How To Remove Sticker Residue: Tips & Tricks for Clothes, Glass, Plastic, Wood, & Metal

Remove Sticker Residue

Struggling with persistent sticker residue can be frustrating. Whether it’s on clothes, glass, plastic, wood, or metal, removing sticky remnants requires careful attention and the right approach

At Vella, we understand the nuances of cleaning and are here to guide you on how to remove sticker residue efficiently and effectively. In this article we’ll cover:

  • Removing sticker residue from plastic
  • How to remove sticker residue from glass
  • Removing stickers from wood
  • Ways to remove sticker residue from clothes
  • How to remove sticker residue from metal

Ready? Let’s get started!

How to Get Sticker Residue Off Clothes

Clothing is particularly prone to sticker residue. But keep in mind that inappropriate removal methods can damage your fabric. 

Below are the 3 simple steps to safely remove sticker residue from clothes:

Step 1: Pre-treat the Stain

Begin by gently scraping off any excess residue with a blunt object. Next apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap to the affected area. Then, let your clothes sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Wash Your Clothes

No need to get too complicated here. Simply wash the garment as you normally would. Make sure to follow the care label instructions.

Step 3: Inspect Before Drying

After you’re finished washing, it’s time to take a closer look. Inspect your clothing before drying to ensure all residues are gone. The reason you want to do this is because heat can set the stain.

How to Get Sticky Residue Off Glass

Sticker residue on glass can hinder clarity and appearance. Nobody wants that!

So here’s how to remove sticker residue from glass and your items back to their original gleam:

Step 1: Apply Oil or Oil-Based Substance

Apply cooking oil, mayonnaise (yes, it works!), or WD-40 to the residue. Then just let it sit for a few minutes. Trust us – your patience will be rewarded.

Step 2: Scrape Off the Residue

Find a razor blade or scraper tool. You’re going to use one to gently remove the softened residue.

Step 3: Clean the Glass

This is the last step. Wash the glass off with a glass cleaner. If you’d rather go a more natural route, you can always try using a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any remaining oil.

How to Get Sticker Residue Off Plastic

Plastic items can attract a variety of adhesive remnants. Fortunately, they’re not impossible to clean off. 

To remove sticker residue from plastic, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Use a Soft Cloth and Soapy Water

Find a soft cloth (we like microfiber personally). Then, soak that soft cloth in soapy water. From there, gently rub the residue.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda Paste

Still not seeing results? If residue persists, apply a paste of baking soda and water to your plastic. Gently rub it in a circular motion and watch the residue start to disappear.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry:

This last step is really easy. Rinse your plastic thoroughly with water. Then, dry the item and voila – the process of removing sticker residue from plastic is complete!

How to Remove Sticky Residue from Wood

Out of all the surfaces we’ve talked about so far, removing stickers from wood requires the most caution. That’s because wood needs a delicate touch to avoid damage to the finish. 

Here’s how to tackle sticker residue on wood:

Step 1: Apply Oil-Soap Wood Cleaner

Find a cloth (just like plastic, we like microfiber). Dampen that cloth with oil-soap wood cleaner like Murphy Oil Soap. Rub it gently on the residue.

Step 2: Use a Plastic Scraper

Not just any old scraper will do here. Gently scrape off the softened residue with a plastic scraper. If you don’t have one, an old credit card will do.

Step 3: Polish the Wood

Leaving it to dry isn’t enough. You’ll need some furniture polish for this last step. After removing the residue, apply some polish to restore the wood’s shine.

How to Remove Sticker Residue from Metal

Metal surfaces, like kitchen appliances, can be prone to stubborn adhesive marks. But where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Here’s how to remove sticker residue from metal in 3 easy steps:

Step 1: Use a Commercial Adhesive Remover

Buy some commercial adhesive remover and apply it to the sticky mess. Leave your metal alone for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Wipe off the Residue

Grab another soft cloth (still got that microfiber cloth we recommended during earlier sticker removals?). Use it and wipe off the residue.

Step 3: Clean the Metal

Clean the metal with a mild detergent. This will remove any leftover remover substance. Simple dish detergent will do in this situation.

Simplifying the Process of Removing Sticker Residue for Everyone

Sticker residue can be downright annoying. But with just a few easy steps, you can restore your belongings to their pristine condition. 

At Vella, we’re dedicated to providing expert cleaning solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with sticker residue on clothes, glass, plastic, wood, or metal our professional cleaning services in Dallas are here to help. 

Beyond tackling stubborn sticker residues, Vella offers an array of professional cleaning solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you are in need of basic, deep, or moving cleaning services, our team of expertly trained housekeepers uses top-quality and non-toxic supplies along with industry-leading equipment to ensure a clean and fresh environment. 


We offer cleaning plans suitable for different frequencies and preferences, ensuring your living spaces are sparkling from ceiling to floor.  With Vella, experience tranquility and comfort in a pristine, meticulously cleaned space. We’ll make your everyday living more enjoyable and stress-free.