How to Remove Sticky Residue from Bed Sheets Left by Underpad Adhesive

Disposable bed pads with adhesives are great for protecting mattresses from urinary leaks and fecal incontinence. The adhesives are meant to keep the disposable underpad in place, especially overnight when there's a higher possibility of moving the bed pad from tossing and turning. While this feature is great for protecting upholstery and furniture, one may find that the adhesives from the underpad leaves a sticky residue on the bed sheet. However, there is no need to toss the bed sheet because of the adhesive residue. There’s a simple way of removing the sticker adhesive with common household items.

What You’ll Need to Remove Sticker Residue on Bed Sheets

Materials

• Undiluted distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Glass bowl or pot
• Sponge
• Stain remover or liquid laundry detergent
• A butterknife, metal spatula, credit card, or a soft bristled brush (i.e. toothbrush)

Equipment

• Microwave or stove for heating up undiluted vinegar
• Washing machine

Instructions for Removing Sticky Residue Left by Disposable Underpad with Adhesive

1. Soak the Sticker Stain in Warm White Vinegar

Pour white vinegar in a bowl or a pot. Heat up the vinegar untii it is warm (Note: vinegar does not need to be boiling hot). Dip a sponge in the warm vinegar and squeeze it over the sticky areas of the bed sheet until it is saturated. If you do not want to use a sponge, you can also dip the soiled area directly in the bowl and let it sit. The adhesive should begin to loosen up and start to come off. 

2. Remove Residue Particles with a Dull Knife, Metal Spatula, Credit Card, or Toothbrush 

Using a butter knife, metal spatula, credit card, or toothbrush, lift up the residue particles via a stroking motion. The adhesive should come right off and the bedsheet should no longer have any sticky residue left behind.

3. Treat the Bed Sheet with Stain Remover or Laundry Detergent

Rinse the soiled area with cold water and then treat it with a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. Work the stain remover or detergent into the area with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush in circular motions. Rinse the bed sheet off and make sure that the stain is completely gone.

4. Put the Bed Sheet into the Washing Machine

Read and follow the bed sheet’s care instructions. Wash the entire bed sheet in the washing machine. Check the fabric to see if any residue remains. If so, repeat the earlier steps until all of the adhesive is gone. Once you have confirmed that the stain has been removed, put the bed sheet in the dryer.

San Pablo Commercial is a family-owned, small business with a mission to deliver affordable medical supplies to their customers and caregivers. We offer a variety of incontinence products, ranging from SPC underpads, adult diaper briefs, reusable protective underwear, sanitary pads, absorbent liners, and disposable bed pads with adhesive. We ship directly to residential homes, home health care facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and senior living communities within 2 to 3 business days. We care deeply about our customers and want to make ordering incontinence supplies easier so that they can spend more time doing the things they love.