You get the benefit of using the stamp at face value and you get to collect it when it's done with it's job. The important thing to remember with used stamps is to cut them off the envelope leaving a bit of paper around the stamp. Do NOT peel the stamp from the envelope as this will damage the stamp. Used stamps should be soaked off as described below. Soaking Stamps Now let's say you have gathered up a handful of stamps and you have already cut around them to remove most of the original envelope.
Water is the best method for removing the stamps from envelopes.
Put about an inch of cool or even luke-warm water in the tray and place it on a flat surface. After this time, you should find that the stamps slide off the envelope paper quite easily. Do not pry the stamps from the paper - they will only be damaged. I place the soaked stamps face down on the paper towels which will absorb lots of water and dry the stamps in about an hour. Once dry, some of the stamps will tend to curl - this is not a problem.