Everyone hates those annoying sticker labels on their new dress
We’ve all been there – you peel off a sticker, expecting a clean surface underneath, only to be greeted by stubborn residue that just won’t budge. I noticed a lot of people have bee asking me to provide some methods to get rid of sticker residues on different things.
I’ll be highlighting some handy tips and tricks for removing sticker residue from various surfaces. So grab your favorite cleaning supplies and let’s get to work!
How do you remove sticker residue on fabrics?
Removing sticker residues on fabrics is considered a very difficult and challenging task. You can easily damage and rip off the clothing while trying various methods to do this, especially if the fabric has gone through the washer and dryer.
To remove sticker residues off fabrics, you can either use a packing tape, isopropyl alcohol or dawn soap. Here’s how to do it!
Method 1: Packing Tape Power
- Grab a roll of packing tape and tear off a generous piece.
- Place the tape over the sticker residue and press down firmly, making sure it sticks to the fabric. Rub the back of the tape for 5-6 seconds to ensure it adheres well.
- Now, here comes the fun part – rip off the tape as quickly and sharply as possible, just like you’re doing a waxing job (lol!). Repeat this process until all the sticky goo is gone.
- Once you’ve tackled the residue, give the fabric a once-over to ensure it’s all clear. Admire your sticker-free clothes and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Whether you’re using a scotch tape, painters tape, or that brown packing tap – either of them should work. What’s important is the time and effort you put into it.
Method 2: Dawn platinum power wash
Add some white vinegar to the affected area, then let it sit with some Dawn platinum power wash for about 30 minutes and scraped gently with a brush or knife until all the adhesive gets peeled off. Now run it through the wash to get any of the tiny crusty bits you may have missed out.
How to remove sticker residue from Glass, Metal, or Plastic?
The methods involved in removing sticker residues from items like glass, plastic and metal are much more easier than fabrics. You can try rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or Goo Gone or Acetone.
Method 1: Using Goo-Gone
Goo-Gone is a commercial adhesive remover specially formulated to tackle tough sticky residues. You can start by applying a small amount of Goo-Gone directly onto the sticker residue. Allow the Goo-Gone to penetrate the residue for 5 to 10 minutes, loosening its grip on the surface.
Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently rub the residue, working in circular motions. Continue rubbing until the residue starts to lift off the glass or plastic surface. Finally, once the residue is removed, clean the area with soap and water to remove any remaining Goo-Gone residue.
Method 2: Using Acetone
Another method to use is a potent solvent called Acetone. It works much faster than alcohol and make sure you have a nail polish remover handy.
Start by ensuring the area is well-ventilated, as acetone can have a strong odor. Apply a small amount of acetone to a cotton pad and gently dab the acetone onto the sticker residue, allowing it to soak for a few minutes.
Once the residue softens, use a clean cloth to wipe it away, applying gentle pressure as needed. The sticker residue would all be gone and it only took about 4 minutes.
How to remove Sticker Residue From Wood Surfaces
To remove sticker residues from wood surface, you can either use naphtha or baby oil. Here’s how you can do that!
1. Using Naphtha
This is a very quick method which is why i recommend it a lot. Apply a small amount of naphtha directly onto the sticker residue using a microfiber cloth. Then gently rub the naphtha into the residue and allow it to penetrate an soak for a few minutes.
Wipe away the residue with a clean cloth afterwards. Most importantly, ensure to avoid prolonged exposure to naphtha, as it can be flammable and harmful if inhaled.
2. Using baby oil
If the wood is soft and does not really have a strong finish, using harsh chemicals might rip it off. So something like baby oil obviously won’t do your furniture any harm. To use baby oil, all you have to do is apply a small amount unto the sticker residue with your finger.
Leave it to soak for at least 5 minutes and the wipe it off gently using a microfiber cloth. Note that you can also use olive oil as an alternative to this. Ensure to repeat until all stickiness is gone.
Thanks for reading! By following these methods highlighted above, you can effectively remove sticker residue from glass, plastic, wood surfaces and fabrics using goo-gone, acetone, naphtha, mineral spirits, and packing tape respectively.
TIP: Remember to always test any solvent on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with the surface.