In my opinion, stores should only use self-adhesive labels for items because sticker residue haunts me. It never seems to come off and is annoying. Luckily, I’ve got cleaning hacks on how to get sticker residue off common surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic. And ever since my daughter decided to plant some stickers on my stainless steel fridge, I need to clean it off that, too.
If you’re not quite sure what sticker residue is, a friend of mine nicknamed it “the devil’s saliva.” But really, it’s the gummy adhesive that’s leftover after you peel off a label. Don’t bother trying to rub it off or run it under hot water. I’ve tried! You’d be surprised how well household products are at getting rid of that sticky mess. Solvents work differently on certain surfaces, so I’ve made note of which ones are better suited for some more than others. What I like the most about using household products is affordability!
For other DIY hacks, read our ultimate cleaning guide to get useful recommendations for every area of your home — and even car cleaning hacks. The KCL team monitors cleaning supply deals, so download The Krazy Coupon Lady app to always know what coupons arrive for your favorite household products.
Tell us in the comments your tips on how to get sticker residue off.
How to Get Sticker Residue Off with Warm Water and Dish Soap
Great for: plastic, glass, metal, stainless steel, finished wood
Not recommended for: unfinished wood
Soap and water are the duo that never fails … in most cases. Soak your container in warm water and three to four drops of dish soap (preferably Dawn) for about 30 minutes. If your item is too large to soak, dampen a towel or cloth with the mixture and rub until the adhesive breaks down and flakes off.
Related: 24 Dawn Dish Soap Uses That Will Make Your Life Easier
Get Sticker Residue Off with Rubbing Alcohol
Great for: glass, metal, stainless steel, unfinished wood
Not recommended for: plastic, finished wood
Most of us use rubbing alcohol to disinfect and clean cuts, so it should be no surprise that it’s also effective for getting a squeaky clean surface. To get rid of sticky residue, wet a rag or towel with rubbing alcohol and rub it on the sticker residue. Depending on how stubborn the adhesive is, the towel may need to sit for a few minutes.
If you’re out of rubbing alcohol, vodka is a great substitute. We have alcohol coupons to help!
Remove Sticker Residue with White Vinegar
Great for: plastic, glass, metal, stainless steel, finished and unfinished wood
Not recommended for: stone, cast iron, marble, aluminum
Is it just me or is white vinegar like magic for just about anything? It’s a miracle worker on glass stove tops, just so you know.
Similarly to rubbing alcohol, add white distilled vinegar to a towel or rag and let the spot soak until it softens. Then wipe it clean. I’ve found that removing the label first helps break down the residue.
Related: How to Make Strawberries Last Longer
How to Get Sticker Residue Off with Baking Soda & Oil
Great for: plastic, glass, metal, stainless steel
Not recommended for: finished and unfinished wood
Baking soda’s abrasive properties work wonders in general household cleaning, and it’s also effective at removing stubborn adhesive. Combined with oil (such as canola, olive, or vegetable oil), it’s a power couple that can remove the label remnants. Mix two tablespoons of oil and three tablespoons of baking soda to form a paste. Apply and gently rub the paste until the adhesive lifts off. Wipe away the remaining paste with fresh water.
Get Sticker Residue Off with a Scraper
Great for: paint, tile, stainless steel
Not recommended for: delicate surfaces
Mini metal scrapers are handy for tough jobs like removing food stuck on cooktops, but with a gentle hand, it can scrape the adhesive off. Since most scrapers have razor blades, a plastic card, like a gift card or credit card, can be a safer substitute. Scissors work, too!
Say Goodbye to Residue with Acetone
Great for: ceramic, plastic, glass, metal, stainless steel, unfinished wood
Not recommended for: finished wood
Nail polish contains acetone and works like a charm on sticky labels. Acetone is a common solvent used in manufacturing, so it’s effective in breaking down stuck-on gunk. Add a few drops to a cotton ball, blot, and rub the leftover adhesive until it’s removed.
Get Sticker Residue Off with Toothpaste
Great for: plastic, glass, metal, stainless steel, finished wood
Not recommended for: unfinished wood
In a pinch, toothpaste works, but the only type to use is one with baking soda. Yep, those gel, minty types aren’t effective. The bonus is that using toothpaste to lift and remove residue doesn’t typically require sitting time. Just apply and wipe away.
How to Get Sticker Residue Off with a Pencil Eraser
Great for: glass, metal, stainless steel
A rubber eraser on sticker residue? Try, and you’ll be shocked by its effectiveness. Use a back-and-forth motion and watch the leftover label curl up. Use a damp towel to remove any remaining residue.
How to Get Sticker Residue Off with Masking Tape
Great for: glass, plastic, finished and unfinished wood
Wrap a piece of masking tape around your finger and dab it on the sticker surface until it lifts. You may need to soak it with warm water and soap to get all of it off.
How to Get Sticker Residue Off with Coconut or Mineral Oil
Great for: glass, metal, stainless steel
Not recommended for: plastic, finished and unfinished wood
This is the messiest of the tips to get rid of sticker residue. My recommendation is to remove it first with another method, like a scraper, then apply the oil. Once it’s applied, use a rag to rub the excess oil and residue.
Tip: The oil in peanut butter is a good alternative solution. Apply a teaspoon, let sit for 10 – 15 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.
How to Get Sticker Residue Off with a Professional Cleaner
WD-40
There are numerous WD-40 hacks, including getting leftover goo from torn-off labels. Spray WD-40 on the residue and let it set for at least five minutes. Use a sponge or damp towel to scrub away the glue and paper. The solvent will penetrate the adhesive to dissolve it.
Goo Gone
If all else fails, try Goo Gone. It’s a common household cleaner “goo”d for removing residue, crayon marks, tape, gum, grease, and tar.
What About Sticker Residue on Clothing?
For clothes, you’ll want to stick to soap and water, white distilled vinegar, and tape. Anything else will damage the fibers.
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