Like everyone else, you have probably also faced the frustration of trying to remove a stubborn sticker from a glass surface. There are many solutions like glass scratch remover to this problem, some ingredients are easily available in your home and a few are commercially bought solutions. Remember: never be tempted to scrape it away with a metal blade or putty knife because these will scratch the glass.
Most of these solutions use everyday items and you will probably have at least one of these in your home. We tried them all and reached our conclusion as to which was the easiest and most effective method for removing the sticker and it’s adhesive.
Hot water and detergent
A solution of hot water and a few drops of detergent will usually soften the sticker and its stubborn adhesive. You can either soak the glass item in a bucket with the solution if it’s small or sponge the solution onto the glass surface. Once everything has softened up, use a plastic scraper to scrape away the softened goo.
Washing soda and hot water
A cup of washing soda in a bucket of hot water is a very effective mix to remove the sticky mess from the glass. Do wear gloves when you handle this mixture because it can irritate your skin. Soak the glass item for at least 30 minutes in the bucket, or sponge some of the solutions on the flat surface until the sticker softens and comes off. Protect any other surfaces surrounding the glass with masking tape and rags.
Hot blow-dry air
Aim the air from your blow-dryer, on its hottest setting, at the sticker. The hot air will loosen the adhesive, making it easy to scrape the sticker away. A word of caution: work fast, because once the adhesive gets cold again it will be even more stubborn to remove.
Rubbing alcohol or any strong alcoholic drink
Rubbing alcohol (vodka works well too) is very effective because it is safe to use on glass. All you need to do is wet a clean cloth or paper towel with the rubbing alcohol and to rub the sticker and its gluey residue. The alcohol will lift it off effortlessly. In cases where the sticker proves to be stubborn, just leave the alcohol-infused rag on the sticker for a while, and then rub it off.
Effective vinegar
Vinegar is useful for removing stickers too and that is one item we all have at home; it is inexpensive and as effective as rubbing alcohol. All you need to do is soak a paper towel or cloth rag with it, soak the sticker for a few minutes, and rub it away. Remember: vinegar is also an effective household cleaner and when used on glass leaves no residue whatsoever.
Cooking oil
Use whatever cooking oil you have at home (olive, canola, or sunflower oil) and apply it to the sticker and its adhesive. After allowing it to soak for a few minutes, you can then scrape the sticker away with a cloth or plastic scraper.
Baking soda and cooking oil
Make the needed amount of paste with baking soda and cooking oil. Rub the paste on the sticker and leave for 15 minutes but you can also leave it overnight. The soda and oil will soften the sticker and it will wipe off easily. If you do need to scrub it away, do it gently. Remember to protect any other surfaces nearby because of the oil in the mix.
Peanut butter works like oil
You can dab some peanut butter on the stubborn sticker and leave it to soften for a few minutes. Wipe it with a soft rag and it will lift the sticker and its adhesive.
Multi-purpose WD-40
WD-40 has many uses and one of them is its ability to remove stubborn stickers and their glue. Spray it onto the sticker and forget about it for several minutes as it starts tackling the problem area. All you need to do is wipe away the whole mess with a clean rag.
Rub it away with a pencil eraser
A pencil eraser will rub away the sticker effectively and will also not scratch or scrape the glass surface.
Commercial cleaning products
Some commercial cleaning products are specially formulated to help lift the sticker and its stubborn glue. They usually come with instructions, but if not, all you must do is spray them onto the sticker and its persistent glue, let it sit for a while, and then softly scrape off or wipe off. Try Glass & Mirror Cleaner Foam from Fab Glass and Mirror for adhesive removal and all your demanding glass cleaning tasks.
Conclusion on sticker removal from a glass surface
All the methods worked well, but there were two that were our favorite. First, because the sticker came off quite easily, and second, we had less residue to clean after their application. Our favorites: the rubbing alcohol and the Glass & Mirror Cleaner Foam product.
