Removing dry cleaning tags can be straightforward, but you need to do it carefully to avoid damaging your garments. Here's a breakdown of how to handle those pesky tags:
Tag Removal Steps
Here's a simple approach to removing those tags:
- Inspect the Tag: Before you start, look closely at how the tag is attached. It could be:
- Stapled: These are often easy to remove.
- Pinned: These require extra care to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Adhesive: These might be more difficult to remove cleanly.
- Use Scissors or Snippers: If the tag is stapled or pinned, carefully use a small pair of scissors or snippers to remove the fastener.
- Staples: Gently lift the staple and pull it away from the fabric.
- Pins: Carefully remove the pin. Make sure not to pull or tear the fabric around the pin.
- Handle Adhesive Tags With Care: If the tag is attached with adhesive:
- Try Peeling Slowly: Start by gently peeling the tag back. If it comes off easily, continue carefully.
- Avoid Force: If it resists, don't force it, as this can damage the fabric or leave behind adhesive residue.
- If there are any barcodes, contact the dry cleaner, request that they pick up the items and tell them to remove those barcodes -- without damaging the underlying fabric.
- Check for Residue: After removing the tag, check for any remaining adhesive or small pieces of the tag. Use a lint roller or your fingers to remove any loose bits.
- Dealing with Residue:
- Sticky Residue: If adhesive remains, try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Gently dab the affected area and allow it to air dry. Be sure to test this method on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure the alcohol doesn’t cause discoloration.
- Paper Residue: Try using a piece of tape to lift off small paper bits.
What To Do With Barcodes
- Contact the Dry Cleaner: If you find any barcodes on the tag, contact the dry cleaner, request that they pick up the items and tell them to remove those barcodes -- without damaging the underlying fabric. Barcodes are important for tracking your garments and should be handled by the professionals.
Summary
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Inspect Tag | Identify how the tag is attached (stapled, pinned, or adhesive). |
| 2. Use Scissors/Snippers | Carefully remove staples or pins using small scissors or snippers. |
| 3. Handle Adhesive Tags | Gently peel, avoid forcing. If adhesive residue remains, try rubbing alcohol (test first!). If there are barcodes, contact the dry cleaner to remove them. |
| 4. Check for Residue | Remove any remaining small tag pieces or residue with a lint roller or tape. |
| 5. Address Sticky Residue | Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to carefully remove adhesive residue, testing on an inconspicuous area of the garment first. |
| 6. Barcode Handling | If there are any barcodes, contact the dry cleaner, request that they pick up the items and tell them to remove those barcodes -- without damaging the underlying fabric. |
By following these steps, you can safely remove dry cleaning tags from your clothes.
