Sticky labels are a fact of modern life, so it’s important to know how to remove adhesive from plastic. While label removal can be tricky on any material, plastic surfaces are often the most stubborn when it comes to the leftover adhesive residue.
Luckily, there are some DIY adhesive removers you might already have at home. Here are five ways to get rid of sticky glue residue:
Warm water & dish soap
The combination of warm water and dish soap works wonders for a wide variety of household messes, glue residue included. Fill a large bowl with warm or hot tap water and add liquid dishwashing soap. Submerging the object works best, but you can also apply the soapy solution with a sponge to break down the adhesive bonds.
Cooking oil
Cooking oil is another DIY adhesive remover you already have in your kitchen. Canola oil, olive oil, avocado oil or any other oil you cook with are gentle solutions for removing sticky residue. Simply apply a dab of oil to a paper towel or cotton ball and apply it to the affected area. In about ten minutes, you should be able to remove glue residue quickly and easily.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a superstar substance for home cleaning remedies, and it also works well to remove sticker residue. While vinegar will dissolve the sticky stuff, it’s harmless to most plastics. However, avoid using vinegar to remove adhesive from rubber surfaces, as the acidity can cause damage.
Nail polish remover
The active ingredient in nail polish remover is acetone, a powerful chemical that can break down even the toughest acrylic paints and lacquers. While nail polish remover can be too harsh for some plastics, tougher grades like polypropylene are strong enough to withstand the acetone. Check for a number 5 recycling symbol to make sure your plastic is acetone safe.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a standard disinfectant found in most household first aid kits. However, its cleaning properties also dissolve sticker residue within minutes. Soak a piece of paper towel or cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and place it on the sticky patch. In about five minutes, you should be able to wipe away the remains of any glue residue.
If none of these methods work on your sticky residue situation, you can always try a store bought adhesive removal solution. Check your local hardware or craft store to find the best option for your cleaning project.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.