How To Remove Stamps From Clothing: A Step-by-Step Guide

While Stuck On You's durable clothing stamps are made to last through countless playground adventures, sweaty gym sessions, and washing cycles, we understand that sometimes, what goes on must come off!

Whether you want to pass your child's wardrobe onto their younger sibling or erase your identity from a clothing item before donating it to an op shop, removing these stamps isn't mission impossible. 

Stick around as we go through the simple steps to un-stick name stamps. 

Understanding the Nature of Clothing Stamps

Clothing stamps use a special ink that bonds with a fabric's fibres to create a permanent mark resistant to daily wear and tear, washing and drying. 

Preparation Before Removing Stamps

As we mentioned from the get-go, while designed for permanence, our clothing stamp impressions can be removed. 

Proper preparation sets the stage for a smoother and more successful stamp removal.

Start by gathering these tools:

• Rubbing alcohol, like IsocolTM or acetone, like nail polish, to break down the ink.
• A soft cloth or cotton balls to apply the alcohol or acetone to the stamped area.
• Tweezers can come in handy for peeling off any residue.
• Laundry detergent to wash the garment after the removal process.
• A bowl of cold water to mix with detergent to remove ink from delicate fabrics.

Now, follow these steps to prepare the garment for stamp removal.

1. Check the fabric type and care label, as some fabrics, such as silk, rayon, wool, and leather, are typically too delicate for alcohol or acetone.
2. Test some alcohol or acetone on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment to check it won't damage the fabric or alter its colour.
3. Place the washed and dried garment on a clean, flat surface with the stamped area easily accessible. 

How To Remove Stamps From Clothing

After identifying the clothing item's fabric and performing a spot test, follow the appropriate stamp removal technique from the several listed below. 

If in doubt, consulting a professional cleaner is the safest option, especially for valuable items.

Cotton and Linen

1. Moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or acetone and gently dab the stamped area to start breaking down the ink.
2. Blot the stamped area with a dry cloth to absorb the dissolved ink. Don't rub, as this can spread the ink. 
3. Wash the item according to its care label instructions.
4. If the stamp is gone, let the garment air dry. If remnants remain, repeat the removal process before letting the garment dry.

Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester and Nylon

1. Begin with rubbing alcohol rather than acetone, as it's less harsh on synthetic fibres.
2. After dabbing the stamped area with the alcohol, heat the area with a hairdryer set to low to help loosen the ink's bond with the fabric.
3. Rinse the area with cold water. If the stamp persists, reapply the alcohol and heat again.
4. Clean the garment per its care label instructions and let it air dry.
5. Repeat the process if some ink remains and the fabric didn't react negatively to the first treatment.

Delicate Fabrics

Silk, Rayon, and Wool

1. Mix some mild detergent with cold water in a bowl. 
2. Dab the stamped area gently with a soft cloth soaked in the cleaning solution. 
3. Rinse the area with cold water, then press the fabric between towels to remove excess water; don't wring it!
4. Lay the garment flat in a shaded area to air dry.

Leather

1. Apply a small amount of specialised leather cleaner to a soft cloth and gently dab the stamped area.
2. Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe the area to remove the stamp and cleaner residue.
3. Apply a leather conditioner to prevent the material from drying out.

FAQs About How To Remove Stamps From Clothing

How Do You Remove Permanent Stamps From Clothing?

Follow these instructions on how to remove stamp ink from clothes made of more robust fabrics like cotton and linen.

1. Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol or acetone and gently dab the stamped area.
2. Press a clean cloth against the treated area to absorb the ink. 
3. Wash the garment according to the care label instructions.
4. Let the garment air dry. 
5. If the stamp is still visible, repeat the process before allowing the garment to dry. 

For delicate fabrics, use a mild soap and cold water solution instead of alcohol or acetone.

Regardless of the fabric, always conduct a solvent or cleaning solution spot test on a hidden area first. 

How Long Does It Take To Remove a Clothing Stamp?

The time it takes to remove a clothing stamp varies depending on the fabric type, the stamp's age, and the ink density. 

The initial application of rubbing alcohol or acetone and blotting might only take a few minutes. However, if the stamp is particularly stubborn, you might need to repeat the treatment or let the fabric soak, extending the total removal time to one or two days. 

Are There Any Special Care Instructions for Stuck On You's Stamped Clothes?

Here are some tips for taking care of stamped clothing to maintain the stamp impression for as long as possible.

• Wait 24 hours after stamping before wearing or washing the clothing to give the ink enough time to set and bond with the fabric.
• Wash the garment on a gentle cycle and avoid high water temperatures to preserve the clarity of the stamp.
• Avoid harsh detergents and bleach, which can cause the stamp ink to fade quickly.
• Air dry when possible. If you need to use a dryer, choose a lower temperature setting.
• Regularly check stamped areas for signs of fading so you can reapply the stamp when necessary.

Unstamp and Restamp With Stuck On You's Clothing Stamps

Whether you've made a stamping mistake or are prepping to hand down clothes, remember: Stuck On You clothing stamps are not only about sticking around through life's spins and tumbles but also about letting go when the time is right!

For more self-inking clothing stamp tips and tricks, you can read our "Clothing Stamps Guide". 

And if you're looking for stamps for future clothes labelling projects, browse our range and start designing personalised name stamps for clothes today. 

If you have more questions about how to remove stamps from clothing or about any of our products, please fill out this online form, and we'll be in touch soon.