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Have you experienced the frustration of your iron-on patches falling off after only a few uses? In this article, let’s talk about how long iron-on patches can actually last, and how to take care of the iron on patches.
How Long Do Iron-On Patches Last?
There’s no standard answer to this question as there are many factors that can affect the use of hot melt adhesive patches, such as the material of the clothes and the way they are washed. Normally, a hot melt adhesive patch can last between 3 to 5 years. However, if the clothes are worn frequently and often dried at high temperatures, the patch might fall off after 30 to 50 times.
What Affect the Lifespan of Iron-On Patches
1. Application Method
The application method is crucial. The heat of the iron-on adhesive is between 150-160 °C. When applying, the heat and pressure should be appropriate, allowing the iron-on adhesive to melt into the fabric and adhere well.
However, we must be aware that certain fabrics are not heat-resistant, such as nylon, leather, silk, and synthetic fibers. We need to control the temperature (around 160°C) within the range that these fabrics can withstand, otherwise, not only will the fabric not stick, but the clothes will also be damaged.
2. Washing and Maintenance
Regular clothes are recommended to be washed with cold water or warm water, and it is best not to use water above 60°C for washing. Also, do not use high-temperature dryers. Repeated high-temperature washing may cause the adhesive to melt, causing the iron-on patches to fall off.
3. Fabric Material
The fabric material is best to be cotton, denim, jeans, canvas, etc. These fabrics have stable structures and can maintain a good adhesion of the iron-on patches. On the contrary, Fabrics such as wool, knit, and silk are soft and elastic. They’re unsuitable for iron-on patches. Their softness and lack of smoothness make it hard for the patches to stick. Iron-on patches are also prone to falling off.
4. Quality of the Adhesive
The quality of the adhesive also has a certain impact. But as a user, it is out of our control. Professional factories usually use appropriate hot-melt adhesives.
5. External conditions
If your clothes are exposed to the sun or chemical substances (such as bleach) for a long time, it may also affect the lifespan of the iron-on patches.
Extending the Lifespan of Iron-On Patches
When using iron-on patches, please follow the suggestions can significantly extend their lifespan.
- Try to wash less often,
- Slightly sewing the fabric with a needle,
then it’s done.
