How to Remove Stickers and Sticky Residue from Any Surface

Stickers are great — until you need to get rid of them. Whether it’s an old price tag, a kids’ sticker collection gone rogue, or a stubborn label on a new purchase, peeling them off often leaves behind a sticky, annoying mess.

But don’t worry! Whether you’re dealing with stickers from your favourite custom labels, business stickers, or branded packaging, we’ve got the tricks to help you remove both the sticker and any lingering residue without damaging the surface underneath.

General Sticker Removal Techniques

Before getting into specific surfaces, here are a few easy methods that work well across the board:

1. Apply Heat
Heat softens adhesive, making stickers easier to peel off.

• Use a hairdryer on low to medium heat and hold it over the sticker for 30 seconds.
• Peel it off slowly and if any residue remains, rub it with a cloth.

2. Use Household Oils
Oils help break down adhesive without harming most surfaces.

• Try olive oil, baby oil, or coconut oil: dab some on, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away.

3. Rubbing Alcohol or Vinegar
Both work wonders on stubborn residue.

• Soak a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol (or white vinegar), press it onto the sticky area, wait a minute, and wipe clean.

4. Soap and Water
For delicate surfaces, warm soapy water can do the trick.

• Soak the sticker area with a damp, soapy cloth for a few minutes, then rub gently.

Now, let’s break it down by surface.

How to Remove Stickers from Different Surfaces

1. How to remove stickers from plastic

Stickers on plastic can be tricky, as some solvents might damage the finish.

• Best method: Rubbing alcohol or oil. Apply, wait, then wipe.
• Avoid: Acetone, as it can make plastic cloudy.

2. Glass (Windows, Mirrors, Jars, etc.)

Glass is one of the easiest surfaces to clean, but if you’re wondering how you remove adhesive stickers from glass without scratching it or leaving streaks, there’s a simple method that works well.

• Best method: Soak with white vinegar or warm, soapy water, then scrape gently with a plastic scraper or old gift card.
• Bonus tip: Window cleaner can help remove any remaining streaks.

3. Metal (Appliances, Laptops, Water Bottles, etc.)

If you’ve been Googling “how do you get stickers off metal”, you’re not alone. Metal surfaces can handle a bit more scrubbing.

• Best method: Rubbing alcohol or an oil-based solution like WD-40.
• For laptops: Be extra gentle. Use a microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol.

4.Wood (Furniture, Floors, etc.)

Wondering how to remove stickers from wood without ruining the finish? Be careful, you don’t want to strip or stain it.

• Best method: Apply olive oil or vinegar, let it sit, then wipe with a soft cloth.
• Avoid: Excessive water, as it can warp untreated wood.

5. Walls (Painted or Wallpapered)

If you’re trying to figure out how to remove stickers from a wall without peeling off the paint, there’s a gentle method that works.

• Best method: Use a hairdryer to soften the adhesive, then slowly peel. If there is any residue left, dab it with a bit of warm soapy water and wipe gently.

6. Cars (Bumpers, Windows, Bodywork)

Need to know how to remove stickers from car bumpers or windows? Bumper stickers don’t have to be forever!

• Best method: Use a hairdryer for softening, then peel slowly. For residue, rubbing alcohol or soapy water works well.
• Avoid: Harsh scrapers that might scratch the paint.