Stickers can be difficult to remove, whether they are the original manufacturer's sticker or a sticker you put on to make your laptop more personal. Begin the process by gently peeling off the sticker with your fingernail, credit card, or a thin plastic caulk. If any residue remains, wipe it off with a microfiber cloth and water. If the residue can't be removed with water, try using rubbing alcohol, diluted vinegar, or a slightly abrasive scrubbing pad. With so many methods, even the most difficult stickers can be removed.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Scrape the Sticker
Step 1. Try scraping off a sticker that has been stuck for no more than a year
If it's relatively new, the sticker can be peeled off without leaving too much sticky residue. However, over time, the glue layer will come off the impression material. This makes the sticker more difficult to peel off clean.
If the sticker has been on for more than 1 or 2 years, you may need to use water, alcohol, or another cleaning solution to remove any remaining adhesive
Step 2. Start peeling off one corner of the sticker
Use your fingernail to pry the corners of the sticker off the surface. If you have short nails, use a thin plastic sheet or a credit/debit card.
When using a cloth or credit card, be careful not to scratch the surface of the laptop. Don't act aggressively, but move the cloth or credit card slowly, and don't press firmly against the laptop's surface. Always use a plastic sheet or card, not a metal one
Step 3. Gently pull the sticker from the corner that has been peeled off
When pulling the raised edge, try to grip it with your fingernail at the meeting point between the sticker and the laptop to keep the sticker intact. Gently peel the sticker off the laptop.
- Peeling off quickly and pulling the raised edges too hard can tear the sticker or increase the chance that residue will remain.
- If the sticker can be removed cleanly, your job is done! Don't worry if there is still adhesive left behind. There are many ways to get rid of it.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Adhesive
Step 1. Turn off the computer and unplug it from the power source
If this has not been done, turn off the computer and unplug it from the power source before you remove the tape. If the battery is removable, you should also remove it before cleaning the laptop.
You will clean the laptop with water or other liquid. So, do not let the computer is damaged or you get electrocuted
Step 2. Rub the adhesive with a damp microfiber cloth first
Dip a clean microfiber cloth in hot water, then wring out the excess water. Rub the stain in a firm circular motion and with firm pressure. With a little hard work, you should be able to remove any adhesive residue within minutes.
- Be careful not to let any liquid get into the holes on the laptop. Laptop damage due to liquid is generally not covered by the warranty.
- To clean anything, it's best to start with the mildest method. In this way, you have a low risk of changing or damaging the surface of the object being cleaned.
Step 3. Add a drop of mild dish soap to the cloth, if necessary
If the area still feels sticky, re-dip the cloth in hot water and add a drop of dish soap to the corner of the cloth. Rub the cloth with your fingertips until foam appears. After that, wipe the sticky area.
- When you're done, use a damp, unsoaked cloth to wipe off the suds.
- Never pour dish soap, spray aerosols, or apply other cleaning fluids directly on a laptop. Always use a cloth to apply the cleaning agent.
Step 4. Wipe the surface with a dry cloth when you are done
After removing the remaining adhesive, dry the surface of the laptop with another clean microfiber cloth. By drying it, you will prevent scratches, especially if you have just removed the large sticker on the laptop's outer cover.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Stubborn Adhesive Residue
Step 1. Use 90% rubbing alcohol if a damp cloth doesn't work
Remove stubborn adhesives by dipping one corner of the microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol. Again, you'll need to use a firm circular motion to remove the sticker adhesive that's still stuck.
If rubbing alcohol is not available, you can use a mixture of vinegar and warm water in equal proportions. In an emergency, you can also use vodka (a typical Russian liquor)
Step 2. Apply the alcohol-soaked cloth to the sticky area if you can't clean it by scrubbing
If there's still some glue stuck to it, dip the cloth back in the alcohol (or vinegar mixed with water). Place the cloth on the sticky area, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. That's to dissolve the remaining stubborn adhesive.
Rubbing alcohol will not discolor or damage the aluminum or plastic in the laptop case. However, to stay safe, you should check the area every 30-60 seconds
Step 3. Apply tape to the residue if alcohol can't remove it
Cut duct tape (or strong, sticky tape) 5-8 cm long. Bend a small part of the end to make a non-sticky handle. Next, rub the sticky surface of the tape over the adhesive residue.
If there is still adhesive left after you apply the duct tape, wipe the adhesive off using a cloth that has been dipped in alcohol or hot water
Step 4. Use a slightly abrasive scouring pad if the adhesive residue cannot be removed with a cloth
Use light pressure to rub off the remaining adhesive with a scouring foam of nylon or melamine, eg Mr. Good Magic Cleaning. Dip the scrubbing foam in the water and try it out. If the adhesive residue doesn't come off with just water, add a drop of dish soap or moisten the scrubbing foam with rubbing alcohol.
Gently rub the scouring pad over the sticky area. Nylon or melamine scouring foam is a bit rough so you have to be careful not to scratch the surface of the laptop
Step 5. Use a hairdryer to loosen the dirt if all else fails
A hairdryer can cause the glue to melt and loosen. However, only use this method as a last resort. Set the dryer to a low or medium heat setting, then aim at the remaining adhesive for about 30 seconds. Next, try removing any remaining adhesive with a cloth, cloth, or credit card.
