Make your own sticker remover using these recipes. Learn how to remove sticky residue the non-toxic, all-natural way and avoid harsh chemicals. These homemade adhesive removers WORK!
DIY Label Remover
I think we’ve all been in this position. You go to the craft store and pick out your surfaces (whether they be glass, ceramic, wood, etc) and place them in your basket.
You have all sorts of ideas for what you want to make, and can’t check out at the register and get home fast enough.
You’re ready to begin your first project so pick a glass jar out of the bag and remove the sticky residue and tag. Or at least try to.
You end up pick-pick-picking only to have the price tags partially rip off or leave sticky residue behind. That’s when it’s time for a DIY sticker remover.
How to Remove Sticker Residue
Before I get into the methods to get stickers off of glass, I wanted to go over a few questions I’ve gotten from readers. Remember that my focus is natural methods – let’s jump in!
Why Not Use Goo Gone?
I’m going to be honest, I have always used Goo Gone in the past and it has never bothered my skin or respiratory system. However, the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the product lists the hazard statements as: “Combustible liquid. May cause an allergic skin reaction. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.”
Without getting too scientific, some people might not feel comfortable using Goo Gone, especially if they are in sensitive groups or are pregnant. In that case, it’s probably a good idea to consider a DIY sticker remover.
What About WD-40?
When I asked my Facebook group about their preferred methods for homemade adhesive remover, one of the suggestions was WD-40 (basically you’d use it the same way as Goo Gone). I did a little research and found the MSDS for that product as well.
The hazard statements are: “Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Combustible liquid. If swallowed, may be aspirated and cause lung damage. May cause eye irritation. Avoid eye contact. Use with adequate ventilation. Keep away from heat, sparks, and all other sources of ignition.”
So from first glance of the hazards listed, WD-40 is even more problematic than Goo Gone. If you aren’t in a sensitive group, you may want to consider WD-40, but otherwise I’d avoid it and stick with the natural DIY sticker removal methods below.
How to Remove Stickers from Glass
After surveying my audience for their favorite DIY sticker remover methods, I’m presenting them below in order of preference. You absolutely need to do a test first in an inconspicuous area to make sure that the products below won’t stain the surface. This is especially true for wood (and I wouldn’t recommend any soaking).
Note that the oil methods should be used sparingly on wood and especially fabric as they might leave stains (which doesn’t matter if you are painting the wood). Removing stickers from glass and ceramic is the easiest and usually doesn’t cause a problem.
I feel confident about this list of options for DIY sticker remover because those surveyed have USED them and proven that they work! The common thread in a lot of these DIY sticker removers is that there is an oil in them.
Tells me that there is something in oil that reacts positively with the adhesive in terms of its removal. Learn how to remove sticker residue below; these are in order of preference. Start with a small amount of any of these and add more if you need!
Mayonnaise
Remove as much of the label as possible. Spread mayonnaise over the remaining adhesive and let sit for ten minutes. Then scrape with a credit card.
Peanut Butter
You’ll use this the same way as the mayonnaise. This one seems to be really good on plastic surfaces.
Soak in Hot Water
You’ll want to either boil water or run really hot water from your tap. Place the item into the hot water and soak for at least overnight. Follow up with a scrubber pad. Do not use this method on wood!
Household Oil
Leave a household oil (coconut oil, olive oil, baby oil). on the label for a few minutes. Scrap off the existing residue. This works really well to remove sticker residue off glass.
DIY Goo Gone
You can made homemade Goo Gone using three ingredients. Stir together 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/8 cup vegetable oil, and 3 drops of citrus essential oils. Apply this Goo Gone alternative and let sit, then wash off. You can store in an airtight container with lid.
Hand Lotion
This seems to work the same way that the oils do. You’ll want to remove as much of the label as possible before trying this method.
Hair Spray
Spray on, leave to sit for a few minutes, and wipe off.
Rubbing Alcohol
Wet a paper towel or rag with rubbing alcohol and rub where the adhesive is. If the sticker is stubborn, lay an alcohol soaked rag on the area and let sit for several minutes.
Eucalyptus Oil
This works like the other household oils from #4.
Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
I’ve tried this homemade adhesive remover with a heat gun and I have to say, it works very well. All you’ll do is point the hair dryer or heat gun at the area with adhesive and – like you’d imagine – get it really hot. Rub the sticker residue off with a rag or your finger (but remember the surface is hot!).
Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Paste
Mix 1 tsp of each together in a small container and apply to the sticker residue. Leave it on for several minutes and then use a hard edge to scrape off the remaining residue.
Note: several other label removal methods were suggested to me after this post was published. They are as follows:
- Exhaling on the label
- Placing in the freezer overnight
- Purell hand sanitizer
- Pure Citrus Air Freshener by Blue Magic or Real Citrus Air Freshener by OdoBan
- Bug spray
- Dish soap
- Butter
- Orange oil
- De-Solv-It – available overseas. This product is not expected to be a hazard to the environment, however it is extremely flammable
- Crafter’s Companion Stick Away – available in the UK. I can’t find an MSDS on this product.
- Un-Du Adhesive Remover (Goo Gone alternative)
- Pumice powder
- Skin So Soft – the Avon product
- Wallpaper remover – while it is not a hazard to the environment, it is flammable and could generate vapors
- Lighter fluid. Lighter fluid is toxic to aquatic life so I don’t personally feel comfortable washing it down the drain
Have you tried any label remover methods that you use regularly? What about homemade Goo Gone? I’d love to know how you remove sticker residue in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other crafting tips here on the blog:
For glass or plastic, when some or most of the label comes off, but sticky spots remain, I use the piece of removed label to remove the remaining glue. Just press the sticky side of the removed label piece to the areas of remaining glue until it’s picked up. Keep changing to a “clean” section of the label. Doesn’t work on all labels, of course, but it does for many!
I have used two methods, cooking oil and crafters companion “Stick away”.
Great ideas! I’ve always used olive oil. But I wish someone would come up with something to get the stickers off thick chipboard or paper mache boxes and things. You don’t want those greasy or wet. I’ve bought some over the years but couldn’t get the stickers off so they sit, sadly undone.
I like shades of purple as well as blues, a glass of ice cold coke. So many ideas and so little time!
I will have to try some of these techniques. I usually use alcohol soaks with pretty good results–I use disposable makeup removal pads to do the soaks with and to wipe away the left over glue residue.
Hi,
Here in New Zealand we are able to buy from a supermarket an Australian made product called “De-Solv-it” a sticky spot and stain remover with Natural Citrus Base. A 125ml, bottle costs around NZD$ 8 – 10. Approx USD$ 4 – 5. Removes cleanly in seconds and has a pleasant smell.
I wonder why I’ve never seen that in Aus???
Love this article, have some plastic containers that I want to get the sticky stuff off, so I can use them. Thanks!!
Orange oil. Gets adhesive off or out of anything.
I’ve used bug spray…it’s also great for taking black sharpie off a cabinet door.
I usually use butter, some times peanut butter or olive oil in a pinch. Butter is the easiest to clean off after so it’s my first pick.