There’s nothing more frustrating than having to remove one of your favorite stickers, and being left with sticky residue to clean up from the aftermath. Whether you’re removing stickers from glass, wood, metal, or plastic, the leftover adhesive can be stubborn to remove. 

Luckily, there’s hope in sight, as there’s a plethora of DIY and store-bought options to help you remove the leftover residue from stickers. Even better? They can do so without damaging the surface (so put those scrapers away!). 

So, if you’re needing to remove or replace stickers, this is the guide for you. Keep reading to learn how to remove sticker residue with homemade solutions to store-bought products.

How to Remove Sticker Residue: DIY Solutions

If you’re struggling with the adhesive residue after removing stickers, you’ll be pleased to know you might have the supplies to fix it quickly at home. There are a wide variety of homemade remedies that can be very effective at removing adhesive residue. 

Without further ado, here’s how to remove sticker residue with methods that are more affordable, natural, and gentle on surfaces.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is truly an all-purpose solution for so many things in the kitchen, and cleaning. It’s even capable of removing sticker residue from surfaces, especially glass and metal. Vinegar’s acidity is to thank, as it helps break down the adhesive and lets it be wiped away. 

How to Use:

1. Soak a cloth or cotton ball in white vinegar.
2. Apply the vinegar to the sticky area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Rub the area with the cloth until the residue lifts off.

Baking Soda and Water or Coconut Oil 

Another versatile household product is baking soda. When making a paste of baking soda and water, its abrasive properties can work wonders on stubborn adhesives. This solution is especially useful on non-delicate surfaces like plastic and metal.

How to Use:

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the sticky residue and gently rub with a cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse or wipe clean with water.

For more delicate surfaces like wood or painted furniture, a mixture of coconut oil and baking soda provides a gentle, yet effective option.

How to Use:

1. Mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda to form a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the sticky residue.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rub gently with a cloth.
4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth afterward.

Peanut Butter

Now, one DIY solution you might not believe is the fact that the oil found in peanut butter can also help dissolve sticker residue. This tasty and chemical-free method is advantageous on glass, plastic, or wood surfaces.

How to Use:

1. Spread a small amount of peanut butter on the sticky area.
2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the oils to penetrate the adhesive.
3. Wipe it off with a clean cloth and wash the surface with soap and water.

Rubbing Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer

Rubbing alcohol is another common household item that’s a great solvent for breaking down adhesives and works well on smooth surfaces like glass and metal. If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol handy, hand sanitizer can be an effective substitute due to its similiarly high alcohol content.

How to Use:

1. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer onto a cotton ball or cloth.
2. Rub the area gently until the adhesive starts to dissolve.
3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Hairdryer

Lastly, heat can help loosen adhesive and make it easier to remove. A hairdryer is perfect for use on glass, plastic, or metal.

How to Use:

1. Set the hairdryer to medium heat and aim it directly at the sticker residue for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
2. Use a plastic scraper or your fingernail to peel away the residue while it's warm gently.
3. Wipe away any remaining stickiness with a damp cloth.

How to Remove Sticker Residue: Store-Bought Solutions 

If you’d rather skip the work and use ready-made solutions, many effective commercial products are available specifically designed to tackle sticky adhesive residue. These products are formulated to be more potent than DIY solutions, making them great for more challenging or larger jobs.

Goo Gone

Appropriately named Goo Gone is one of the most popular commercial adhesive removers. The substance works on various surfaces, including wood, glass, plastic, and metal. It is safe to use on almost any surface without causing damage.

How to Use:

1. Apply Goo Gone directly to the sticky residue.
2. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe off the residue.
4. Wash the surface with soap and water to remove any oily residue.

WD-40

While most commonly known as a lubricant, WD-40 is another solvent that’s effective at dissolving adhesive residue. It's particularly useful for removing stickers from glass, plastic, and metal surfaces.

How to Use:

1. Spray WD-40 onto the adhesive residue.
2. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the adhesive.
3. Wipe off the residue with a cloth, and clean the area with soap and water afterward.

3M Adhesive Remover

3M Adhesive Remover is another high-quality product that breaks down tough adhesives. It works effectively on most surfaces, including automotive finishes, which makes it ideal for removing bumper stickers or decals from cars.

How to Use:

1. Spray the product on the adhesive residue.
2. Allow it to sit for a few minutes.
3. Wipe away with a clean cloth or plastic scraper.
4. Wash the area with soap and water after removal.

Magic Eraser

Truly magical, The Magic Eraser, made by Mr. Clean, is another highly versatile cleaning tool that can also help remove sticker residue. It can be especially beneficial for removing residue from hard surfaces like walls, glass, or countertops.

How to Use:

1. Wet the Magic Eraser slightly.
2. Gently scrub the sticky area until the residue is gone.
3. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.

The Final Word: Removing Sticky Residue 

All in all, removing sticky residue from the removal of stickers and decals doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, there are various products on the market today, as well as common household items that can help you remove them quickly, with no trouble or stress. 

By using these tips and products, you’ll be able to tackle sticky messes quickly and efficiently while keeping your surfaces clean and residue-free.Of course, who removes a sticker without replacing it with another one of their choosing? Design your own custom stickers with the leaders in stickable decals and more. Browse Sticker Genius now to add adhesives to your life—personally or professionally.