You don’t have to stop using an item of clothing just because its iron patch no longer suits you. Restoring the hat, bag, or jacket to its original condition is possible. Learning how to remove iron on patches comes down to two methods. You’ll either reheat the original adhesive and peel off the patch or break down the adhesive with a commercial remover.

If you’re removing your old iron on patches so you can add new ones, reach out to American Patch today for a free quote! We can create custom iron on patches for your design in nearly any shape or size.

Tools and Supplies

You may not need all of these items unless adhesive proves particularly stubborn.

• Iron
• Wax paper
• Thin piece of cloth
• Ironing board or towel
• Tweezers
• Rag
• Scissors
• Old tooth brush
• Liquid adhesive remover

Methods for How to Remove Iron On Patches

Hot Iron Method:

1. Set up an ironing board or place a protective towel over a flat surface.
2. Turn the iron on to the highest setting appropriate for the fabric that you’ll be working on.
3. Place wax paper or thin cloth over a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric.
4. Press the iron against the paper or cloth for at least 15 seconds.
5. Lift the protective cover to see if your item’s fabric scorched.
6. If the hot iron damaged the fabric, do not use the hot iron method. Try the adhesive remover method instead.
7. If the fabric looks fine, proceed with the hot iron method.
8. Cover the patch with wax paper or a thin cloth.
9. Press the covered patch with the hot iron for at least 15 seconds.
10. Lift the cover and test the edge of the patch to see if adhesive softened.
11. Cover and heat with the iron again if the adhesive has not loosened.
12. Once the adhesive softens, lift the edge of the patch with tweezers.
13. Lift and pull patch with tweezers until it comes off.
14. Proceed to “Tips for Removing Residue” section below.

Adhesive Remover Method:

1. Buy a fabric-safe liquid adhesive remover.
2. Test the remover product on a small, inconspicuous area of fabric.
3. Apply some remover to the fabric, let it set a couple minutes, and then rinse.
4. If the product discolored the fabric, do not continue.
5. If the fabric appears fine after contact with the remover, proceed with the following steps to learn how to remove iron on patches.
6. Turn the clothing item or bag inside out to expose the fabric behind the patch.
7. Working over a sink, pour or spray the adhesive remover over the fabric behind the patch.
8. Rub the liquid into the fabric with your fingers or rag.
9. After about a minute, check to see if the patch will peel off or peel off partially.
10. If part of the patch lifts away, trim it off with scissors.
11. Reapply more remover and continue to work on remaining adhesive.
12. Lift off remaining patch.
13. Proceed to “Tips for Removing Residue” section below.

Tips for Removing Iron On Patch Residue:

1. Dab adhesive remover on the residue.
2. Work it in with your fingers or a rag for one minute.
3. Scrub the stubborn residue with an old toothbrush.
4. Once all residue appears to be gone, pretreat the area with liquid laundry detergent.
5. Put the item through a wash cycle as you normally would.
6. If it comes out of the washer with any residue, do not put it in the dryer. Instead, perform another application of adhesive remover.
7. Wash the item again.
8. Repeat this process as necessary until the residue stain is completely gone.

Ready for New Custom Iron On Patches?

Now that you know how to remove iron on patches, you’re ready to decorate your apparel with something new. American Patch produces bulk orders of original designs that you supply for your club, team, or company.

Why American Patch Is the Best Source for Custom Patches

American Patch provides free quotes for premium quality custom iron on patches in almost any shape or size. We’ll send you a physical free sample so that you can approve production with confidence. We turn around orders quickly and provide free U.S. shipping. Reach out today to get started.