How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.
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Updated on 01/20/23
Reviewed by
Becky Rapinchuk
Becky Rapinchuk headshot, cleaning RB
Reviewed by Becky Rapinchuk
Becky Rapinchuk is a natural cleaning expert, homekeeping expert, and founder of the lifestyle brand, Clean Mama. She has published 4 books.
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Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
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T-shirt sticker

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr, 50 mins

You can remove sticker residue on clothes pretty easily with common household cleaners and simple tools. In many cases, white vinegar works to break up the adhesive and allow you to gently scrape it off. However, sometimes special care must be taken for delicate and dry clean-only fabrics. Use the following steps to remove adhesive residue from clothing,.

Stain Type Resin-based
Detergent Type Stain remover and regular detergent
Water Temperature Cold
1:00

Click Play to Learn How to Easily Remove Sticker Residue

Before You Begin

Always check the care label of your garment before treating it, so you can select the appropriate detergent and wash cycle. Garments made of wool, silk, lace, or any other delicate fabric might require a mild detergent and extra care, while cotton clothes usually do fine with regular detergent and normal wash cycles.

Tip

When a sticker on fabric goes through a wash cycle, usually the paper part washes away but the adhesive lingers. It often attracts dirt or lint, so the stain looks almost black. It's important to notice this before you put the item in the dryer, as dried-on adhesives are much harder to eliminate.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sponge
  • A dull knife, spatula, or credit card
  • Soft-bristle brush (optional)

Materials

  • Undiluted distilled white vinegar
  • Prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent
  • Nail polish remover (optional)
  • Dry cleaning solvent (for dry clean-only clothes)

Instructions

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes

  1. Soak the Stain in Warm White Vinegar

    Begin by heating undiluted distilled white vinegar in the microwave until it is warm. Dip a sponge in the warm vinegar, and squeeze it over the sticky and soiled area until it is saturated and the vinegar is absorbed. The adhesive should begin to loosen and roll up, or you can lift it with a dull knife or the edge of a spatula.

    Soak stain with warm white vinegar
    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Treat With Prewash Stain Remover

    Rinse the area with cool water. Then, treat the stain with a prewash stain remover or a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent (Tide or Persil are some of the best brands). Work the stain remover into the area with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Allow it to work on the stain for at least 15 minutes, and then launder as recommended on the care label.

    You can also use acetone (nail polish remover) on the residue.

    Warning

    Do not use acetone on acetate fabrics because it will melt the fibers. You also need to be sure the fabric is colorfast by testing the acetone first on an inside seam or hem. Dip a cotton swab in the acetone, and rub on the seam. If any color transfers to the swab, do not use acetone to remove the adhesive.

    If the garment is colorfast, put the sticky side face down on an old white towel. Pour the acetone onto the back of the stain. And as the adhesive loosens, rub the adhesive onto the old towel. It may take several attempts to get all the residue to come off.

    After using the acetone, rinse the area well, and wash the entire garment immediately as recommended.

    Treat stain with prewash stain remover
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Check the Fabric

    Check the area after washing. If any residue remains, repeat the treatment. Do not put the garment in the dryer until all of the adhesive is gone. If the garment has already been through the dryer, it might take several attempts to remove all of the residue.

    Check fabric after washing for residue
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
remove stickers

The Spruce

Dry Clean-Only Clothes

If the garment is labeled as dry clean-only and the stickers have left adhesive on the fibers, you can spot treat the area with dry cleaning solvent. If the garment is valuable or delicate, it is best to take it to a dry cleaner. Point out and identify the stain to the professional. 

For tips on removing sticker residue from suede or other napped fabrics, follow these instructions.

  1. Apply the Solvent

    Using a small sponge or cotton swab, apply the dry cleaning solvent by blotting—not rubbing.

    Use cotton swab to apply solvent on dry clean only clothing
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Scrape Away the Residue

    Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to lift away the loosened adhesive. Do not rub because that can smear the adhesive deeper into the fibers. Allow the fabric to air-dry.

    Scrape residue off dry clean only clothing
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska