Whether for military purposes, to show support for a campaign, or even your favorite band, custom iron-on patches are a great way to show a little bit of yourself on your clothing and accessories.
But times change, and if you end up needing to remove your patches, you might find yourself unsure of where to start. In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know, from the tools you’ll need to the various ways in which you can remove your patches.
Essential Tools and Supplies
Depending on your chosen method, you might not necessarily need all of these supplies, but it’s better to have them around just in case. After all, some patches will prove more stubborn than others and may need several attempts (especially if you made your own).
- Iron
- Ironing board or towel
- Wax paper
- Scissors
- Liquid adhesive remover
- Tweezers
- Old toothbrush
- A thin piece of cloth
Hot Iron Method
- Set up your iron board and prepare your iron. If you don’t have a board, using a towel on a hard surface will also work.
- Using the following instructions, complete a trial on a separate or scrap piece of fabric to check this method will not ruin your patch. If it does not cause any damage, follow these instructions for your patch. If not, try another way.
- Cover your patch with wax paper or cloth.
- Hold the hot iron on it for at least 15 seconds.
- Try to lift the patch to see if the glue has softened.
- Continue this until it’s soft enough to remove entirely, and do so using tweezers.
If any adhesive is left over once the patch is off, several methods can help with that.
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Hair Dryer Method
- Prepare your hairdryer and the garment that has the patch on.
- Put the hairdryer on the hottest setting.
- Hold it around 4 inches (around 10cm) away from the patch and turn it on.
- After around 30-40 seconds, switch the hairdryer off and check the patch.
- Use tweezers to try and lift the patch to see if the adhesive is melting.
- Continue this process until you’re able to remove the patch entirely.
Adhesive Remover Method
- Purchase a liquid adhesive remover that is specifically for fabric.
- Before using on your patch, do a trial run on a scrap piece of fabric to check if it causes changes in the color. If so, try another method.
- Take the garment that you want to remove the patch from and turn it inside out.
- Hold it over the sink and spray or pour the adhesive remover over the area that holds the patch.
- Gently rub it in with a cloth or your hands and leave it for about one minute.
- Turn the garment back and see if you can peel off the patch yet. If only part of it comes off, remove that bit with scissors and repeat the above steps until the whole thing comes off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Easiest Way To Remove an Iron-on Patch?
Different methods will work better on different fabrics, so it can sometimes take trial and error. But the most successful ways are either to use a hot iron or a hairdryer or by using some fabric-specific adhesive remover.
Can You Remove an Iron-on Patch From Clothing?
Yes, there are several ways to do this. Some methods can even be tried using items you already have in your home. Place some thin cloth over the patch and then use a hot iron on the thin material for a few seconds. This should melt the adhesive. Alternatively, you could use a hairdryer.
Do Iron-on Patches Come Off Easily?
Iron-on patches should come off relatively quickly using methods that will melt the glue that holds them—for example, a fabric-specific adhesive remover. Alternatively, to melt the glue, try using a hot iron or hairdryer to melt the glue. Make sure you try these methods on scrap fabric first to ensure it won’t ruin your patch.
How Do You Remove Patch Glue From Fabric?
Adhesive remover and an old toothbrush are all you need to remove any leftover glue when you’ve successfully removed your iron-on patch. Once done, use laundry detergent and put the item in the washing machine. Check all the adhesive is gone before you put it in the tumble dryer.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, removing an iron-on patch is much simpler than you might expect, especially when there are so many methods to choose from. This means you can customize your clothing and accessories with the knowledge to change them up whenever you feel like it.
To design your own custom iron-on patch, head to The/Studio now!
