How to Take Off Iron-Ons

So your iron-on transfer has to come off? There are a number of easy methods to remove iron-ons, but every one does not work with every transfer on every fabric. You may have to try several to completely remove all traces. I have personally used the paper transfer method with the rubbing alcohol method. The other methods I found suggested on a variety of forums by various users, and others have reported success with them. Read on to discover various techniques to take off iron-ons.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sheets of copy paper
• Sheets of parchment paper
• Iron, preferably Teflon-coated
• Hard surface to iron on
• Rubbing alcohol
• Goo remover or brake parts cleaner

1. 
   An ironing board is too soft--try a harder surface

   Paper Transfer method -- Lay a plain sheet of paper down on a hard surface (vinyl or wood cutting board, for example) and place the iron-on face down on top of it. Iron the back (inside) of the transfer on the hottest setting for several minutes. The transfer will begin to appear on the paper. Be careful -- to make sure the transfer doesn't reappear on the fabric, start with a new sheet of paper every time you check to see if it's working! This method is slow, but the least likely to damage your fabric or your iron.

2. Parchment transfer method -- Identical to the paper transfer method, but using a sheet of parchment paper (found in most supermarkets). It's reported to be a bit quicker, but the same warnings apply.

3. Rubbing alcohol method -- Wet the back (inside) of the transfer with rubbing alcohol. Wait several minutes and then peel and rub the transfer away. Use more alcohol as necessary. I found this method useful for traces left after the paper transfer method.

4. Direct ironing method -- Wet the transfer and iron in a circular motion with the highest setting directly on the transfer until it begins to peel and ball up. Remove the bits of transfer that come off and rewet as necessary. Others have reported that this method is quick and great for stubborn iron-ons, but it may leave permanent marks on the surface of your iron. Best to use a Teflon-coated iron and be prepared to clean it.

5. Solvent method -- Although iron-ons are applied with heat, many have reported success in removing them with commercial solvents such as goo remover or brake parts cleaner (found in auto parts stores). Apply to the back of the transfer and wait several minutes for it to set in. Rub and peel off the transfer. Obviously, the solvent may damage your fabric. Test it on an inconspicuous part of the fabric if possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient! None of these methods is instantaneous.
• Be as gentle with your fabric as possible. Using an old toothbrush to rub and peel may help, but be wary of using any abrasive material that may permanently damage your fabric.
• It's possible that you will leave traces of the transfer on the surface of your iron. Be prepared for that possibility.
• If the iron-on has been on the fabric during many washings, the area underneath is likely to be less worn. So even if the iron-on has been completely removed, the image of the transfer may still be evident. Consider covering the area with another transfer.

[pegwinn]

on 2/24/2009 Heh. This is great for the home made oooops's ^5

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/22/2009 Thanks for the tips. I have more trouble keeping them on but I'm sure this will come in handy with my youngest. She changes her mind ever ten minutes. :) 5*

[motherNN]

on 2/22/2009 Wow, good to know! I was pretty sure those little devils were totally impossible to remove. Thanks.5*

[sneedc]

on 2/21/2009 Handy advice, here. Thanks. I even HAVE parchment paper in my kitchen drawer! COOL BEANS! 5*

[savvyscarlett]

on 2/21/2009 Parchment paper is amazing stuff - I can't live without it! :-) Thanks for the tips, I'm sure this will come in handy sometime! 5*