6 Genius Ways to Get Stickers Off Without Leaving Annoying Residue Behind

• For stubborn stickers, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol are affordable solutions that you already have at home.
• Stickers can also be removed with a hairdryer, but be mindful of surfaces—like metal—that get hot very quickly.
• You can also use a razor to scrape off the adhesive, but this method can lead to damaging your surfaces.

Stickers sometimes stick a little too well. We’ve all been there—scratching at the pesky remnants of a jar sticker or prying one off of a new appliance to no avail. So, how do you properly remove a sticker without breaking a sweat or giving up entirely?

Certain methods can make the process easier, preventing any potential damage so that you’re left with a clear, sticker-free surface once and for all.

Here, we tapped three cleaning pros for their expert tips on how to remove stickers with ease—using ingredients and tools you probably already have at home.

Soak in White Vinegar

Best for: glass, plastic, ceramic, painted wood, and metal surfaces 

Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless, loves using vinegar to remove adhesives since it can be used on delicate surfaces without damaging them.

To use it, Toner recommends soaking a paper towel or cloth in white vinegar. Then, lay it over the sticker for five to 10 minutes to break down the adhesive.

From there, you can gently peel the sticker off with a plastic scraper or old credit card and wipe off any residue with more vinegar.

Just note that you’ll want to avoid using vinegar on unsealed wood, stone, or sensitive metals that can pit or corrode, says Patricia Duarte, president and CEO of Maidpro Temecula.

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Warm It Up With a Hairdryer

Best for: glass, metal, walls, furniture, cars, or ceramic surfaces

Hairdryers are an easy way to apply heat to stickers, which softens the adhesive so the sticker peels off without a fight.

“It’s chemical-free, uses a tool you already own, and works on most hard surfaces,” Patricia Duarte, president and CEO of Maidpro Temecula, says.

Duarte suggests grabbing a hairdryer, plastic scraper, or credit card, soapy water, and a microfiber cloth to get the process started. Then, set the hairdryer to low or medium, hold it four to six inches away from the sticker, and warm it up for 30 to 60 seconds until it feels pliable.

“Lift a corner with your nail or scraper and peel slowly,” Duarte advises. “If it resists, don’t force it; heat for another 15 seconds and try again, then wipe any goo with a soapy cloth. Wash the surface with warm, soapy water and dry.”

Be sure to avoid using this method on thin plastics, painted surfaces, or electronics that heat can warp or damage.

Opt for a Razor Scraper

Best for: windows or cars

For window stickers, like laser-cut vinyl stickers on the back of cars, razor scrapers are a reliable option.

Cian Ballentine, owner of Cannonball Cleaners, likes to use a scraper set that allows her to choose from different strengths and materials.

“If the plastic blade is not enough, you can try the metal one,” Ballentine explains. “And if you’re worried about the metal one scratching, scoring, or damaging a surface, you try the plastic one first.”

Dampen With Rubbing Alcohol

Best for: wood, painted metal, and electronics like laptop cases or phone screens

Simply dampen a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol. Then, Toner suggests rubbing over the sticker until the adhesive starts to dissolve.

Finally, peel the sticker off and clean any remaining residue with a second pass of alcohol.

“[Rubbing alcohol is] a fast-drying solvent that cuts through adhesive residue with minimal scrubbing and no staining, making it perfect for finished or painted surfaces,” Toner says.

Oil it Off

Best for: plastic (like containers or toys) and metal (like pots and knives)

You probably already have cooking oil on hand and pretty much any type—including olive, coconut, canola, or even melted butter if you’re in a pinch—can work on stickers.

“[It] sneaks into the adhesive and disrupts its grip,” explains Duarte. “It’s perfect for plastics where scratches are a no-go, and it’s so satisfying to watch the sticker slide away.”

Start by spreading a thin layer of oil over the sticker or dabbing it on with a cloth. For small stickers, a few drops will do, Duarte notes. Then, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to penetrate the adhesive, or longer as needed.

From there, simply use a scraper or your fingers to lift the sticker, reapply oil if it’s stubborn, and wipe off residue with soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Duarte cautions against oiling wood, fabric, or paper since oil can stain them.

Submerge in Washing Soda

Best for: glass and ceramic surfaces, or sturdy fabrics

Washing soda (also known as sodium carbonate, not baking soda) is an alkaline cleaner that softens adhesive in warm water.

“It’s perfect for submersible items like bottles and even sticky residue on sturdy fabrics like your favorite jeans,” says Duarte. “I turn old wine bottles into DIY vases by soaking them in washing soda, and the labels slide off like magic! It’s natural, affordable, and found in laundry aisles.”

Duarte suggests adding a half cup of washing soda to a bucket of warm water and stirring it together. Then, submerge the item for 30 minutes.

“For non-submersible items, soak a cloth and cover the sticker,” Duarte says. “The sticker should slough off. Use a scraper if needed. Then, wash with soapy water and dry or launder if removing from fabrics.”