How To Remove Iron-On Clothing Labels Easily
Here at Stuck On You, we know the value of a well-placed iron-on clothing label. But we also know that life doesn’t always go to plan!
Have you changed your mind about the placement of a label? Or perhaps you’ve accidentally applied the wrong label to the wrong garment, and now Oliver’s jumper says “Charlotte” while Charlotte’s soccer jersey says “Oliver”!
So, as much as you love our fantastic iron-on labels, you may occasionally need to remove one. But don’t worry if you are in this sticky situation; we’re here to help get you unstuck!
But first! It’s important to note that quality iron-on clothing labels are designed to resist water, laundry chemicals, and general wear and tear. So, removing these labels can sometimes be tricky.
But fear not; three methods are widely considered safe, easy, and effective at removing iron-on labels. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Method 1: Iron-On/Iron-Off
The best way to remove an iron-on label is the same way you apply it- with heat. Heat causes the label’s adhesive material to soften and lose its grip temporarily.
When removing iron-on labels off clothes, remember that as the label has already been heated and applied, it may not come off cleanly on the first try. For particularly stubborn labels, a second or third application of heat may be necessary to completely remove the label and its residue.
Tools Needed
- Iron
- No iron? A steamer or hair dryer can be substituted (not optimal, but doable!)
- Ironing board
- No ironing board? Use a sturdy table, bed, or countertop instead; just place a thick towel underneath to protect the surface
- Baking paper or aluminium foil
- Tweezers
How To Remove Iron-On Clothing Labels With the Iron-Off Method
Set your iron to the “wool” setting or medium-high heat of about 150°C. Make sure to turn off the steam setting.
Spread the garment with the label facing up on your ironing board or substitute workspace. Smoothen the label with your hand so it’s flat and taut.
Cut a piece of baking paper or aluminium foil a little larger than the label and place it over the label.
Once your iron has reached heat, press it onto the paper or foil and move it around in small circular motions over the label for about 15 seconds. Then, remove the iron.
Using the tweezers to avoid burning your fingers, remove the paper or foil and then, also with the tweezers, gently lift a corner of the label. You should now be able to carefully peel off the label..
Start peeling as soon as the iron is removed because if the label cools down, it will adhere to the garment again!
Method 2: Freeze!
What’s another option for how to remove iron-on labels from fabric?
The freeze method is quick and simple. However, results may vary after the first freeze depending on how well the label was applied and how long ago. If label residue remains after laundering the garment, try method three using a solvent.
Tools Needed
- Freezer bag (size will vary depending on the garment)
- Freezer
- Tweezers
How To Remove Iron-On Clothing Labels With the Freezing Method
Step 1
Place the garment in a freezer bag that best contains the entire garment and can be completely sealed.
Step 2
Place the bag in your freezer for at least one hour. Then, take the bag out of the freezer and remove the garment.
Step 3
Immediately begin peeling away at the iron-on label, starting in one corner. If the label does not peel off in one go, try to pick it off in pieces using the tweezers.
Step 4
Once you’ve removed the label, wash the garment as usual to remove any remaining residue.
Method 3: Solve It With Solvent
While removing iron-on labels with solvent can be successful, especially for older, more stubborn labels, there is a risk of damaging your garment’s fabric.
Depending on the solvent’s chemistry, the fabric could burn, discolour, or wear thin. So, when deciding how to remove iron-on labels from clothes, carefully inspect the fabric and do a spot test first.
Find a small, inconspicuous part of the garment, place a dab of solvent there and let it sit for at least five minutes. If the fabric colour doesn’t change, it should be safe to proceed with this method to remove an iron-on label.
Tools Needed
- Liquid vinyl letter removal product or any nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol containing acetone
- Paper towel or a small absorbent towel
- Cotton tips or cotton balls
- Tweezers
How To Remove Iron-On Clothing Labels With the Solvent Method
Step 1
Spread the garment on a covered table or other suitable workspace. Place a few sheets of paper towel or a small absorbent towel underneath the label’s position on the garment.
Step 2
Soak a cotton tip or cotton ball in the solvent, then carefully spread the solvent over the label.
Step 3
Let your soaked label sit for two to three minutes. Then, starting in one corner, use the tweezers to gently peel off the label.
Step 4
After you’ve removed the label, run the garment under cool water, then launder it as normal.
Iron-On Labels From Stuck On You
For labels you won’t want to remove in a hurry, browse our wide range of premium iron-on clothing labels.
Your clothing items will never go walkabout at the gym again, and your little ones' uniforms are sure to make their way home with our customisable iron-on name labels!
Choose from various designs, colours, fonts, and shapes to personalise your labels. Whether backpacks or hats, school, work, or sports uniforms, Stuck On You’s iron-on clothing labels have you covered.
What sets our labels apart?
- Customisable designs.
- High-quality materials.
- Fast delivery.
- 100% quality guaranteed with a 30-day free refund, replacement, or repair policy if you're unsatisfied with the quality of our product.
Simplify Your Life With Stuck On You Iron-On Labels
Who has time to run around tracking down lost items of clothing? Nobody! Life’s too busy!
Labelled clothing is less likely to go missing, but if it does, it’s more likely to find its way home. So keep things simple with Stuck On You’s iron-on clothing labels.
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