3 Ways To Remove A Sticker From Plastic - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Housekeeping
• Stain Removal
• Adhesive Stains

Simple Ways to Remove Stickers and Sticky Residue from Plastic Download Article Get sticky labels off plastic and more with common household cleaners Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: May 29, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Best Way to Get Stickers off Plastic
|
• Removing Stubborn Stickers
|
• Removing Sticker Residue from Plastic
|
• Removing Stickers from Other Surfaces
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,893,864 times.

Trying to pull stickers off of plastic can be frustrating, as it often leaves stubborn pieces behind. Luckily, there are much easier ways to remove stickers. In this article, we’ll teach you the quickest way to remove a sticker from plastic, other removal methods, and how to get rid of stubborn residue. Plus, learn how to remove stickers from other household surfaces.

How do you get a sticker off plastic?

Dip a cloth in hot, soapy water, white vinegar, or nail polish remover, then hold it on the sticker for at least 15 minutes. This will loosen the glue and allow you to scrub the sticker away with a dry cloth. Scrape off any remaining residue with a flat edge, like a credit card.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Best Way to Get Stickers off Plastic

Download Article

1. 1 Soak the sticker in soapy water, vinegar, or nail polish remover. Dip a cloth in hot, soapy water and place it on the sticker. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes so the sticker absorbs the moisture and begins to loosen from the plastic. If you think the sticker will be difficult to remove, substitute the water for white vinegar or nail polish remover, following the same process.[1]
   • Rubbing alcohol also works if you need something a bit stronger. A 90% solution works best.
2. 2 Wipe away the solution and scrape off any remaining residue. Scrub the area with a dry cloth to remove the solution, sticker, and residue. Most, if not all, of the sticker should come off without much trouble. Then, use something with a flat edge (a scraper, credit card, or even your fingernail) to scrape off the remaining residue. Be careful not to scratch or puncture the plastic as you do so.[2] Advertisement
3. 3 Repeat the process, if necessary. If any stubborn residue remains after scraping, soak the area again. If you tried soapy water the first time, opt for a stronger solution like vinegar or nail polish remover this time. Repeat as many times as needed until all the residue has been removed.[3]
4. 4 Wash and dry the plastic. Once the sticker and residue have successfully been removed, scrub the area again with warm, soapy water. This is especially important if you used vinegar or nail polish remover to get rid of any lingering odors. Then, wipe the plastic dry with a clean cloth.[4]
Advertisement

Section 2 of 4:

More Removal Methods for Stubborn Stickers

Download Article

1. 1 Soak the label in cooking oil. Apply cooking oil directly to the sticker and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Canola, vegetable, and other oils will soak into the sticker and loosen the adhesive. After the oil has soaked in, peel the sticker off with a scraper or blade. Repeat the process as needed if the sticker doesn’t come off the first time.[5]
   • If you suspect the sticker will be difficult to remover, submerge the plastic in a container of cooking oil for 12 to 24 hours.
   • Spraying the sticker with cooking spray also works.
   • Be careful not to cut yourself or damage the plastic if using a blade.
   EXPERT TIP

   Michelle Driscoll, MPH

   Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner

   Michelle Driscoll notes: "You can easily remove a sticker from hard plastic using a variety of products, including rubbing alcohol, degreaser, peanut butter, or a mixture of baking soda and olive oil. Apply the product to the plastic, let it soak for a few minutes, then scrub the sticker off using a rag."

2. 2 Apply a commercial adhesive remover. Some specialty products, like Goo Gone, are specifically designed to remove stickers and other sticky residue. Follow the instructions provided by the product to apply it to the sticker, usually letting it soak for 5-10 minutes, then scrub or scrape the sticker off of the plastic.[6]
   • Lacquer thinner also works similarly.
3. 3 Spray a degreaser onto the sticker. Use a degreaser like WD-40 to wipe away the sticker. First, test the product on a patch of the plastic to make sure that it won’t harm the sticker if you plan to keep it. Then, spray the degreaser on a clean cloth or directly on the sticky label or glue residue. Rub in a circular motion with a towel until the sticker pulls away.[7]
Advertisement

Section 3 of 4:

