How To Get Sticky Residue Off Plastic? The Complete Guide

Hello people, today I will share a fantastic article on one of the most requested topics on PlasticRanger. How to get sticky residue off plastic is a question asked by many people on my platform. Read further to know more.

How to Remove Adhesive From Plastic | How To Remove Glue From Plastic

A common phenomenon in our day-to-day lives is getting stuck with sticky or gummy residue on plastic products. Whenever you peel-pff a label or adhesive-backed sticker, you’re left with some gluey, gummy gunk that is uncomfortable to see. They can be downright stubborn to remove, be a mess, and look unattractive, to say the least, and I’m trying to exaggerate, but even touching it by mistake can give you the creeps.

I have made an extensive list of the best sticky residue removal methods. Whether the gunk is from a sticker, glue, adhesive, or even tape, these methods will get you out of any sticky situation if followed correctly.

You might be tempted to use a metal blade or putty knife, but that’s a bad choice; these things make scratches beneath the gunk even in the hardest plastics.

How To Get Sticky Residue Off Plastic? Things You Would Need 

• A soft and clean cloth
• Warm soapy water, white vinegar, or nail polish remover
• A plastic card or a gentle tongue depressor for gentle scarping (any semi-hard object will do the job)
• Peanut Butter
• Paper Towel
• Butter knife
• WD-40

Interesting Read – How to Glue PVC Pipe | The Definitive Guide

How To Remove Sticky Residue From Plastic 

Method 1

Once you’ve got the tools, you’re ready to nail the job. Here’s the procedure.

• Dip the cloth in warm water, white vinegar, or nail polish remover.
• Place the cloth over a plastic surface and allow the solution to blend with the adhesive properly. Soak time will depend on the size and power of the residue.
• Thoroughly wipe away the solution with the cloth, and the sticker, glue, or label gunk will get cleaned with it.
• Scrape away the remaining residue with a credit card or a semi-hard scraping tool. Be gentle with your scratching to avoid any unnecessary damage to the plastic.
• Repeat the process if any gunk remains and if you want your plastic product to be perfectly cleaned.
• Wipe the area with a cloth till it becomes dry. If you have used oil or vinegar, you must wash away the odor firmly.

Method 2

• Fill a tub or sink with hot water.
• Add a cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
• Stir to mix the mixture properly
• Pour the plastic item into the tub or sink and ensure the residue or sticker stays drowned.
• Let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
• Keep the residue underwater and rub it with your fingers till it’s removed. With the mixture making the residue diluted and soft, rubbing and removing it with our fingers will become an easy task.

Method 3

The third method involves using peanut butter. The food making our sandwiches tasty is also useful for removing residue from plastic.

• Dab some peanut butter on glue or sticker residue using a butter knife and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
• The oils in the peanut butter will saturate with the residue without causing any damage.
• Wipe and clean away the adhesive and peanut buyer with a paper towel, then clean the spot with a wet, soapy cloth.

Method 4

WD-40 is a multifunctional adhesive removing product available on online selling platforms. It is used to remove adhesives, grease, and rust from plastics, metals, and wood. It’s a powerful product and should only be used with care and precautions.

• Spray a small amount of WD-40 spray on a paper towel.
• Place the paper towel on the adhesive residue, and you’ll notice that the residue will start dissolving.
• Wipe away the WD-40 and the residue using a clean, wet cloth.

Remember, WD-40 is a strong substance with a pungent odor, so don’t keep it on the surface for too long and act quickly.

Engaging Read – What is the Best Glue for Plastic Parts | The Ultimate Guide

All the methods are very useful for removing sticky residue without damaging the plastic’s surface. Follow any method that you find more convenient.

FAQs 

Below are the frequently asked questions on how to remove adhesive from plastic. Let’s dig deep to know more.

What essential oil removes sticky residue?

Pure lemon oil removes residue from plastic surfaces, wood, and glass.

Does rubbing alcohol get rid of sticky residue from plastic surfaces?

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, works very well for removing labels or adhesive residue from plastic surfaces. Soak a paper towel in isopropyl alcohol and wrap it around the residue’s surface. Let it be like that for 5-10 minutes, and then remove it. The residue will be dissolved and will be stuck with the paper towel. Clean and wipe the surface with a cotton cloth, and your plastic product will be residue-free. Although isopropyl alcohol is good at this job, according to my experience, the four methods mentioned above will work best for ordinary people.

Can xylene be used for cleaning plastic surfaces for adhesives?

Direct contact with xylene can damage plastic surfaces. However, a 50-50 mixture of xylene and isopropyl is generally used for removing stubborn labels or glue residue.

Suggested Read 

• Which is the Best ABS Glue? | The Definitive Guide on Bonding ABS Properly
• How to Cut Plexiglass | How to Cut Acrylic Sheet | The Ultimate Guide
• The Best Polycarbonate Glue | How to Glue Polycarbonate Properly?
• How to Paint PVC Pipe? | An Helpful Illustrated Guide
• How to Repair PVC Pipe Without Cutting | The Complete Guide
• Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide

Wrapping Up

That is all I wanted to say about how to get the sticky residue of glue, tapes, and labels, off the plastic. I have mentioned four methods, and they are easy to follow. Follow any one method which you find the easiest. The methods will remove residue from plastic and do it without causing any unnecessary damage.

Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful day.