soda paste
An iron-on label is essentially glue. So, you can use an old trick for removing glue from fabric using vinegar and baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of vinegar. Use a clean rag to gently apply the baking soda and vinegar paste to the fabric underneath the iron-on label. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse the garment. If you are removing an iron-on label from a delicate fabric, such as silk, you can use a lighter vinegar-to-water ratio. The vinegar and baking soda paste is strong enough to loosen the glue but gentle enough not to damage delicate fabrics.
Steam iron
This method is best for removing an iron-on label from a garment that doesn’t have delicate fabric. Make sure you use a low-water-flow setting on the iron. Place the garment on a flat surface and carefully place the iron over the iron-on label. Apply as much heat as possible without burning the fabric. You’ll want to hold the iron in place for several seconds to let the steam work on loosening the glue. The steam will loosen the glue and the iron will help you scrape it off the fabric. However, you’ll want to take care not to use too much pressure with the iron or you could risk damaging the fabric.
Slide razor blade over the label
This method is best for removing an iron-on label from a garment that doesn’t have delicate fabric. Place the garment on a flat surface and carefully slide a razor blade over the iron-on label. The razor blade will help you scrape off the glue and will prevent you from applying too much pressure while removing the label. Since this method involves removing the iron-on label completely, you’ll want to be careful not to damage any underlying fabric that you don’t want to remove. Make sure you slide the razor blade over the iron-on label at a slight angle, or you could risk cutting into the fabric underneath the label.
Why Are Labels So Hard To Remove?
You’re using the wrong tool.
Another reason why labels are so hard to remove is that you’re trying to use the wrong tool. While many parents try to remove the sticky labels with scissors, this is a bad idea! Scissors are made to cut fabric, not the adhesives that are on the labels. The wrong tool will make it much more difficult to break apart the label and makes it much more likely to tear the fabric as well. If you’re trying to get rid of a sticky label with scissors, you’re much better off cutting the fabric near the label, instead of the label itself. Cut the fabric near the sticky label, then use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to gently peel the label up and away from the fabric.
The stitches won’t break.
Some labels have their stitching reinforced, meaning they’re super difficult to break apart. Other parents have tried their best to get the sticky label off and then have accidentally torn the fabric of their child’s clothing. If you don’t want to accidentally tear the garment, then you’re going to want to break the stitches that are holding the label in place before you try to remove the label. This is another reason why sewing scissors are the best tool for getting rid of a sticky labels. You can use the scissor points to break apart the stitching before you try to peel the label off of the garment. If the stitches are really tough to break, you can try using a pair of pliers or a small hammer and gently pry the scissor points into them.
You’re using the wrong solvent.
The most obvious reason why labels are so hard to remove is that you’re using the wrong solvent. There are a few different ways to get rid of a sticky label, but you might try one method and have it not work. As we mentioned, hairspray is a great tool for getting rid of the label, but some people try to use it on synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can actually become more sticky when you spray them with hairspray. Instead, try using rubbing alcohol on synthetic fibers.
Which Iron Should You Use To Remove Iron-On Labels?
- This really depends on your situation. If you need to remove a label in a hurry, like you’re getting ready for a big meeting and don’t have time to find the right solvent, then using an iron is your best bet. However, if you have the time, a solvent like a nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol can be less risky.
- It all depends on the fabric the label is attached to and what the label contains (check the label first before doing anything to be sure).
- If you’re removing a label from a synthetic fabric, then a solvent is your best bet. If it’s a natural fiber like cotton or wool, an iron will probably work just fine.
When Removing Iron Labels A Good Idea?
- Iron-on labels are convenient for retailers because they can be used on many different types of clothing. However, if you buy a piece of clothing and want to know what size it is, you can’t just peel the label off.
- In this case, you want to get rid of the label completely. This way, you don’t have to worry about the information being there.
- It’s also handy if you want to give an old shirt a new look by removing the label and replacing it with a patch or design.
- If you don’t want to throw the shirt away but it doesn’t fit your style, getting rid of the label is a great way to freshen up the piece without buying new ones.
When Removing Iron Labels Isn’t A Good Idea?
- If a garment is vintage or has sentimental value, then you might want to keep the label on it. It’s important to know when the best time to remove iron-on labels isn’t, as well.
- Removing a label from an expensive or vintage garment could result in damage to the fabric.
- This could be especially true for fur or leather items, as getting rid of the label may be challenging. And if you do damage the garment, you can’t put the label back on, so it would be a permanent solution.
Conclusion
Iron-on labels are an easy way to label clothing, but they can be difficult to remove. Luckily, there are several different ways to get rid of iron-on labels easily and safely. If you’re trying to get rid of an iron-on label, you want to be sure that you’re using the right method to avoid damaging the fabric. Using an iron on a high setting, a solvent, or a steamer are all effective ways to remove iron-on labels.