How to Remove Sticker Residue from Plastic

Download Article

1. 1 Mix baking soda and coconut oil to remove goo. Mix together a paste with 2 parts baking soda to 1 part coconut oil. Apply the paste evenly to the sticker residue, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then, use your fingers or a cloth to scrub and pull away the adhesive. If it doesn’t come off, apply more paste and repeat the process. Wash the container with warm, soapy water when you’re done.[8]
2. 2 Scrape the residue off with a blade. Work the tip of the blade under the residue. Then, move the blade back and forth until the residue begins to come off. Continue using the blade until most or all of the residue has been removed. It’s best to use a plastic blade so you don’t damage the surface of the plastic.[9]
   • Find blades specifically made for removing stickers on Amazon or similar websites by searching for label and sticker removers.
   • Be careful not to cut yourself.
3. 3 Rub an eraser over the residue. Vigorously rub the residue with a rubber eraser until the adhesive begins to lift. Continue until most or all of the residue is removed. Use a blade to remove any stubborn bits, or apply a bit of vegetable oil to scrub them off.[10]
4. 4 Put peanut butter on the sticker residue. As strange as it sounds, the oils in peanut butter will break down many adhesives. Cover the sticker residue in a thin layer of peanut butter—any type of peanut butter will do. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a sponge and warm, soapy water.[11]
5. 5 Rub mayonnaise over the residue. Similar to peanut butter, the oil in mayonnaise breaks down the sticky residue leftover from the sticker. Any type of mayonnaise will work for removal. Rub the condiment over the sticker adhesive and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Then, wipe it off with a dry cloth.[12]
   • Repeat this process if the residue is thick or does not come off the first time.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 4:

Removing Stickers from Other Surfaces

Download Article

1. 1 Use a hairdryer to remove stickers from metal. Heat helps loosen the sticker glue to make it easier to peel off. Set your hairdryer to warm—not hot—and hold it over the sticker, applying direct heat for 1-2 minutes. After this, the sticker will usually peel right off without leaving any residue behind.[13]
   • If residue does remain, scrub it away with a bit of hand sanitizer and a cloth or paper towel.
   • A hairdryer may also work for some plastic surfaces, but heat can warp or melt plastic, so it might not be the best option.
   • To remove a sticker from stainless steel, try soaking the surface with oil and then scrubbing the sticker off.
2. 2 Submerge glass in hot, soapy water. If you have a glass container with a stubborn sticker, fill a bowl or sink with hot, soapy water and let the container soak for at least half an hour. Then, simply peel the sticker off. It should come off easily, but if any residue remains, scrub it off with a sponge.[14]
   • To remove a stubborn sticker from glass, try soaking the container in a mixture of 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water overnight.
   • For larger pieces of glass, like windows, use a moist cloth to dampen the sticker, then dip the cloth in nail polish remover and rub the area. When the sticker comes off, clean the glass with warm, soapy water or a glass cleaner.
3. 3 Soak wood in vegetable oil or furniture polish. Rub some vegetable oil onto the sticker and let it sit for about 2 hours, then wipe it clean with warm soapy water. For stubborn residue, apply a bit of heat with a warm hairdryer before wiping with the water. Alternatively, dab some furniture polish onto a clean cloth and rub the area. It may take more than one application to fully remove the sticker from the wood.[15]
   • Before applying any oil or polish, test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t harm the wood.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How do you remove stubborn stickers? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Stickers may seem stubborn if you are just trying to remove them with water. However, typically with the right product, they can come off with little fuss. Luckily, there are a lot of options, so if the sticker residue remains after trying one of the options, you can many more to try! Household products such as peanut butter, rubbing alcohol, lacquer thinner, nail polish remover, and a cooking oil/ baking soda mixture all work well for easy sticker removal. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 18 Helpful 27
• Question I put sticker labels on my phone case. What can I do to get the goo off without buying Goo Gone? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Expert Answer You can make a homemade version of Goo Gone by mixing 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil with 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Apply the paste onto the sticker and rub it with your fingers to remove the adhesive. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 19 Helpful 43
• Question How do I get a sticker off of the thin plastic on my iPad case? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Any of the above options mentioned in this article should work. You can use one of the chemical solutions or oil solutions mentioned above. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 16

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Reader Videos

Submit a Video Tip!

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

Submit a Video Coming Soon!

