If you’ve ever had a piece of clothing with a stubborn sticky residue, you know how frustrating it can be to try to remove it. Whether it’s from a sticker, gum, or glue, getting rid of sticky residue can be a real pain.
Don’t worry though—in this article, I’ll share with you my favorite methods for removing sticky residue from clothing. So, if you’re ready to get rid of that sticky mess, read on.
How to get sticky residue off clothing
1. Iron it
Ironing clothes is not only a great way to get wrinkles out but also a great way to remove sticky residue. The heat from the iron will help to loosen the glue in the residue, making it easier to remove.
To do this, place a thin cloth over the affected area, then set your iron to a low or medium setting. Press the iron on the thin cloth for about 15 seconds, and you should be able to peel off the sticky residue from the clothing.
2. Use white vinegar
White vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help break down sticky residue and lift it off clothing.
To use it, mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Then, dip a sponge or cloth into the solution and dab it onto the area with the sticker residue.
Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the vinegar to loosen the residue. Then, scrub the area gently with a soft brush or toothbrush. Once you’ve removed the residue, rinse the spot with clean water and let the garment dry. If any stubborn residue remains, repeat the process until it’s gone.
3. Try isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol also referred to as rubbing alcohol is a great way to remove sticky residue from clothing. All you need to do is pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto the residue and let it sit for a few minutes.
After a few minutes, you can use a soft cloth to wipe away the residue. You may need to repeat this process if the sticker residue is particularly stubborn. Once you’re finished, you can rinse the clothing with water to remove any remaining residue.
NOTE: It’s important to be careful when using isopropyl alcohol, as it can be harsh on certain fabrics.
It’s also a good idea to test the alcohol on a small, unseen area of the clothing before applying it directly to the affected area.
4. Use laundry detergent
Another easy and effective way to get rid of sticky residue from your clothing is to use laundry detergent. The detergent will help to dissolve the residue and make it easier to remove.
To do this, dampen the area with warm water and then rub a dab of laundry detergent into the residue. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area with a soft-bristled brush.
Once you have worked up a lather, rinse the garment with warm water and repeat the process as needed. This should get rid of the sticky residue without damaging the fabric.
5. Got some peanut butter? Use it
Surprisingly, the oils in peanut butter can help dissolve the bonds in any sticky residue, making it easier to remove.
To do this, apply a generous amount of peanut butter to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a damp cloth to rub the peanut butter into the residue and loosen it.
Finally, rinse the area with warm water and use a laundry brush to remove any remaining residue. With a little patience and some peanut butter, you can easily remove sticky residue from any type of clothing.
6. Use nail polish remover
Nail polish remover is a great way to get sticky residue off of clothing.
To use it, first put a few drops on a cotton pad or ball. Then, gently rub the affected area of the garment with the nail polish remover until the sticker residue is gone.
Be sure to only use a small amount of nail polish remover and avoid rubbing too hard to prevent damaging the fabric. After you have removed the sticker residue, rinse the area with lukewarm water and allow it to air dry.
7. Invest in a professional stain remover
Professional stain removers are specially formulated to remove a wide range of stains from fabrics, including sticky residue.
To do this, start by applying the professional stain remover directly onto the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rub it gently with a damp cloth or sponge.
Finally, rinse the area with water and let it air dry. You may need to repeat the process a few times, but the sticky residue should come off, eventually.
8. Use a heat gun
Heat guns are a great tool for removing sticky residue from surfaces, including clothing. They work by using hot air to loosen the residue, so it can be wiped away easily.
To use a heat gun, start by setting it to the appropriate temperature for the fabric you’re working with. Then, hold the gun a few inches away from the clothing and slowly move it across the area with the sticky residue.
The heat will loosen the residue, allowing you to wipe it off easily with a soft cloth. Be sure to keep the gun moving, as too much heat can damage the clothing.
9. Don’t like heat? Try freezing
The cold temperature of your freezer can help to break down the residue and make it easier to remove. To use this method, place the item of clothing in a sealed bag and put it in the freezer overnight.
The next day, take the item out of the freezer and use a blunt object, such as a spoon or butter knife, to scrape away the residue. Be careful not to scrape the clothing too hard, or you could damage the fabric.
You can also use a solution of warm water and laundry detergent to remove the residue instead of scraping it off. Once you’ve removed the residue, wash the clothing as usual.
10. Get an adhesive remover
Another method is to use an adhesive remover, which is a product specifically designed to remove glue and other adhesives. You can find these at many hardware or home improvement stores.
To use an adhesive remover to remove sticky residue, simply apply a few drops of the product directly onto the affected area. Rub the remover into the residue with a damp cloth and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, rinse and launder the garment as usual.
11. Use WD40
Finally, if all else fails, you can try using a small amount of WD40 to remove the sticky residue. But before you use it on the affected area, be sure to test it first on a small inconspicuous area of the cloth to check for any discoloration or damage.
If everything looks good, spray a small amount of the WD40 onto the affected area of clothing. Let the product sit for at least three minutes before scrubbing it off with a toothbrush. After you have removed the residue, wash the clothing as usual.
FAQs
Can vinegar damage clothes?
Yes, it can.
If used in too high of a concentration or left on clothes for too long, vinegar can damage or discolor clothes. It’s important to dilute the vinegar with water before using it on clothes and to test a small area of the fabric first before treating the entire garment.
Why do my clothes feel sticky after washing?
Clothes can feel sticky after washing due to the presence of detergent residue, mineral buildup from hard water, or leftover dirt from the clothes themselves.
This can happen when you don’t rinse your clothes properly or use too much detergent. It can also happen if the washing machine is not functioning suitably or if you don’t dry your clothes properly.
Can hand sanitizer get rid of glue residue?
Yes, it can.
Hand sanitizer can help remove glue residue, as it contains alcohol which can dissolve some types of adhesives. However, it’s important to note that hand sanitizer may not be as effective as other products specifically formulated for this purpose.
Also, using hand sanitizer on certain surfaces, such as painted surfaces or certain fabrics, may cause damage or discoloration. It’s better to test a small area before applying it to the entire surface.
Conclusion
There are several methods that you can use to get sticky residue off of your clothing.
You can iron the affected area to dissolve the sticky residue. If that doesn’t work, try dabbing a bit of isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar on the residue, then gently scrub it off with a soft cloth.
You can also try applying laundry detergent to the affected area and scrubbing it off with a brush. With the above hacks, you should have no problem getting sticky residue off your clothes.
Thanks for reading.
Visit AfricanaStyle for more information on how to remove all kinds of residues from clothing.