How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes

Say goodbye to sticky residue with a few simple cleaners

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr, 50 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0-5

Pulling off a sticker or name tag from clothes can result in sticky residue, but you can easily remove the adhesive with common household cleaners and simple tools.

In many cases, white vinegar works to break up the adhesive and allows you to gently scrape it off. Other cleaners to remove sticker residue from clothing include rubbing alcohol, soap and water, acetone, or dry-cleaning solvent.

Sometimes, special care must be taken for delicate and dry-clean-only fabrics. 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.

Read on for more details on how to remove sticker residue from clothes.

Stain Type Resin-based
Detergent Type Stain remover and regular detergent
Water Temperature Hot
T-shirt sticker

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

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

Materials

  • Undiluted distilled white vinegar
  • Prewash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent

Instructions

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes With Vinegar

  1. Soak the Stain in Warm White Vinegar

    Heat undiluted distilled white vinegar in the microwave. Dip a sponge in the warm vinegar, then squeeze it over the residue until it is saturated.

    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. Pre-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.

    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.

    Treat stain with prewash stain remover
    ​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska
  3. Wash the Garment

    Choose the regular warm or hot water setting and wash as usual with your laundry detergent.

  4. Air-Dry and Repeat As Needed

    Air-dry the fabric. Then check the area for remaining sticker residue. Repeat the treatment if necessary.

    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 the residue.

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

The Spruce

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes With Rubbing Alcohol

Using rubbing alcohol can soften sticker residue but be cautious about what type of fabric you're using it on. Rubbing alcohol can discolor certain fabrics like wool, silk, acetate, or rayon. Use rubbing alcohol on cotton or linen for best results but always test an inconspicuous area first.

  1. Pour a liberal amount of rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth.
  2. Rub the cloth on the sticker residue. The residue should soften. Alternatively, soak the area in a small bowl of rubbing alcohol for a few minutes to soften the residue.
  3. Use your fingernails or a towel to rub away the adhesive.
  4. Air-dry the item. If any residue remains, repeat this treatment.

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes With Soap and Water 

Hot, soapy water will loosen the sticky adhesive residue enough to scrape away. Try using a degreasing liquid dish soap or a heavy-duty laundry detergent for this method.

  1. Add several drops of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent into a sink of hot water. 
  2. Put clothing into the hot water to soak for half an hour to soften the adhesive.
  3. Remove the item and begin to scrape away the adhesive with your fingers, a towel, or the edge of a credit card.

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes With Acetone 

Acetone can break down sticker residue to effectively remove it from clothes. Do not use acetone on acetate clothes, as it will melt the fibers.

Before applying acetone to the stain, test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness by dipping a cotton swab in acetone and rubbing it on the fabric. If any color transfers to the swab, use another method. If the garment is colorfast, use the steps below.

  1. Place the garment sticky-side down on an old white towel. 
  2. Pour the acetone onto the back of the stain. 
  3. As the adhesive loosens, rub the adhesive onto the old towel. 
  4. Rinse the area well and wash the garment as recommended. 
  5. Air-dry the garment. If any residue remains, repeat acetone treatments as needed. 

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Dry-Clean-Only Clothes

Use cotton swab to apply solvent on dry clean only clothing

​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

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. 

  1. Using a small sponge or cotton swab, apply the dry-cleaning solvent by blotting. Do not rub the stain, which can push the residue further into the fabric. 
  2. Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to lift away the loosened adhesive. 
  3. Allow the fabric to air-dry. 
FAQ
  • Does vinegar remove sticky residue from clothes?

    Using vinegar on clothes can soften and remove sticky residue. Then you can wash your garment as usual, per the directions above.

  • Can hand sanitizer remove sticker residue from clothes?

    Hand sanitizer can remove sticker residue from clothing. Hand sanitizer is similar to rubbing alcohol so you can use it in a pinch if that's all you have on hand.

  • Does Dawn dish soap remove sticker residue?

    Dawn dish detergent has degreasing qualities that may work on removing sticker residue from clothing. Place a couple of drops right on the residue, let it sit for 10 minutes, then see if it's soft enough to scrape or wipe away with a cloth damp with warm water.