How to Remove Sticker Residue: 12 Easy Solutions (2024)

When you peel off an adhesive-back sticker or label from a surface, you might be stuck with stubborn sticker residue. If you are tempted to scrape the spot with a putty knife or metal blade, don’t. Those tools can scratch the surface. Follow these methods to learn how to remove sticker residue using supplies you already have at home.

10 Easy Ways to Remove Sticker Residue

Remove as much of the sticker residue with your fingers as possible. Roll the sticky adhesive into balls with your fingertips and pluck them off. Then, follow any of the methods below.

1. Plastic Scraper

Use a plastic scraper, such as the edge of an old gift card or the blade of a plastic knife, to safely scrape the adhesive without scratching the surface of the object. This works well to get sticker residue off plastic or glass surfaces.

2. Hot Water

Put a few drops of dish detergent into a sink or container full of hot water and immerse the item (if practical) in the water to soak until the residue softens. Scrape away the gunk with a plastic scraper or your fingers.

3. Hairdryer

Using a hair dryer is one of the best methods for removing sticker residue. Aim a hair dryer at the sticker residue, turn it on, and allow the hot air to loosen the adhesive. Scrape to remove.

4. Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka

Rubbing alcohol is an effective solvent that’s safe for most plastic, wood, and glass surfaces. Vodka is a good substitute. Wet a paper towel or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol, and rub the residue to lift it off. For stubborn stickers, place an alcohol-soaked cloth on the area and let it sit for several minutes to soften the residue. Use the cloth to rub off what’s left behind.

5. Peanut Butter

Apply peanut butter to wood, glass, or plastic surfaces by dabbing it on the spot and letting it sit until the sticker residue softens. Use a clean cloth to lift off the peanut butter and residue.

6. WD-40

The lubricant spray WD-40 has a lot of uses throughout the home, and removing sticker residue is one of them. Spritz the solution onto the sticker spot and let it sit for several minutes. Then, use a rag to wipe away the residue.

7. Canola Oil or Olive Oil

Applying cooking oil can help soften sticker residue. Scrape away the remainder with your fingers, a plastic scraper, or a plastic knife. You can also try rubbing with a clean rag. After the sticker residue has been removed, wipe away the excess oil.

8. Distilled White Vinegar

Soak a cloth or paper towel in vinegar and lay it across the sticky area. Let it soak for a few minutes to soften the residue, and then wipe or scrape to remove it.

9. Rubber Eraser

You can use a rubber eraser to remove sticker residue from most surfaces. The rubber surface rolls the residue away.

10. Commercial Cleaners

A few commercial products, such as Goo Gone, are formulated to remove sticker residue. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, but in most cases, you apply the product to the residue, let it sit, and then scrape or wipe with a cloth to remove it.

11. Baking Soda and Coconut Oil

Mix together a paste using two parts coconut oil and one part baking soda. Apply the paste to the sticker and let sit for several minutes. Scrub and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

12. Mayonnaise

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the sticker residue, and let it sit for 15 minutes. The mayonnaise's acidity will break down the residue. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.