How to Get Sticker Residue Off Plastic

Before You Begin

There are a wide variety of materials you can use to get pesky sticker residue off of plastic, but be sure to test your chosen method in an inconspicuous area first. For instance, materials like olive oil can stain some absorbent plastics, and the heat from a hair dryer could alter the shape of your item, depending on how thin the plastic is.

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How to Remove Sticker Residue With a Hair Dryer

If you have a hair dryer and haven't already tried to pry the sticker off your plastic item, the heat from this tool may loosen the adhesive.

1. Heat the Residue

   First, point your hair dryer at the sticker. Turn on the hair dryer and heat the area for no more than 30 seconds,

2. Scrape Away the Residue

   Gently pull away the sticker with your fingernails or a plastic scraping tool (such as a gift card).

3. Repeat

   Repeat the process, if needed.

How to Remove Sticker Residue With Hot, Soapy Water

One of the simplest ways to rid plastic products of sticker residue is with a little soap and water.

1. Mix Water and Dishwashing Liquid

   Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a large bowl or kitchen sink, then fill with warm or hot water.

2. Submerge the Plastic in the Soapy Water

   If it's safe to do so, submerge your plastic good in the soapy water and let it sit for 15 minutes or so until the sticker softens and the residue begins to lift.

3. Remove Remaining Residue

   Remove the item and use a toothbrush, kitchen scrubber, plastic scraper, or something similar to remove the remaining gunk.

How to Remove Sticker Residue With Olive Oil

If you opt for this method, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first, since some plastics may absorb the oil and stain.

1. Remove the Residue

   Start by removing as much of the sticker as you can with your fingers.

2. Scrub With Olive Oil

   Next, dab a wash rag or paper towel in olive oil, then scrub away.

3. Alternate With Soapy Water

   You may need to let the oil sit on the residue for a few minutes and/or alternate between soapy water and oil to get rid of all the gunk,

How to Remove Sticker Residue With White Vinegar

Vinegar is a common cleaning solution, so it's no wonder people use it to remove stickers from plastic! If you'd like to use white vinegar to clean off sticky remains, the steps will be similar to olive oil.

1. Remove the Residue

   Start by taking off as much of the sticker as you can with your fingernails.

2. Soak the Area

   Next, soak a paper towel in vinegar, press it into the sticker goo, and let it sit for several minutes before returning to scrape away the residue.

3. Wipe Clean

   Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth to finish.

How to Remove Sticker Residue with Rubbing Alcohol

You can use rubbing alcohol to get rid of sticker remains on most surfaces, including wood, glass, and of course plastic.

1. Soak the Residue

   After you've scratched away as much of the sticker as you can, lay a paper towel drenched in rubbing alcohol over the leftover residue.

   Tip

   If you don't have rubbing alcohol on hand, vodka works too.

2. Let It Sit

   Let the rubbing alcohol sit for five minutes or longer to let the liquid do its magic.

3. Wipe Away

   Once the adhesive has softened a bit, wipe away the remnants with your soaked paper towel and then clean it with a damp cloth.

How to Remove Sticker Residue with Peanut Butter

This is perhaps the most fun way to rid your plastic product of sticker residue. The oils from peanut butter can help break down the adhesive, so you can safely remove the residue without damaging your plastic good.

1. Slather some peanut butter over the sticker leftovers.

2. Leave it to absorb for five minutes or so, then return and wipe away the peanut butter with a dry paper towel.

3. Use some soapy water and a wash cloth to wipe away the oils and any sticky remains.