How to Get Sticker Residue Off Furniture, Glass, and More

Stickers always seem like a good idea when you (or your kids) are putting them onto something. That is, until it comes time to remove them. Figuring out how to get sticker residue off things like glass tabletops, windows, wooden furniture, and metal items can be frustrating. 

But we have a few tricks up our sleeves. 

In this article, we explain how to get sticker residue off almost anything, whether it’s made of glass, plastic, wood, or even your car bumper. Let’s get started!

How to get sticker residue off just about anything

Rubbing alcohol is preferred to remove sticker residue from any surface (glass, plastic, wood, or a car bumper). It's safe, effective, and easily available. Simply soak a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol, apply on sticker residue with a bit of pressure, and wipe it off. Use a dry cloth to remove any remaining alcohol.

While rubbing alcohol is a top pick, it's always good to have a few other tricks in your bag. So stick around, and we'll go over other options below.

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How to remove sticker residue from glass with vinegar

White vinegar is a versatile, affordable household hero that tackles sticker residue on glass surfaces like a champ. Use vinegar to remove sticker residue from glass in three simple steps: soak the area with white vinegar, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then wash dish soap. 

But it doesn't stop there. Besides glass surfaces, white vinegar can also remove sticker residue from clothes, remove scuff marks, and even get slime out of fabric without leaving stains.

Supplies you’ll need

• White vinegar
• A clean cloth or paper towel
• A scraper or plastic card (like an old credit card)
• Warm water and a sponge or clean cloth 
• Dish soap (Optional)

Steps to clean

Follow these steps to remove sticker residue from glass using white vinegar. 

1. Prep the glass surface

Make sure the glass surface is clean and free of dust or dirt. If there's still some of the sticker left, try to peel off as much as you can.

2. Apply white vinegar

Soak a clean cloth or paper towel with white vinegar. Gently press the vinegar-soaked fabric onto the sticker residue, making sure it's well covered. The acidity in the vinegar will help break down the adhesive.

Give it some time to work its magic, preferably between 5 to 10 minutes. 

3. Start scraping

After the vinegar has had time to soak in, grab your scraper or plastic card. Gently scrape away the residue, being careful not to scratch the glass.

4. Rinse and clean

Once you've successfully removed the sticker residue, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Then use a sponge or clean cloth to wipe down the affected glass area, removing any leftover vinegar or adhesive. 

Give it a final rinse with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

How to remove sticker residue from plastic with an eraser 

How do you remove sticker residue from plastic? Erase it! To do this, simply rub a pencil eraser onto the sticker residue then clean the area with soapy water. Pencil erasers are an unusual yet effective way to efficiently lift sticker adhesive from plastic without causing harm to the surface or material.

Supplies you’ll need

• Pencil eraser
• Warm, soapy water and a sponge or clean cloth for washing

Steps to clean

• Prepare the area by removing any remaining parts of the sticker that you can.
• Rub over the residue with a pencil eraser, using a gentle circular motion. 
• You'll see the adhesive gradually coming off. Keep working until it's all gone.
• Once the residue is history, wash the area with a sponge, warm water and soap to remove any lingering stickiness. 
• Pat the plastic dry with a clean cloth and you're all set! 

How to remove sticker residue from wood with a hairdryer 

To remove sticker residue from wood, set your hair dryer on low heat and run it over the sticker residue. As the adhesive warms, its bond with the wood surface weakens, allowing you to gently scrape off the residue using a plastic scraper without damaging the wood. 

Supplies you’ll need

• Hair dryer
• Plastic scraper or old credit card
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Sponge
• Clean, dry cloth

Steps to clean

• Use a hair dryer on low heat to apply heat to the sticker residue. 
• Hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the wood surface. The heat will soften the adhesive, making it easier to remove.
• With the adhesive warmed up, gently scrape off the residue using a plastic scraper or the edge of an old credit card. Be careful not to scratch or damage the wood.
• Mix warm water and a few squirts of dish soap. 
• Dampen a sponge with the solution and gently wipe the area to remove any remaining residue or stickiness.
• Finally, dry the wood surface with a clean, dry cloth. 

How to remove sticker residue from a car bumper with WD-40

You can use WD-40 to remove sticker residue from a car bumper, because it dissolves the sticker residue without damaging the paint. Start by generously spraying WD-40 on the sticker residue surface and leaving it for a few minutes. Then wipe with a damp cloth.

Supplies you’ll need

• A can of WD-40
• A clean cloth or paper towel
• Clean water

Steps to clean

• Spray a generous amount of WD-40 directly on the bumper sticker residue. Make sure to cover the entire area. 
• Let the WD-40 sit on the sticker residue for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen the adhesive.
• Take a clean cloth or paper towel and wipe away the sticker residue. You should notice it coming off easily.
• If any stubborn spots won't come off, spray a bit more WD-40 on them and let them sit for a few more minutes.
• Once all the sticker residue has been removed, wipe the bumper down with a damp cloth or rinse it with water to remove any leftover WD-40.

Does Dawn dish soap remove sticker residue?

Yes. Dawn dish soap, known for its grease-fighting capabilities, can effectively remove sticker residue. Add a few squirts of Dawn dish soap directly to the sticker residue. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and gently rub it with a cloth until the adhesive dissolves. Next, rinse the area with clean water.

Can hand sanitizer remove sticker residue?

Yes. Hand sanitizer can also remove sticker residue. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, which breaks down the sticker adhesive, making it easier to remove with a cloth. Apply a small amount of hand sanitizer to the sticky area and let it sit for a few minutes, then rub with a cloth and rinse the surface with water.

How to keep every surface in your home clean

Removing sticker residue is one thing, but keeping up on your regular household chores is time consuming and, let’s face it, not a lot of fun. 

The expert cleaners at Homeaglow can help.

Need help keeping on top of your house cleaning tasks? With Homeaglow, you can easily book an affordable, top-rated cleaner in your area. Read reviews, compare your options, and schedule online in minutes.