Top 5 Ways To Remove Iron On Fabric Patch Glue

The best way to refresh those old clothes is with a simple iron-on patch, but we all know that removing them later is not easy. There are always remnants of the adhesive. They are so difficult to get off without damaging the material underneath. By finding a way to remove the glue safely, you can reuse clothing items that can be made anew.

Let’s look through the five best ways that you can remove the glue in your own home.

#1 – Freezing the remains

The simplest of the steps is often the most successful; in this case, you will need to place the afflicted article of clothing into a plastic bag and then into the freezer for at least 8 hours. Ensure that all of the material is inside the bag so that it does not stick to the inside of the freezer and damage the fabric’s integrity.

Once the product has rested in the freezer for a minimum of 8 hours, you can remove it and place it on a table. Lay on the table flat, and find a round-ended knife, like a butter knife. By using the knife, you will be able to chip away at the glue, and it will all come off with ease now that it has fully hardened.

#2 – Remove the glue with Acetone

Acetone, more commonly known as nail polish remover, can be used to remove fabric patch glue effectively. Finding a simple bottle online, there were lots of choices, but with Amazon’s top choice being Cutex, it is a great choice if you need to find one online. Although the smell can be strong, wash thoroughly to remove the stench and protect your skin from too much exposure once the glue is fully removed.

Using cotton wool buds, balls or pads, dip it into the Acetone and begin to slowly dab over all of the glue until fully covered. Please leave it in light soak for a few minutes. Use a fresh, clean cloth to wipe the glue from the fabric, leaving a clean and glue-free surface.

#3 – Heat to remove the glue

While this may seem like an odd way to remove it all, it is rather effective if you do not have the necessary chemicals laying around.

If you have an old piece of clean cloth, you can use it to place over the top of the glue; doing so will prevent any fabric patch glue from sticking to your iron. Ensure that your iron is hot enough to melt the adhesive fully but on the correct setting for the fabric you are removing the glue from. Gently rub the iron over the top and ensure that you have heated all of the glue. Then slowly peel back the fabric to pull the glue with it. If it does not work the first, be sure to repeat on another clean piece of cloth.

#4 – Adhesive remover

While this is not traditionally something you will have under your sink, it is something that is handy not just for iron-on patch glue but any other kind of adhesive too. Be sure that it is suitable for fabric, otherwise, you will end up bleaching patches of your clothes. The top-rated adhesive remover on Amazon boasts to save you time by using it, specifically designed for fabric. The Albachem adhesive remover is the one for you.

Fabric safe adhesive remover can still remove the dye from clothing, so be sure to patch test on a small part of the clothing that is not noticeable before using on the glue itself. Rinse it off in warm water and check for any discoloration.

If you cannot find any fabric safe adhesive remover, you can make your own with just a few simple ingredients. A few drops of scented essential oil, 1 cup of coconut oil, and 2 cups of baking soda, mixed all together, will act as a glue remover. While it may not be as strong as a store-bought version, it will be an easy fix with just a little more effect involved.

Please do not place the adhesive remover directly onto the fabric patch glue, and you need to soak the area that the glue is bonded to release its grasp. If it is a t-shirt, turn it inside out and spray/pour the affected area. Once left in soak for a few minutes, you will be able to rub the glue off with a cloth. Wash the clothing to remove any remaining residue. Repeat if necessary.

#5 – Vinegar for removal

White vinegar is renowned for being an excellent stain remover, and it also works well for adhesive.

“]You will need to fully soak the adhesive in the vinegar and leave it for up to 10 minutes before rinsing the fabric patch glue off directly under a tap. Afterward, it will need to be thoroughly laundered to remove any missed adhesive and eliminate the strong acidic smell.

Be sure only to use white vinegar when removing glue, otherwise, you risk breaching the clothes and weakening the fibers. Also, do not leave it in soak for an excessive time, or you run the risk of the same happening.

Basic Glue Removal Tips

Remember to make sure any ingredients used are fabric-safe and do not bleach materials. Many homemade concoctions run the risk of reacting with each other and causing a chemical reaction that can damage clothing.

Store any chemical safely for use in the future, and be sure to keep checking the dates. Removers after their best before date can change in potency and will either become ineffective or will get stronger and run a risk of damaging the fabric or even your skin.