If you’ve removed as much of the residue as you can by hand, it’s time to crack out the household supplies. It is important to note that you should test a small inconspicuous area of the surface before going all out with any of these methods to ensure it won’t damage or stain the material. Show Plastic scraper Plastic pan scrapers or even the side of an old plastic credit card offer a little more protection than metal ones (and they’re more affordable!), making them a great option for removing sticker residue from sturdy surfaces such as plastic. As they aren’t quite as sharp as their metal counterparts, this option might not be as effective on particularly stubborn sticker glue. Try not to push down too hard with the scraper – especially on glass surfaces that are prone to scratching.
Add a few squirts of washing up liquid to a bowl with hot water and leave the item with the sticky residue on to soak for an hour. The hot water will soften the sticker glue and make it easier to wipe the residue remains off with a dishcloth or peel away with your fingernails. Hairdryer Hairdryers as a removal method work in a similar way; by applying heat to a surface, the sticker residue softens and can be more easily removed by hand. The benefit of using a hairdryer over hot water is that it works on larger items that might not fit in your sink, like a mirror or piece of furniture like a wooden dresser. Make sure to use a warm setting, but not the hottest temperature as that may damage the surface.
Rubbing alcohol and vodka are popular methods for removing sticker residue because they’re safe to use on a variety of surfaces such as wood, plastic and glass. To remove sticker residue with rubbing alcohol, apply it to a cloth until wet and rub the residue away. If the sticky stuff is proving particularly stubborn, soak the cloth and leave it on the area for several minutes to let it soften, then try rubbing it away again.
Although it might seem like an unusual choice for removing sticker glue, peanut butter is a great hack for this because of how oily it is – plus, it’s something a lot of people have hanging around in a cupboard. Spread the peanut butter onto the sticky surface and leave it for 15 minutes before wiping away – the sticker residue should come away with the peanut butter. WD-40 WD-40 is a multi-use lubricant spray that can also be used for sticker residue removal. To apply, simply spray it over the affected area and leave for several minutes. The glue should then just wipe away!
Like peanut butter, cooking oil can also work as a gentle way to remove stains from non-porous surfaces like glass and plastic. Apply oil to the sticky area and let it soften the residue. Then you should be able to scrape it away with your fingers, a small plastic knife or scraper, or wipe it away with a cloth. White vinegar The acidic nature of distilled white vinegar is so powerful it can dissolve sticker residue – as well as kill bacteria, making it an excellent cleaning product to have around. There are a couple of different ways you can use it to get rid of the sticky stuff:
As mayonnaise contains both the acidity of the vinegar and the greasiness of oil, this creates a double-whammy effect which results in a potent residue remover. Like peanut butter, spread the mayo onto the sticky surface and leave it for 15 minutes before wiping away – the sticker residue should come away with the mayonnaise.
For mild cases of sticker residue, you might find that you’re able to remove it with an eraser. When you rub the sticky surface with an eraser, it will roll up the dried glue, making it easier to get rid of.
You’ll be able to find a few different cleaning solutions sold for the exact purpose of removing sticker residue. You should always follow the manufacturer’s directions, but they’ll usually work by applying the product to the affected area, letting it sit for a certain period of time, then scrubbing it away with a cloth.
Another method to remove sticker residue using household items is to roll masking tape around your index and middle finger with the sticky side facing outward. Then, press your taped fingers onto the surface and pull away – the dried glue will stick to the tape and come away. Repeat this process until all the residue has gone. Steel wool If none of the methods above have worked, steel wool is an incredibly effective tool for removing dried sticker glue. Soak the steel wool in soapy water, then gently rub the glue to remove it. It’s important to apply some pressure, but take care not to scratch the surface underneath the sticker residue.
How to Remove Sticker Residue from Different SurfacesHow to get sticker residue off glass If you’re looking for the best way to remove stickers from glass, it will be essential that you don’t scratch or damage the surface. The best method of removing sticker glue from glass is by applying rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, then polishing it away with a cloth.
There are lots of ways to get stickers and their residue off of plastic, but you want to avoid scraping this material as much as possible so that it doesn’t dent or scratch. The first thing to try is soaking the plastic item in hot, soapy water. If the sticker residue still won’t budge, vinegar or cooking oil are great options to try next.
Metal can hold its own in the heat, meaning applying heat with a hairdryer should be your first port of call when it comes to removing sticker glue from a metal surface. If the warm air doesn’t loosen up the sticker residue enough, apply some cooking oil to the area, leave it for an hour, then clean it using hot soapy water.
Wood is a very natural material that’s porous in nature, meaning some solutions aren’t suitable for removing sticker residue. While we recommend avoiding food products like peanut butter or mayonnaise, white vinegar and commercial cleaning solutions that kill bacteria are the best options for these products. Leave the solution to soak for several minutes before peeling away with a plastic scraper. Wipe the surface down with wood polish to finish.
Vinyl wall and window stickers should come away easily, but the longer the sticker has been left for, the harder it might be to remove. Heat the corner of the vinyl sticker up with a hairdryer on the warm setting to loosen it from the wall or window. This will make it easier to peel away.
If you’re planning on removing a bumper sticker from your car or van without damaging the paint, do the following: 1. Clean the decal with soapy water – the dirt and debris can scratch the paint when you start trying to remove the sticker For a mess-free car sticker alternative, why not try magnetic signs? Just as reliable as an adhesive sticker, but easy to remove and reusable!
Much like with sticker removal from glass, protecting the mirror from scratches is of paramount importance. Applying rubbing alcohol to the surface and polishing away with a cloth will be the best course of action, but if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn patch, you can also heat the residue up with a hairdryer before attempting to clean it off.
If you’ve plastered your laptop in promotional stickers and looking to make room for more, the easiest way to remove them is to apply some cooking oil like olive oil to the sticker you want to remove. Then start peeling the corner of the sticker to remove.
About the AuthorHi, I’m Hollie. I’m one of instantprint’s Artworkers. I create content to support our clients to create professional print, no matter their experience.How do you remove the sticky residue from stickers?Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka
Wet a paper towel or clean rag with rubbing alcohol, and rub the residue to lift it off. For stubborn stickers, lay an alcohol-soaked rag on the area, and let it sit for several minutes to soften the residue. Use the rag to rub off what's left behind.
How do you get the sticky stuff from stickers off without rubbing alcohol?Household Oils
Dab baby oil, coconut oil, or mineral oil on the sticker residue and let it soak in for five minutes. Scrape away the rest with your fingers or a plastic scraper and soak up the excess oil and adhesive with a paper towel. Finish up with a soapy cloth to remove the oily residue.
Does sticker residue come off?Fill a bowl or sink with hot water and add a dash of washing up liquid. Use the sponge to rub the sticky residue off. It should now come off easily. Don't scrub with the abrasive side of the sponge, as you could accidentally scratch the surface you're cleaning.
What is the best sticker residue remover?The Best Adhesive Removers for Eliminating Tough Residues. Goo Gone Original Liquid Surface Safe Adhesive Remover. ... . 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. ... . Elmer's Sticky Out Adhesive Remover. ... . un-du Original Formula Remover. ... . Uni Solve Adhesive Remover Wipes.. |