How To: Remove Sticky Residue

Lately it seems the price tag stickers from thrift stores have become, well, more sticky, leaving behind annoying sticky goo after removing the price tag. So, I’m here to tell you how to quickly remove such annoying goo with one of my favorite products: WD-40.

I learned about WD-40 from my dad, who, like many gearheads, used it on old cars.  It acts as a lubricant and loosens up nearly anything that has rust on it, but it can also be used to remove annoy adhesive residue left behind from stickers.  WD-40 can be found in the automotive aisle at stores.  I have used WD-40 on paper items, such as record sleeves and comic books, however it has left behind faint oil like stains on occasion.  I have not used it on clothing (that is to say dresses, skirts, etc. but it works wonders on shoes, purses, and other accessories).

You Will Need

-An item with a sticker on it
-A can of WD-40
-A rag

Step 1:

Peel off the sticker.  If the sticker is super stubborn, you can spray WD-40 directly on the sticker and it will slowly eat away at the adhesive, then lift it up.

Step 2:

Spray WD-40 onto a rag.  You can spray directly on the spot where the sticker was, however that can result in getting WD-40 all over your item.  Spraying on a rag creates more control.

Step 3:

Rub the sticky spot with the area of the rag that you sprayed with WD-40.  This lifts up and removes the sticky residue.

Step 4

Wipe down the area with a clean part of your rag, then rub your fingers over the area to make sure you removed all the stickiness.  WD-40 feels oily (it contains petroleum distillates) so it is very important to really wipe it away after you have cleaned the area for a satisfying feel.  If you haven’t removed all the stickiness, repeat steps two and three.

And there you have it! A clean, non-sticky surface!

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