How Do I Remove Sticky Residue From Plastic?
Children love stickers, but getting those sticky residue stains off of surfaces is not always easy or quick. While some people may be tempted to use a metal blade or putty knife to scrape away the gunk, using these tools can cause permanent scratches beneath the surface of even the hardest plastics. The best solution is to saturate the sticky area with warm soapy water, vinegar, or nail polish remover and then wipe it clean. If these options do not work, more powerful chemical cleaners and rubbing alcohol can also be used to loosen the adhesive and get the job done.
Before trying out household products or commercial cleaners, it’s important to remove as much residue mechanically as possible with a plastic scraper or credit card. If the area is too large to soak, try a wet cloth saturated with the chosen solution. Once the area is completely saturated, let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen the glue and label gunk. After a few minutes, wipe the solution away with a dry cloth and the sticker, label, or tape glue should come right off. Afterward, wash the area with warm soapy water to prevent any lingering chemical residue on the plastic.
While these methods are effective on most plastics, a few different factors can affect their effectiveness. The type of plastic, the length of time the residue has been on the surface, and its thickness can all influence how easily it comes off. In addition, certain solvents like rubbing alcohol and acetone can discolor or stain delicate and synthetic fabrics. Whenever applying a strong solvent, test it on a small patch of the object to ensure that it will not damage it.
Most people are familiar with the effectiveness of toothpaste on removing sticker residue from surfaces, but it can also be useful for tackling gluey gunk from plastics. This hack works by saturating the area with the paste and then wiping it away after a few minutes. If you prefer a natural option, pure eucalyptus essential oil can also be effective on sticky glue residue from plastic.
Another common household item that can be helpful for removing sticker residue is peanut butter. Similar to how cooking oil or nail polish remover dissolves glue, peanut butter will loosen the sticky residue and make it easier to remove with a damp cloth. Finally, WD-40, a multi-use lubricant spray, can also be used to remove stubborn residue from plastic surfaces. As with any cleaning product, it is recommended to test the lubricant on a small patch of the object before use to ensure that it will not damage or discolor the material.
