A Comprehensive Guide on How to Remove Stickers from Any Surface

How to Remove Stickers from Any Surface

Here at Die Cut Stickers, we firmly believe that stickers are one of humanity’s top inventions. And, if we’re being honest, part of the appeal is that they don’t have to stick around any longer than you want them to. (See what we did there?) People change, and stickers can change, too—if you know how to remove them correctly. 

A basic tool kit can be a sticker lover’s best friend for removal, but different surfaces require different approaches. Never fear; Die Cut Stickers has your back. Keep reading to learn how to remove stickers and keep your sticker passion from becoming a love-hate relationship. We’ll cover how to get stickers off wood, metal, hydro flasks, laptops, and more.

Sometimes good advice comes a little late, but we’ll say it anyway. Some places don’t make good sticker displays. Check out the list before deciding where to put that new sticker. It also pays to plan ahead. Always choose high-quality stickers, like those from Die Cut Stickers, for easy removal. Cute, cheap stickers are less attractive when you fight to get the sticky residue off your laptop.

How to Remove Stickers from Books

Grab that hair dryer! Warm the area and peel the sticker from the edge. You can also use a touch of rubbing alcohol and a plastic scraper to help the process if needed.

How to Remove Stickers from Your Car

When removing an old bumper sticker, your hair dryer is again your best friend. Heat the sticker, starting at the edge and working inward. Heat each area in 30-second intervals. If the sticker resists, reheat it and try again.

You can help the process by carefully applying vinegar and a plastic scraper. Once you remove the sticker, wash the area and apply fresh wax.

How to Remove Stickers from Ceramics and Dishware

Turn up the heat! Take advantage of your dishwasher or hair dryer. Or, heat some vinegar in the microwave and let the sticker soak in it for about 30 minutes. Then, peel the sticker slowly.

If you have bits of residue that just won’t let go, try duct tape. Cover the residue area with duct tape, and then peel it up. In technical terms, the sticky stuff will stick to the stickier stuff.

How to Remove Stickers from Clothing and Fabric

Soak the sticker area in white vinegar for at least thirty minutes. Don’t scrub! Gently pat on the sticker with a washcloth or sponge. Pick and scrape away the residue.

You can also freeze the problem. Tuck that offending shirt in the freezer and forget about it. After a couple of hours, you should be able to scrape off most of the residue. You can gently scrub the spot with soap and water to remove more before tossing it in the laundry.

How to Remove Stickers from Glass

Glass is one of the easiest surfaces to remove stickers from. You have a bunch of options, so pick your favorite!

Place your bottles and jars in a sink of hot water with dish soap or washing soda. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes while you shop for new stickers. When you return, the stickers should rub right off. You can use this same formula for windows in your home and car. Soak the sticker well and let it sit. Use a razor blade or plastic scraper to help with removal.

Mayonnaise, peanut butter, and coconut oil with baking soda are also good options. Again, give it time to work. Let the fat and oil soak in for at least 30 minutes before gently scrubbing it away.

Other choices include vinegar, Goo Gone, and WD-40, that pink eraser your kid keeps forgetting to take to school, and your friend, the hair dryer.

How to Remove Stickers from Hydro Flasks

For removing stickers from hydro flasks, start with the basics. Try soaking the flask in hot water with dish soap or washing soda.

Isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover, or vodka are options, too. Soak a paper towel in the solvent, then place it over the sticker. Allow it to soak in the liquid for 30 minutes, then use the towel to wipe away the sticker.

You can also soak the area with Goo Gone, WD-40, or an oily substance like mayonnaise or peanut butter. Give it time to soak in, then gently scrub the residue in circular motions.

How to Remove Stickers from Laptops and Electronics 

Electronics and Laptops need careful TLC. Remove as much of the sticker as you can by hand first. Don’t use a solvent that can run to other areas of the laptop. Choose peanut butter or mayo to apply to the area, and use a plastic scraper to help the process. Get into the crevices with a pencil eraser!

How to Remove Stickers from Metal

Yes, WD-40 really is a good solution when it comes to stickers stuck to metal. Use a cloth to soak the sticker with WD-40, then use a scraper for removal.

Coconut oil and baking soda can also do the trick on metal surfaces. Make a paste and let it soak into the area. Use a washcloth to scrub the sticker with the help of the baking soda and fat.

How to Remove Stickers from Plastic

Go for the oils—cooking, peanut butter, mayonnaise. Slather it on and let it soak in while you eat that PB&J you made before you started. Enlist the help of a plastic scraper if needed.

Use white vinegar or the hair dryer if your plastic has a paint layer. Oils can damage paint.

How to Remove Stickers from Wood

Choose your treatment based on whether you’re dealing with bare or painted wood. It pays to test a small area before beginning to treat either type.

- Untreated (Bare) Wood- Soak the area with rubbing alcohol, vinegar, acetone, or a similar chemical, then use a knife or scraper.

- Painted and Finished Wood- Soak the area with vinegar or a mixture of hot water and dish soap and let it sit for about 5 minutes before gently using a plastic scraper. You can also try a rubber eraser or your hair dryer.

Make Die Cut Stickers Your Go-To Source

Stickers are super-useful accessories for marketing, crafting, safety applications, and just for fun! For high-quality stickers, always use Die Cut Stickers!