Tips

• Make sure to wear gloves when using chemical solutions. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 5
• Margarine or hand lotion also work in place of peanut butter. These also help dissolve glue that’s stuck to glass. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If your first removal method wasn’t totally successful, soak the plastic in a mixture of hot water and dish-washing liquid. Scrub it with a brush to remove any lingering bits of the sticker and its residue. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• In my opinion, if you're going to use peanut butter, just use peanut oil instead. The oil is a lot easier to clean off things and it'll work just as well as peanut butter.
• If the plastic is heat-resistant, just run a heat gun over the sticker for 1-2 minutes. Then. pry it up with your finger and wipe the residue off.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Test the degreaser on a hidden part of the plastic item. Degreasers may melt some plastics. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
• Be careful when using nail polish remover. Some brands contain acetone, which can melt plastic. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 4

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to Get Sticker Residue Off with Common Household Products 13 Ways to Remove Stickers from Glass How to Get Rid of the Sticky Residue from Stickers How toRemove Stickers How to Get Sticky Glue Residue Off of Plastic 10 Home Hacks for Removing Stickers from Any Wood Surface How toRemove a Sticker from Stainless Steel How toRemove Glue Residue How toRemove a Paper Label from a Plastic Prescription Bottle The Best Ways to Get Stickers Off a Laptop Without Damage How toRemove a Jar Label How to Remove Bumper Stickers & Window Stickers From Your Car How toRemove Bumper Stickers How toGet Tape off of Glass Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-get-stickers-off-of-glass-7559284
2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-remove-sticker-residue-37224623
3. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-get-sticker-residue-off-6832028
4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-sticker-residue.html
5. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/in-the-home/how-to-remove-stickers-from-any-surface/
6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-remove-sticker-residue-37224623
7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/best-way-remove-sticky-stickers-23201250
8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/best-way-remove-sticky-stickers-23201250
9. ↑ https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-to-remove-sticker-residue/

More References (6)

10. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-sticker-residue.html
11. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/in-the-home/how-to-remove-stickers-from-any-surface/
12. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/in-the-home/how-to-remove-stickers-from-any-surface/
13. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-sticker-residue.html
14. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-sticker-residue.html
15. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-glue-and-sticky-residue-from-wood.html

About This Article

Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 1,893,864 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 56 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 1,893,864 Categories: Adhesive Stains Article SummaryX

To remove a stubborn sticker from plastic, use baby oil or vegetable oil. First, apply the oil to the sticker using a clean cloth so it’s fully saturated. Let the oil soak in for at least 5 minutes. Wipe the sticker away with a clean cloth, then wash off any leftover residue with soapy water. You can also use a hairdryer to get a sticker off of plastic. Point the hairdryer at the sticker for a couple of minutes, moving it around constantly so it doesn’t melt the plastic. The heat should loosen the adhesive so you can peel up a corner of the sticker. Continue heating the sticker as you pull it back until you’ve peeled the whole thing off. To learn more, like which chemical cleaners you can use to remove the sticker, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Portuguese Italian Russian Indonesian French Dutch Arabic Korean Thai Vietnamese Japanese Chinese Turkish Hindi Persian

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,893,864 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Gamma Ray

  Aug 13, 2017

  "I had a residual sticky-film material left over after peeling the film off a mobile transparent cover. I tried..." more Rated this article:

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 56 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 1,893,864

Gamma Ray

Aug 13, 2017

"I had a residual sticky-film material left over after peeling the film off a mobile transparent cover. I tried..." more Rated this article:

Marsha McNeil

Jul 3, 2017

"I have never sang the praises of a product before today. I had bought a plastic water cup to take while in the..." more

Hilda McClaren

Jul 18, 2017

"There was a sticker on my bottle that I could not remove. I was distraught, lost, looking for answers much like a..." more Rated this article:

Bev K.

Jul 8, 2020

"I had remarkable success with the mayo treatment. I had tried many other solutions that either did nothing or made..." more Rated this article:

Tammy Rousse

Jun 20, 2016

"After I tried everything under my kitchen sink, I resorted to Google, and found your helpful website. I tried..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Bumper Sticker GeneratorGenerateHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizTake QuizWhat Dirty Soda Am I QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How to Get Sticker Residue Off with Common Household Products13 Ways to Remove Stickers from GlassHow to Get Rid of the Sticky Residue from StickersHow toRemove Stickers

Featured Articles

How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Am I Autistic Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow Sexual Am I QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Deepest Secret Quiz

Featured Articles

How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForHow toDevelop Listening SkillsHow toNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow to Draw an OwlHow toTreat AllergiesHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?What Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeHow toBe PrettyKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect Kiss

Quizzes & Games

Mandela Effect TestTake QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizTake QuizEmoji TestTake QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Housekeeping
• Stain Removal
• Adhesive Stains

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --810