Opening a Sealed Envelope

Tip: Opening a Sealed Envelope

I forgot to insert a check into an envelope after I sealed it up. Does anyone have any idea on how to loosen the glue?

By dejah from Chowchilla, CA

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RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

A fellow cardmaker stuffed wedding invitations (and sealed them) and then the bride wanted changes. She had to open them (without damaging). As Mary Ann suggested, she used the freezer method, and said it worked great! (07/01/2009)

By mrs.story

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

The classic method is to steam open the envelope - by putting the glued side next to a source of steam (traditionally a kettle). The steam dissolves the glue while saving the envelope - so you can open it and reseal. (07/01/2009)

By pamphyila

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

Freeze it for a couple of hours and it should pop right open! (07/01/2009)

By aggie71446

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

When this happens to me I tap one end of the envelope on the table so all contents slide to that end. I then cut off a strip (as thin as possible) from the other end. I remove or add what I need to and reseal the cut end with a piece of Scotch tape (the length of the cut), folding it over the end of the envelope. (07/01/2009)

By dinah6591

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

I tried microwaving it for a few seconds - only worked partially. Not a good method. (07/02/2009)

By cookwie

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

Open the envelope on the side instead of the top. Just put a nail file (or something small and flat) near the top or bottom of the side edge and slowly rock the nail file back and forth and the edge will open. Insert the cheque and use a little bit of glue stick to reseal. (07/02/2009)

By PICO

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

Had to do this once - steamed it over steaming water and opened it that way - this worked for the old kind of postage stamps too. (07/02/2009)

By KristyEllen

Request: Opening a Sealed Envelope

Forgot to put the check (or other item) in the envelope before sealing it? Instead of tearing it open, use scissors to cut a "thin" strip off one narrow end. You can insert the forgotten item, and then use cellophane tape to close the envelope back up before mailing. And since the tape is on the narrow end, it won't interfere with the envelope being opened by the recipient.

By zballoongirl

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

Reopening a sealed envelope after you forgot to put something in it. Put the envelope in the freezer for a couple hours and then try to loosen up the flap without damaging it. (maybe with a flat knife)

By Mary Ann K. from Lawrence, KS

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RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

I've also heard of microwaving it for a few seconds. Never did work for me.

Holly (10/06/2006)

By cookwie

RE: Opening a Sealed Envelope

Here's an idea that really works. Put the tea kettle on and bring to a boil. Place a spoon in the spout to keep it open and allow the steam to escape. Now hold the envelope flap over the steam (careful not to burn your hands). In one hand use a knife to carefully lift the glued flap while the steam does its job by loosening the glue. It's a little work, but gets it open. (10/06/2006)

By SR