Removing stickers from glass can be a pain. They often leave behind a stubborn residue that seems impossible to remove. Whether it’s a price tag on a window, a stubborn jar label, or a child’s art project on a bathroom door that’s causing the problem, there are easy and effective ways to remove them using household items.
You may be surprised to learn that hot water and vinegar are surprisingly effective, as are unconventional solutions like WD-40 and ice.
Here are step-by-step instructions for each method and tips to help make the process go more smoothly.
How to remove stickers from glass
The adhesive on stickers is often difficult to remove from glass. Without the proper tools and techniques, this process can damage the glass. For example, scraping them with a sharp object like a razor is not a good idea.
Depending on the type of sticker and how long it has been on the glass, try one or a combination of the following methods to safely remove the sticker.
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Soak in hot water
Hot water will dissolve the sticker and loosen the adhesive. For added effect, you can add a few drops of dish soap.
- Fill a bowl or sink with hot water. Do not use boiling water as this may crack the glass.
- Soak the glass object in hot water for 10-15 minutes. If you cannot soak the entire object, use a clean cloth or sponge to soak the sticker with water.
- Remove the glasses from the water and peel off the adhesive. Use a sponge or your fingers to rub off any remaining adhesive.
Apply heat with a hair dryer or steamer
This method provides an alternative way to apply heat to a sticker. Always take precautions to avoid injury by directing the heat away from you and keeping the object at a safe distance.
- Plug the hair dryer or steamer into an electrical outlet and turn it on to medium heat.
- Hold the hair dryer or steamer a few inches away from the sticker and heat the sticker for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Peel off the patch slowly while it is still warm. If necessary, use a plastic scraper or the edge of a credit card to remove any remaining adhesive.
- Clean items with soap, warm water or glass cleaner.
Apply alcohol or nail polish remover
Rubbing alcohol can help break down the sticker glue and remove residue. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can also try vodka, gin, or nail polish remover.
- Wet a cloth or cotton ball with nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol. Then, place it on the sticker or remaining sticker.
- Let stand for 5-20 minutes to dissolve the adhesive.
- Peel off the sticker and use a cloth to remove any remaining residue. Repeat the process if necessary. Alternatively, use a plastic scraper to remove stickers from glassware instead of a cloth.
Use white vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a natural solvent that can dissolve sticker glue.
- Soak a sponge or cloth in white vinegar. Place it on the sticker.
- and leave it for 10-20 minutes, then peel off the sticker and scrape off the remaining residue with a soft cloth or plastic scraper to clean off the remaining residue.
- Clean glassware with warm soapy water or glass cleaner.
Wet with oil
Oil acts as a solvent to break down the adhesive. You can use a variety of oil products to remove stickers from glass, including olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.
- Apply a small amount of oil to the patch and leave for 10-20 minutes to allow the adhesive to penetrate.
- Rub the patch with a cloth and peel it off.
- Wipe off any remaining glue with a cloth.
- Wash glassware in warm soapy water.
Try a stain remover
Commercial stain removers contain enzymes or solvents that can safely dissolve the sticker’s adhesive.
- Remove as much of the sticker as possible, then spray the remaining stain remover on the residue.
- Following the instructions on the product label, leave on for the recommended amount of time (usually less than 15 minutes).
- Peel off the sticker and use a cloth to wipe off any remaining adhesive.
Kick it
The cooling effect of the ice will neutralize and harden the remaining glue, making it easier to remove.
- Place the ice pack or ice pack directly on the sticker.
- Leave for about 10-15 minutes for the glue to harden.
- Peel or scrape off the label while it is still frozen.
- Use a towel to wipe off any remaining residue.
Spray With WD-40
If other cleaning methods don’t work, try WD-40. It contains harsh chemicals that can break down the sticker. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles.
- Spray WD-40 directly onto the sticker.
- Let stand for about 5-10 minutes.
- Peel off the sticker and use a cloth to wipe off any remaining glue.
- Wash the glass with soap and water to remove WD-40 residue.
Tips for removing stickers from glass
Here are some practical tips for removing stickers from glass easily. Pay attention to where the sticker is located and use the appropriate method. For example, oven doors and fireplace glass have different accessibility and safety concerns. Always use caution and take safety precautions seriously.
- First check: Before using any chemical solution, test it on a small, hidden area of the glass to ensure it does not cause damage or discoloration.
- Patient: Give your method enough time to work. Rushing the process can make it harder to remove the sticker. If one method doesn’t work, combine methods.
- Using plastic tools: Do not use metal tools to scrape off the sticker. Instead, use plastic tools to avoid scratching the glass. You can also use your fingernail or the edge of a credit card.
- Avoid abrasives: Do not use abrasive pads that may scratch the glass surface.
- Thorough cleaning: After removing the sticker, rinse the glass with warm water to remove any stubborn adhesive or cleaning product residue. Finish with a glass cleaner to avoid streaks.