Scraping that grainy, soft, and downright stubborn sticker residue off your favorite water bottle or the top of your laptop can prove to be a strenuous task. Chances are, if you're looking to upgrade your sticker collection — or even just remove an old, pesky sticker from a wooden dresser — you might be wondering how to make sure all of the pesky sticker residue is gone. Before you go scraping off any sticky debris, it's best to take a few things into consideration. The type of surface you're trying to salvage, helpful household items you already have laying around, and the length of time the sticker has been attached are all significant factors that you'll need to consider to help you successfully remove sticker residue. Here's exactly how to go about removing sticker residue no matter what surface you're trying to save from all that annoying, sticky goop.
How to Remove Sticker Residue From Plastic
If you're trying to remove sticker residue from plastic, like an old plastic storage bin for example, start by rubbing warm, soapy water onto the sticky residue with a sponge or cloth. Use a plastic scraper (a credit card or a plastic knife will do just fine) to scrape off the remaining texture. If the sticker residue still won't come off, add white vinegar to the warm, soapy water mixture, and repeat. The acidic properties in vinegar help it dissolve grime, grease, and residue. If you're trying to remove sticker residue from a plastic bottle or smaller container and the residue won't seem to budge, submerge the plastic in either the warm, soapy water or vinegar mixture for a few minutes before trying again.
How to Remove Sticker Residue From Clothes
Treating stains on clothing can be tricky enough, but when you add sticker residue to the mix, it's best to take extra care so your clothes don't end up damaged. If sticker residue is stuck on your clothing (thanks for nothing, "Hello, my name is" stickers), pick off as much of the sticker as you can using your fingers. This way, you're not scraping or scratching your clothing. Once you've got most of the sticker residue picked off, soak the affected area of clothing in equal parts warm water and white vinegar. Then, rinse the clothing with cool water. After you've rinsed it, treat the sticky area with stain remover. Wash the garment normally, and the sticker residue should be gone once it leaves the washing machine after a regular cycle.
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How to Remove Sticker Residue From Glass
Similarly to plastic, you can remove a sticker (and its sticky aftermath) from glass by dampening it with warm, soapy water. If the glass object is small enough to soak in a bowl of the mixture, the sticker residue will eventually peel off with little to no effort. If the sticker is stuck to a glass window or other large glass surface, gently use a plastic scraper to peel off the rest of the residue after it's done soaking. This way, you're not scratching up the glass. For more stubborn sticker residues, repeat this process with any type of vegetable oil, which will dissolve the residue. Applying heat to stickers that are stuck on glass is another option. Aim a blowdryer at the sticker or residue, applying heat for up to two minutes. Then, use your finger, or a scraper, to peel it away.
How to Remove Sticker Residue From Wood
You can remove sticker residue from wood by taking advantage of the warm, soapy water method or the vegetable oil method for glass and plastic. Rubbing alcohol is also a common household item that just so happens to help remove sticker residue from wood. Simply soak the stain with rubbing alcohol, using a cloth or towel. Use the towel, your hands, or a scraper to take away the rest of the residue that's left behind.
How to Remove Sticker Residue From Laptops
Remove sticker residue from a laptop by peeling it away with a credit card or plastic knife. Laptops can be easily scratched and damaged, so using a plastic tool is safer than a sharper scraping tool. If this doesn't work, turn off your laptop and carefully rub a small amount of soap and water into the residue. Rubbing alcohol is another solution that's safe to use on a laptop that has pesky sticker residue. Remember you never want to use a large amount of liquid on your laptop and you definitely do not want to soak it. Any cloths you you should be damp, not dripping wet, and you should be sure your computer is completely dry before powering it back on.
