Stickers are generally made using adhesive materials that are designed to be easily moved. However, sometimes stickers affixed to glass can be difficult to remove and leave a residue that interferes with the view, especially stickers that are designed to be permanently pasted. With a little help and repeated rubbing, you can remove paper stickers and decals along with their adhesive from the surface of the glass.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Using Soap and Hot Water
Step 1. Soak the glass object and the sticker in hot water that has been mixed with soap
Soak for 10-30 minutes to soften the paper or vinyl sticker so you can remove it easily with your fingers.
- The water and soap will dissolve the adhesive and make it easier to remove from the glass.
- If the glass object is impossible to soak, wet a cloth or sponge with hot water and rub it on the surface where the sticker is attached.
Step 2. Remove the sticker
Gently peel off the sticker using your finger or a dull knife by carefully prying it at one corner of the sticker. Next, slide the blade between the glass and the sticker to remove it.
- Use a knife that is dull and not sharp to the touch. The dull blade has lost its sharpness so it won't scratch the glass surface when you use it.
- Alternatively, you can purchase a razor scraper that is designed to remove adhesive from surfaces.
Method 2 of 6: Using Baking Soda
Step 1. Soak the glass object and the sticker in hot water that has been mixed with soap
Soak for 10-30 minutes to soften the paper or vinyl sticker so you can remove it easily with your fingers.
- The water and soap will dissolve the adhesive and make it easier to remove from the glass.
- If the glass object is impossible to soak, wet a cloth or sponge with hot water and rub it on the surface where the sticker is attached.
Step 2. Remove the sticker
Gently peel off the sticker using your finger or a dull knife by carefully prying it at one corner of the sticker. Next, slide the blade between the glass and the sticker to remove it.
- Use a knife that is dull and not sharp to the touch. The dull blade has lost its sharpness so it won't scratch the glass surface when you use it.
- Alternatively, you can purchase a razor scraper that is designed to remove adhesive from surfaces.
- Sometimes, the stickers can come off easily after soaking in hot soapy water.
Step 3. Mix baking soda and cooking oil in equal proportions
Baking soda is a natural ingredient that is non-toxic and safe to use near children and pets. This is a cleaning agent that can lift and dissolve oil or dirt. Adding the oil creates a paste that makes it easier for you to apply it to any surface.
You can use any cooking oil, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil
Step 4. Protect the surface around the sticker you don't want to clean from being damaged
Cover the surface with paper or cloth and secure it with masking tape to protect it from spilling over the paste.
- Types of surfaces that should be protected include plastic, wood, painted surfaces, and fabrics.
- Baking soda is a relatively safe ingredient. If the paste accidentally falls on an unwanted surface or onto the skin, this shouldn't be a problem as long as it's cleaned up right away.
Step 5. Rub a paste of baking soda and oil mixture onto the glass surface
Let the paste sit there for a few minutes to do its job.
If the sticker is very difficult to remove, leave the paste on overnight
Step 6. Clean the paste
The glue and paper residue will become soft so you can wipe or rub them clean.
Alternatively, you can use a rough pan cleaning cloth or sponge to strengthen the scrubbing. However, be careful not to scratch the glass surface
Method 3 of 6: Using Soda Ash
Step 1. Put hot water and soda ash (sodium carbonate) in a bucket or sink
Pour in about half to one cup of soda ash, depending on the amount of water used. Hot water and soda ash act as solvents that will melt the sticker glue so that it can be easily removed from the glass surface.
Wear gloves when handling soda ash as it can irritate the skin. Soda ash has a better bonding power when mixed with hard water, or water that contains lots of minerals. Soda ash and hard water produce a foam that is more abrasive than a mixture of baking soda and dish soap, so it can clean surfaces and clothes better
Step 2. Soak the object for 30 minutes
If the sticker is difficult to remove, you can soak it longer or overnight.
Step 3. Remove the object from the mix
Soda ash has a stronger base than baking soda, so the sticker can be easily removed from the glass surface.
Don't forget to rinse the object thoroughly after you soak it in soda ash, especially if the object is used for food containers, such as jars or glasses
Method 4 of 6: Using Heat
Step 1. Heat the glass surface
Use a hairdryer on the hottest setting and dry the sticker for 1-2 minutes. You can also place the object in the sun for a few hours. This heat will melt the glue, but you will need to remove the sticker immediately. Otherwise, the glue will cool and harden again.
- If you want to remove the sticker on the car window, park the car in a location with strong sunlight for about 2-3 hours.
- Heat a glass or plastic object with hot water, then wait for about 15 seconds. If the label is on a flat surface such as a cover, run hot water on the opposite side of the label while peeling the label off.
Step 2. Remove the sticker
Use your finger to gently peel off the sticker. Be careful because the surface of the glass must be very hot. Alternatively, you can use a dull knife to scrape away the sticker by carefully prying one corner, then sliding the blade between the sticker and the glass until the sticker is completely removed.
Use a knife that is dull and not sharp to the touch. The dull blade has lost its sharpness so it won't scratch the glass surface when you use it
Step 3. Use soap, oil, or a glue remover
For stickers that are difficult to remove, there may still be some adhesive residue on them, so you'll need to take a few extra steps.
Method 5 of 6: Using Alcohol
Step 1. Drop some rubbing alcohol on a tissue, napkin, cotton swab, cotton swab, or cloth
This method is very suitable if the glass object cannot be immersed in a bucket. It also does not cause soiling.
Alcohol is a flammable substance. So, be careful when using it in certain places. Do not use alcohol on stoves or heated areas. You should use it in a well-ventilated area
Step 2. Rub the sticker with rubbing alcohol
The sticker will come off, or you may have to repeat until the sticker comes off.
- Alcohol is a solvent, or cleaning agent that can dissolve other substances such as sticker adhesive. Alcohol dries quickly so you can use it to clean electrical objects without risking liquid damage.
- Try sticking an alcohol-soaked item on a glass surface to wet the sticker.
Method 6 of 6: Using WD-40
Step 1. Protect yourself and any surfaces that may be damaged
WD-40 is a strong solvent and can dissolve adhesives. However, this material also contains strong chemicals. Make sure you don't use it on the body, fabric, or even glass surfaces.
Instead of WD-40, you can also use a kitchen degreaser
Step 2. Spray WD-40 on the sticker evenly
To avoid hitting the glass surface, we recommend spraying WD-40 onto a clean cloth and rubbing it against the sticker.
Wear gloves to protect your hands
Step 3. Wipe the sticker with a clean cloth
The sticker or decal will come off easily with just a little rubbing. For stickers that are very difficult to clean, you may need to use a razor scraper or a dull knife to remove them.
Tips
- You can use various products on the market that are specifically designed to remove sticker adhesive, such as Goo Gone. Read the product packaging and instructions carefully.
- You can also use a nail polish remover containing glycerol that is placed on a cotton swab.
- Mayonnaise or peanut butter can also be used to remove the adhesive.
- Scrub any remaining residue with a pencil eraser or vinegar to clean it.
Warning
- Be careful when using solvents as they can damage fabrics, plastics, or other sensitive surfaces.
- The best tool for removing the sticker is a stainless steel knife, as it will not scratch the surface of the glass.
- Wash your hands thoroughly every time you finish using the solvent.
- Be careful not to scratch the glass surface. Use light pressure when you use knives, razors, and credit cards.
- When using a hairdryer or heat gun (a device that emits a stream of hot air in a shape similar to a hairdryer), be careful not to crack the glass.
