The secret to removing sticker residue from a swimsuit (2025)

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Have you ever experienced sticker residue or leftover adhesive in the crotch area of your swimsuit? This is a common problem when removing the hygienic sticker that swimsuits or bikini bottoms usually come with.

Fortunately, there are some easy solutions to this problem that helps you get rid of the residue easily!

In this article, we’ll explore our best tips for removing sticker residue in a swimsuit as well as look at several other optional ways to remove adhesive from a swimsuit or bikini.

The short answer

The easiest way to remove sticker residue from a swimsuit is to rub the adhesive with some kind of cleaning agent. The most effective cleaning agent for this, in our experience, is rubbing alcohol (isopropyl). However, a more common one to have at home that works almost as well is white vinegar.

“Why is there sticker residue or leftover adhesive in my swimsuit?”

Realizing that there is sticker residue left in your swimsuit can be frustrating. In some cases it might go away easily, other times it’s a pain to remove. So why is there sticky glue left in your swimsuit from the beginning?

The adhesive comes from a sticker that has been on your swimsuit. In most cases, it’s the hygienic plastic that was attached to the crotch of your swimsuit. But in some cases, it might also be a branding sticker or a size sticker.

Any sticker used on a swimsuit should not leave a mark or any residue. But if the sticker was of lower quality or there were some external factors affecting it, then even the best sticker might leave a mark.

The most common reason for a sticker leaving residue on a swimsuit is if it’s been in heat for too long. Then the adhesive will melt and stick to the swimsuit or bikini more permanently. Another reason is if a sticker is used that’s not made to be on the clothing.

Ways to remove sticker residue from a swimsuit

Preferred method

The easiest way to remove sticker residue from a swimsuit is to rub the adhesive with some kind of cleaning agent. The most effective cleaning agent for this, in our experience, is rubbing alcohol (isopropyl). However, a more common one to have at home that works almost as well is white vinegar.

If you have neither of these at home some other alternatives are soap or oil.

Simply soak the area that needs cleaning in water and apply your cleaning agent. Gently rub the residue until completely gone.

Neither of these cleaning agents should stain or damage your swimsuit.

Alternative methods for removing sticker residue

Put it in the freezer

This is a common way to remove gum from clothing and it works just as well for adhesive residue. Put your swimsuit in the freezer for a few hours and when you take it out the adhesive should be frozen and easy to remove. You should be able to peel it away using your fingers.

Plastic knife or card

Using something like a plastic knife or a credit card to scrape off the adhesive residue is also an option. This method works best if you have a little bit of glue left over and it doesn’t require any harsh chemicals.

Soak it in olive oil

This one might sound strange but it’s actually quite effective. Soaking your swimsuit in some olive oil can help loosen the sticky residue and make it easier to remove.

Simply cover the affected area with oil and let it sit for a few hours. You should then be able to rub off the residue easily with a cloth.

Avoid any sticker residue with future swimsuits

To avoid any future sticker residue or adhesive problems, there are a few things you can do.

When buying a new swimsuit, make sure to remove the hygienic sticker as soon as you get home. If you leave it on for too long there is a risk that it will melt and stick to the fabric permanently.

If you’re using a branding sticker on your swimsuit, make sure to get one made specifically for clothing. These will usually have an adhesive-backed by paper so they won’t stick forever to the fabric.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored our best tips for removing sticker residue in a swimsuit as well as looked at several other optional ways to remove adhesive from a swimsuit or bikini.

However, white vinegar is a more common one at home that works almost as well.

If you have any other tips or tricks for removing sticker residue from a swimsuit, please share them in the comments below!

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