Blog – Page 10 – Growing Gray USA

Clothing in nursing homes is often labeled with a name tag as it can get misplaced very easily. So what can you do when you get the clothes back and need the tags removed? To remove nursing home tags from clothes, identify the type of name tag used. Iron-on tags and label stickers can be removed using heat and a remover for adhesive residue. To remove sewn-on tags, you can use a seam ripper. This article will teach you how to remove any type of name tag from clothing with minimal damage. I’ll also discuss ways to get rid of adhesive residue left after removing iron-on tags and label stickers. 1. Identify the Type of Name Tag Used Name tags are an important tool in nursing homes, providing residents and staff with a way to identify individuals quickly and easily. For your elderly loved ones, name tags offer a sense of familiarity and security. Name tags on clothing are made to withstand the washer and dryer in nursing homes, so they don’t have to be replaced after cleaning. This means that they are tough to get off and are water-resistant. Here are the most common types of name tags: Label stickers. They’re usually made from plastic, which should come loose from the adhesive when heat is applied. However, it can be pretty challenging to remove adhesive from fabric. Even if you get the label off, you’re still left with an adhesive residue that will stick to your skin when you wear the clothes. Sewn-on name tags. Sewn-on name tags are made from fabric, making them easy to remove. However, doing so requires precision. You can damage your clothing by removing a sewn-on name tag. And even if you were careful, there would be tiny holes where the thread used to be. However, since sewn-on name tags take time to add to clothing, you’re less likely to encounter them in nursing homes. Iron-on name tags. These tags are applied with an iron, as the name might suggest. They have a layer of solid adhesive on the back that melts onto the clothing when you apply heat. The removal procedure is quite similar to that of label stickers. 2. Remove the Tags Based on Their Type Removing nursing home name tags can be time-consuming, depending on what type of name tag was used. Whether you’re removing a label sticker or a sewn-on name tag from clothing, different methods of removal will be required. How To Remove a Label Sticker The adhesive on label stickers melts when it’s hot, making it easier for you to pull off the label. You can use a hairdryer on a low to medium heat setting and patiently wait for the adhesive to melt. It’s important to carefully watch the label and clothing piece when doing this because hot air can make adhesive burn and potentially ignite the fabric. How To Remove an Iron-On Name Tag If the iron-on label is made from fabric, you can remove it just like it was ironed on! All you need is a sheet of parchment paper and an iron. Follow these steps: Place the parchment paper over the label and set your iron to its lowest setting. Press the hot iron gently over the parchment paper for 10-15 seconds at a time until you feel a part of the adhesive has softened around the edges of the label. Peel away the label by hand or with tweezers. How To Remove a Sewn-On Name Tag Removing a sewn-on name tag can easily be done with the help of a seam reaper. You may already have one at home if anyone in your house has done some sewing projects. Seam rippers are affordable and a big help for sewing mistakes. I recommend the CampTek Seam Ripper and Thread Remover Kit (available on Amazon.com). It’s easy and convenient to use, so you can save time when removing sewn-on name tags. The kit comes with: Four pieces of seam rippers A pair of trimming scissors A storage bag 3. Remove Adhesive Residue Iron-on name tags and label stickers can leave adhesive residue on clothing. This residue can be difficult because adhesive does what it does – hang onto any surface for dear life. Use an Adhesive Remover Be careful when looking for an adhesive remover because many products are not fit to remove adhesive from clothing. They leave behind stains or completely damage the fabric. You can find some excellent adhesive removers on Amazon.com, like this Goo Gone Adhesive Remover. This substance removes different types of dirt around the house, so it’s always good to have around. It’s affordable and comes in an 8-ounce (237-milliliter) bottle. Test any products you use on your clothing to see if it leaves any stains because not all clothing reacts the same to adhesive removers. Try a tiny amount somewhere on the fabric that isn’t visible. Doing so will prevent you from making a mistake and ruining decent clothes. Use Crepe Rubber You can use crepe rubber to remove adhesive residue if the label is stuck onto dense or hard clothing. You can use it by rubbing it back and forth over the residue until it balls up, which would be pretty tricky on thin material. You could use it on jackets, shoes, or accessories. Crepe rubber is what shoe soles are made of. It also works great as an eraser and can be added to your cleaning supplies. It is sometimes used in the restoration of valuable items. You can buy a 12-pack of Zonon Cement Erasers (available on Amazon.com). The pieces are small, durable, and reusable. However, bigger pieces are also available for bigger projects. Conclusion Removing nursing home name tags from clothes can be quite a task, but it’s not impossible to remove them. Label stickers, iron-on tags, and sewn-in name tags are commonly used in nursing homes. Each one requires a different method of removal. And if you’re dealing with adhesive residue, don’t hesitate to use an adhesive remover or crepe rubber to get rid of it. By the way, while we're talking about making things easier for our elderly loved ones, have you considered getting them a Jitterbug phone by Lively? It's a fantastic line of devices designed with seniors in mind. With features like large, easy-to-read screens, big buttons, and simple navigation, they're a breeze to use. Plus, they offer an Urgent Response button for quick assistance in emergencies. You can check out the range of Jitterbug phones right here.