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Polo Shirt Stain Removal: How to Clean Adhesive Tape Stains

Adhesive tape stains can ruin the look of a favorite polo shirt. The good news is that these stains can be removed with right supplies and techniques.


Updated 20 Jun 2023

By Noemi Denker

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Tape can leave behind a sticky residue on polo shirts, resulting in a stained, discolored and less-than-desirable appearance. But fear not! With some patience and elbow grease, adhesive tape stains can be removed from a polo shirt with relative ease.

What You’ll Need

  • Clean cloth or towel
  • Mild detergent or stain remover
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Laundry detergent
  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Rubbing alcohol (optional)
  • Hair dryer (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lay the affected area of the shirt down on top of a clean towel.
  2. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub tape residue with mild detergent or stain remover.
  3. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and lukewarm water in a small bowl. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and apply to adhesive tape stain.
  4. Leave it for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with the soft brush. Allow it to sit for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  5. Rinse the affected area with cold water, then apply a bit of laundry detergent to the stain.
  6. For extra tough stains, mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water. Apply to the stain with a clean cloth and allow solution to sit for 5 minutes.
  7. After solution has been sitting, use soft brush to scrub the stain before rinsing with cold water.
  8. If any adhesive residue remains, apply the hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to soften adhesive and rub off stain with a clean cloth.
  9. The final step is to wash your shirt in the washing machine on the gentle cycle.

Tips

  • Always test a cleaning solution on a small hidden area of the polo shirt first, to make sure it does not cause damage to the fabric or dye.
  • If the adhesive stain is still visible after the first attempt, repeat steps 2 through 8 until the stain is gone.
  • Do not wring or twist shirt when removing the adhesive staining, as this may cause further damage.

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