Last Updated on August 24, 2020 by Ellen Christian
Are you wondering how to remove stickers from glassware or other things you’ve picked up second hand? I love flea markets because there are so many amazing vintage finds there. I have collected Hall Pottery for years, and my mother likes Depression glass. I’ve even found a crystal vase and a Bakelite bracelet. Of course, when you get things from flea markets or thrift stores, you often need to remove the sticker and residue left behind before you can use it. This is definitely one of my favorite life hacks.
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How to Remove Stickers
This method really works for just about anything you might bring home with a sticker. I love second-hand shopping because it reduces my carbon footprint. But, if you’re the mom of younger kids, you can use this same method to remove stickers from furniture, walls or mirrors. Trust me, I’ve been there before. My son decided when he was younger to stick stickers all over his bureau one day. What a huge mess that was.
There are a number of different methods you can use to remove stickers. But, what you are really struggling to remove is the adhesive residue in most cases. The colorful paper part of the sticker is fairly easy to remove with a damp sponge. Unfortunately, what it leaves behind is a residue from the adhesive that is much harder to remove.
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There are three basic principles when it comes to how to remove stickers: time, scrubbing, applying fats or oils. The longer a sticker has been on the surface of the item, the more work it usually takes to remove it. You will also want to consider what type of material the item is made of. You’ll want to try different methods if you are removing a sticker from wood, a plastic container, or a crystal vase.
Washing soda
If you’re wondering how to remove stickers from glass, start here. This method works well for glass or plastic when the item is small and can be soaked in your sink. Simply dissolve about a cup of washing soda in a sink full of hot water. Soak the item for about half an hour and the label with residue should come right off.
WD-40
WD-40 is a miracle worker when it comes to removing stickers. Simply remove as much of the sticker as possible, spray the WD-40 liberally over the adhesive, and then cover it with a damp paper towel. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes and rub off.
Peanut Butter
If you’re wondering how to remove sticky labels from plastic without scratching, try this method. No, really. I was skeptical about this one until I tried it but it really works. Remove as much of the label as you can and then smear the residue with peanut butter. Let it sit for about an hour and it should wash right off with soapy water. Peanut butter has a very high-fat content which helps dissolve the residue.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can easily remove the adhesive left behind by stickers. You can use nail polish remover as well using this same method. One warning about using this method is to be sure the color will not be removed. Test a small area that is not visible before you try it. Soak a paper towel in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover and place it over the residue. Let it sit for half an hour and scrub gently.
Coconut Oil and Baking Soda
If you have a stubborn sticker residue, try this method. Like peanut butter, coconut oil has a high-fat content. The baking soda mixed with the coconut oil gives it abrasive power that will help you scrub it off. It also works great to remove labels.
Do you have any other methods to remove stickers that work for you?
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
That’s interesting about the peanut butter. I didn’t know that one, but makes sense.
And it works great too!