Removing stickers from a laptop can be challenging. Before getting started, think about the sticker’s importance. Stickers like warranty seals, license keys, or serial numbers should be approached with caution since losing them could complicate future servicing and software use.
If you plan to sell your laptop and it’s in great shape, think before removing stickers – as it could change its value. So, how does one safely remove laptop stickers? Let’s find out more in this article.
How to Remove Stickers From Laptops
Laptops often get covered in stickers, whether from the manufacturer (like warranty seals, serial numbers, and activation codes), or for personal customization. Some even prefer to fully cover them in vinyl stickers, which is why sticker printing for promotions is so popular these days.
While applying stickers is a breeze, they aren’t always so easy to remove. This can be an issue when selling a laptop or if an old sticker gets shredded and then gets all gummy and dirty. To prevent this, we’ve listed several ways to remove stickers safely. Keep in mind that these methods could void your warranty or harm your laptop. As much as possible, make sure to shut down, unplug, and remove batteries so that no damage occurs. Check them out below:
Method 1: Abrasives
Choose a mild abrasive like magic erasers, toothpaste, Scotch Brite pads, or baking soda paste and apply the abrasive directly to the sticker.
Gently rub the abrasive in circular motions to wear down the sticker’s adhesive.
As an alternative, you can use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to rub and remove uncoated stickers.
Keep in mind that excessive rubbing can damage the underlying surface, especially if your laptop casing is made of plastic or metal.
Check for residue and potential damage after sticker removal. If need to really use an abrasive remover, make sure to opt for the mildest one available.
Method 2: Oil-Based Substances
Select oils like mineral oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, or petroleum jelly that can be effective for sticker removal.
Use a clean rag to apply a tiny amount of oil directly onto the sticker. Be careful to avoid laptop openings.
Allow the oil to sit on the sticker. This step helps the oil loosen the adhesive. This method works best for stickers without coatings or that are made of paper.
For waterproof or plastic-coated stickers, let the oil sit for a few minutes to seep under the edges.
After a couple of minutes, gently peel or scrape off the sticker using a plastic card or scraping tool.
Once the sticker is off, wipe the area immediately with a clean cloth to remove adhesive and oil traces. Be cautious, as extended contact with oil may harm the surface. Quick wiping helps avoid discoloration.
Use a slightly damp rag to clean the laptop casing after sticker removal.
Method 3: Solvents
Choose oil-based substances like lighter fluid, mineral spirits, WD-40, Goo Gone, or non-oil-based options like acetone, rubbing alcohol, Windex, and vinegar, and water.
Dampen a clean cloth with your chosen solvent. Avoid laptop openings and carefully apply the solvent around the sticker edges.
Let the solvent sit on the sticker edges for a couple of minutes. This helps dissolve the adhesive.
After a short wait, gently peel or scrape off the sticker with care.
Once the sticker is off, use a lint-free cloth to wipe the area and remove any remaining solvent and adhesive.
Finish by wiping the surface with a slightly damp cloth to ensure no solvent is left behind. This step is important as leaving solvents on your laptop can cause plastics to degrade prematurely.
Method 4: Heat Guns and Hair Dryers
Get a hair dryer or heat gun and set it to the lowest heat setting.
Apply heat gently over the sticker you want to remove for 30-45 seconds at a time.
If the heat feels too strong even on the lowest setting, reduce the time for each pass. Intn heat can harm your laptop.
After a couple of heating passes, gently peel off the sticker. It should come off easily without tearing or residue.
If the sticker remains stuck, try lifting an edge with a fingernail, plastic scraper, or credit card.
Once an edge is lifted, the rest of the sticker should come off smoothly by hand.
How do you get stickers off a Macbook?
Apple advises against using solvents, liquids, paper towels, or abrasives for cleaning or sticker removal.
Instead, use a slightly damp cloth to gently wet stickers and peel them off with your fingernails, a credit card edge, or a flat plastic tool. Avoid liquid near openings to prevent damage not covered by Apple’s warranty. After removal, gently rub the residue with a dry, lint-free cloth. However, These Apple-approved methods won’t work so well in practice, especially if you have several stickers stuck to the back of your laptop. In this case, you can use any of the methods we recommend for removing stickers from laptops.
To be on the safe side, you can try products like Goo Gone or liquid sticker remover on a clean cloth. Be sure to avoid applying or spraying liquids directly, as you can easily get it inside crevices, possibly damaging your computer. Always apply these substances to a clean lint-free cloth, taking care not to oversaturate it. Give these substances time to work then gently scrape the stickers and residue off, or use a clean, dry lint-free rag to remove all remaining traces. Take your time and don’t apply excessive force to avoid stressing your Macbook’s casing.
What removes sticky residue?
Various substances and methods can work to remove residue. The key concern is potential surface damage. Some common options include:
Nail polish remover
Petroleum jelly
Toothpaste
Lotion
Hairspray
Baby oil (mineral oil)
Vinegar
Rubbing alcohol
Windex
Baking soda paste
Lighter fluid
Kerosene
WD-40
Duct tape
Goof Off Goop Remover
Paint thinner
Rubber cement thinner
Rubber erasers
Peanut butter
Vegetable oil
Olive oil
Margarine
Cooking spray
Scraping it off with a razor blade
Mayonnaise
Goo Gone
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Furniture polish
Eucalyptus oil
Tea tree oil
Perfume
Aftershave
PVC pipe cleaner
Heating the goo with a hairdryer, then wiping off (firmly) with a damp cloth
In all cases, cleaning the surfaces with a lint-free cloth couldn’t hurt before you attempt any of these methods.
How do you get stickers off of glass?
Use a hairdryer or heat gun on the lowest setting to remove stickers effectively from glass surfaces. Point it at the sticker for about 30-45 seconds at a time. Adjust the time if your device can’t go that low. The goal is to make it warm, not too hot. After a few tries, you should be able to easily peel off the sticker using your fingernails, a plastic card, or a scraper.
If you need to use a cleaner, choose something like vinegar or alcohol on a clean cloth. Gently dab it onto the sticker, especially around the edges. Avoid things with oil, as they might leave tricky marks on the glass. Glass cleaners like Windex also work well for this. They even clean the glass as a bonus. You can use a plastic scraper to help if needed.
In all cases, be patient and cautious to keep your device safe and smooth.
Lastly, do you Have a laptop and want to put your own stickers on them? Do you want stickers to give away to friends, family, and customers for them to put on their laptops? Visit oursticker printing page and make it happen today.