Iron-on transfers are an excellent way to express your personal style and add cute images to different pieces of clothing. However, after a while you may get tired of looking at the same thing over and over again. Unfortunately, most iron-on transfers are permanent, but don't despair - you can try removing them using the methods in this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a Chemical Solvent to Remove the Transfer
Step 1. Purchase a chemical solvent designed for removing transfers
There are solvents on the market for this specific use, but you can try using a more common one, such as acetone for nails, ethyl alcohol or a solvent for glue.
Step 2. Place the garment in the dryer
The high temperature will cause the adhesive to heat up, possibly causing it to soften.
Step 3. Put the garment inside out
The transfer must be inside. You should find the area where it is attached and insert the garment so that the inside comes out with the transfer in the back (if you can see it through the dress, you will see the back of the transfer).
Step 4. Test one area of the garment
Before applying the solvent all over your garment, test a small area to make sure the chemical isn't damaging it.
Step 5. Soak the garment with solvent
Apply a generous amount of solvent to the inside of the dress that has the transfer on the outside. Basically, the solvent has to penetrate the fabric and dissolve the glue between the fabric and the transfer.
Step 6. Tighten the fabric
By pulling and twisting the fabric, you will allow the solvent to penetrate the fabric and reach the adhesive. After pulling it, apply a little more.
Step 7. Detach the transfer
If the solvent has worked, you should be able to peel off the transfer on the garment. To make it easier to remove, you may want to scratch with a knife or help yourself with the heat of the hair dryer.
Step 8. Remove any glue residue
Once the transfer is removed, you may find some traces of glue. Try removing it with ethyl alcohol or a glue remover. Before using any chemicals, be sure to test a small piece of fabric to see the reaction.
Step 9. Wash the garment separately
Wash it by hand or in the washing machine. If you put it in your everyday laundry, the solvent could damage your other clothes. Be sure to wash the garment using a little more detergent before wearing it to prevent your skin from coming into contact with the solvent trapped between the fibers.
Method 2 of 3: Use Heat and Steam to Remove the Transfer
Step 1. Put the garment on a flat surface
An ironing board or a table lined with a towel should be fine. Make sure the surface you are using is not sensitive to heat.
Step 2. Place a towel inside the garment
Placing a small towel or cloth inside the garment will help prevent damage on the other side. If the sponge makes it difficult to work because it is too soft, try a very thin piece of cardstock or plywood.
Step 3. Check the garment care label
If you heat it without consulting the instructions on the label, you risk damaging the garment. Some fabrics, such as polyester, can literally melt if the heat is too strong.
Step 4. Use a hair dryer to heat the transfer
By keeping it on at a high temperature and very close to the transfer, you can warm the back of it to weaken the adhesive and remove it.
Step 5. Use the steam to heat the transfer
Alternatively, you can use steam to accomplish this task. First place a wet towel over the transfer and then the iron on a very high temperature. The steam will heat the adhesive on the back, softening it and allowing you to remove it.
Step 6. Use a sharp knife to scrape the transfer
Once it is weakened by the heat, scrape a sharp knife along the edge of the adhesive to peel it off. Once you have managed to lift some of it, you should have less difficulty pulling it a little at a time.
Step 7. Continue heating the area where the transfer is located and removing it
In order to detach it, you will probably need to treat a small area at a time, keeping it warm.
Step 8. Proceed with patience
This method can take a lot of time. So, put on your favorite music and do your best until the job is done.
Step 9. Remove any glue residue
Once the transfer is removed, you may find some traces of glue. Try removing it with ethyl alcohol or a glue remover. Before using any chemicals, be sure to test a small piece of fabric to see the reaction.
Step 10. Wash the garment as usual
After you've removed the transfer and all residue, wash the garment as you always have. Do not neglect this step, especially if you have used some chemicals to remove traces of glue; could irritate or damage the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Remove the Transfer with the Iron
Step 1. Put the garment on the ironing board
Make sure the transfer is facing up and lay the garment flat. If you don't have an ironing board, you can place a towel on a hard surface, such as a table, shelf, washer, or dryer.
Step 2. Place a towel inside the garment
By placing a small towel or cloth inside the garment, you will prevent damage on the other side. If the sponge makes it difficult to work because it is too soft, try a very thin piece of cardstock or plywood.
Step 3. Check the garment care label
You risk damaging your garment if you heat it without consulting the instructions on the label. Some fabrics, such as polyester, can actually melt if the heat is too strong. This process involves the use of direct heat and, therefore, the risk of ruining the dress is higher than with other methods.
Step 4. Heat the iron
The temperature must be at maximum and, therefore, higher than that recommended on the label containing the instructions for the care of the garment. If you are concerned about damaging it, try a different method. You could start from a medium temperature and slowly raise it to find the right one that allows you to remove the transfer without damaging the garment.
Step 5. Spread a sheet of wax paper over the adhesive vinyl letters
If the transfer material is vinyl, place a sheet of wax paper over the letters and iron directly over the paper. The transfer will melt and stick to the sheet. You can detach the letters from the garment by removing the paper. This method only works with vinyl transfers.
Step 6. Use the iron on one corner of the transfer
Basically, the heat from the iron will melt it. Start at one corner and continue all over the adhesive.
Step 7. Use the iron in small, quick movements to remove the transfer
Once a corner has lifted, quickly move the iron in the direction of the transfer. It should continue to peel off and will likely melt as you go.
Step 8. Continue until the transfer has detached
Repeat the quick iron movements directly on the transfer until you have completely removed it. If the garment seems to be getting damaged, lower the temperature a little.
Step 9. Remove any glue residue
Once the transfer is removed, you may find some traces of glue. Try removing it with ethyl alcohol or a glue remover. Before using any chemicals, be sure to test a small piece of fabric to see the reaction.
Step 10. Wash the garment as usual
After you've removed the transfer and all residue, wash the garment as you always have. Do not neglect this step especially if you have used some chemical to remove traces of glue, as they could irritate or ruin the skin.
Advice
- If desired, the methods described above can be combined. You will likely need to use more than one to remove the transfer.
- Keep in mind that the effectiveness of solvents for removing transfers decreases if they have been stuck on clothes for a long time.
- The ability to remove a transfer also depends on the type of transfer and the adhesive that was used. Remember that these decorations are generally designed to last.
