The glue residue left by stickers and labels is terribly annoying. When you buy a new item, you usually remove the price and it remains a sticky area that is difficult to remove. Depending on how stubborn it is, you can use various methods. You can start by rubbing and scratching if the area is not very widespread, or you can use some household products, such as denatured alcohol and vinegar, to help remove sticky substances. Finally, you can soak the surface to remove the stickiest residue.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Rub, Scrub and Scratch
Step 1. Scrape off the debris with a pair of scissors, an old credit card or a knife
If you use something sharp, be sure to place the flat part of the blade on the surface to be scrapped, otherwise you risk creating grooves on the object to be cleaned. If you use a credit card, you can proceed freely without the risk of ruining it.
- Be careful if you use the knife or scissors on glass or metal objects. You could scratch them easily. Try using another method to remove debris from these materials.
- Try to scratch in the opposite direction to yours to avoid getting hurt.
Step 2. Wrap duct tape around your fingers and press against the debris
Try to create a tight loop around your index and middle fingers, sticking the sticky side out. Press against the surface to be cleaned and peel away any glue stuck. You will notice that the residue will stick to the tape. Repeat this until you have removed as many as you can.
If the adhesive tape it loses its effectiveness before you are done, rotate the ring or use another piece.
Step 3. Use your fingers trying to roll up the adhesive
This method is most effective if you just peeled off the adhesive and the glue isn't too strong. Applying steady pressure, run a finger along all the residue. They will roll up into balls that you can easily remove from the surface of the object.
Step 4. Scrub the remaining residue with the wet wipes
You can find them at the grocery store in the household goods aisle or buy disinfectant ones. Rub until you no longer feel any glue residue. You will probably need to let the surface dry and scrub a few more times to completely remove any traces of adhesive.
Method 2 of 3: Use Soapy Water and Vinegar
Step 1. Fill a container with soap and water
This method is suitable if you need to clean objects that can be immersed in water without damage, such as a glass jar. Choose a container capable of holding the object to be cleaned and the necessary water, such as a large basin. Pour in the dish soap and fill the container with hot water.
Don't fill it to the brim or else the water will overflow when you soak your item
Step 2. Let the object soak for half an hour
For example, if you need to clean a glass jar, make sure the adhesive and residue are completely submerged. The glue will melt within 30 minutes and you will have less difficulty removing traces.
Step 3. Scrub the surface with the soapy water
After submerging the object for half an hour, all the adhesive residues will have weakened and you will not struggle to remove them. Moisten a cloth or rag and scrub until they come off.
Step 4. Eliminate any residue with the vinegar
If you still see any stubborn traces on the surface of the object, add a little vinegar to the water. After soaking, the glue fragments will have already softened and you can easily remove them with vinegar.
Do not use vinegar on marble, stone, aluminum or cast iron. It could corrode and damage these materials
Method 3 of 3: Use other Household Products
Step 1. Put on a pair of disposable gloves and protect your workspace
Some household products mentioned in this method may irritate the skin. Therefore, be sure to wear a pair of latex gloves to avoid this inconvenience. If you're working on a table or counter top, cover it with newspaper before proceeding.
Step 2. Choose the right product for the surface
The right product depends on the item you need to clean and how much residue you need to remove. Avoid using oily products on porous surfaces and be careful to apply corrosive substances to metals and stones, such as vinegar. Some household products are much more effective than those specifically designed to remove glue residues.
Step 3. Use denatured alcohol on most surfaces
It is probably the best choice, because it leaves no traces, dries quickly and is more effective against stubborn residues. If you don't have denatured alcohol available, you can use vodka. Avoid using alcoholic beverages that contain sugar, such as rum, as they can be more sticky.
- Dampen a cloth or rag with alcohol and scrub the surface vigorously;
- After about 15 seconds, check to see how much residue is left. Keep scrubbing until the surface is clean.
Step 4. Use cooking oil if the surface is non-porous
Let the remaining glue soak in the oil so that traces of it can be removed more easily. Since it does not contain harsh chemicals, the oil can be the ideal solution for the most delicate surfaces. However, some can absorb it and become stained. Avoid if the item is made of porous material, such as wood or cloth. If you are unsure, give it a try in a hidden corner. If the glue comes off without leaving a trace, you can proceed.
- Pour a few drops of oil on a paper towel and place it on the surface to be cleaned;
- Wait a few minutes for the oil to penetrate the glue residues;
- Remove the paper towel and scratch or scrub.
Step 5. Combine two tablespoons of cooking oil and three tablespoons of baking soda
Mixed with the oil, the baking soda will form a paste that you can use to remove sticky residue from a surface. Rub the paste into the residue using your finger. The baking soda and oil paste will remove glue residue without scratching the surface. Once done, use a paper towel to wipe off the excess paste.
You can store unused pasta in a plastic bag so you can reuse it when you need it
Step 6. Use vinegar on stubborn tracks
While this system requires a little more energy than alcohol, vinegar will make it easier to remove adhesive residue. Make sure you dilute it with a little water to get a more effective solution. Avoid if you have to apply it on marble, stone, aluminum or cast iron, otherwise you could damage these materials.
- Dampen a cloth or rag with vinegar and rub the surface vigorously;
- After about 15 seconds, check to see how much residue is left. Keep scrubbing until the surface is clean.
Step 7. Spread the peanut butter
A safe alternative to many acidic products is peanut butter, because thanks to the fat contained inside it is an excellent solution against the most sticky residues. If you don't know which product to use on a certain type of surface, peanut butter is a risk-free choice.
- Spread it on the sticky area and leave it on for 15 minutes;
- Clean up. Most of the residue should disappear.
Step 8. Use a product specifically designed to remove traces of self-adhesive materials, such as Avery Surface Cleaner
It is a high-performance cleaner, capable of removing glue residues. You can use it on many surfaces.
Follow the product instructions. In this way, in addition to knowing how to use it, you will know on which surfaces it is safe
Step 9. Remove residue with mayonnaise
Since it contains both vinegar and oil, mayonnaise is suitable for eliminating traces of glue. However, you should avoid using it on porous surfaces, such as wood, plastic and fabric, otherwise it could stain them.
- Spread the mayonnaise on the glue residues;
- Scrub the surface until it is clean.
wikiHow Video: How to Remove Glue Residue
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Advice
- Among the various cleaning substances consider WD-40, industrial solvents, deodorants or spray perfumes, nail polish remover (non-oily), liquid gas for lighters and so on. Keep in mind that the more ingredients in a product, the more likely the cleaner is to leave traces on absorbent surfaces, such as textiles, plastics, and wood.
- You can scrape off the traces of glue using plastic tools, old ATMs or credit cards, or use special scrapers to remove the paint.
- Pour some nail polish remover on a paper towel and lightly rub the affected area. It will easily remove any excess self-adhesive.
- Cover the metal surfaces with white-out and rub with an eraser. This way, you should get rid of any sticky residue and any traces of glue.
- Be careful if you want to remove a sticker from a plastic surface, as scraping may weaken the material.
- If you don't know which products are safe to use on the item you intend to clean, opt for soapy water as it is less likely to cause damage.
Warnings
- Never forget to test an inconspicuous area first to see if any spots appear. In some cases there is a risk that the object will be damaged in contact with oils and alcohol or that it changes color, for example if you apply these substances on some plastic surfaces.
- When using substances that produce fumes, choose a well-ventilated area in which to work.
- Handle any flammable product with due care.
