How to Remove a Sticky Price Tag

Remove sticky price tags.

Whether you are giving an item for a gift or trying to display it in your home, sticky price tag residue often mars the surface of an item even after the tag is removed. Tag adhesive is often a problem on glass and plastic items. Rubbing and scrubbing introduces dirt and grime to the residue, often making it look worse than it did before. Removing price tags and the adhesive without ruining the surface of your items takes only a little time with the right equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Fingernail polish remover
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Fill a sink with hot tap water. Soak plastic, glass and other waterproof items in the water for 15 to 30 minutes. Peel off as much of the price tag as possible after soaking, then wipe the item dry with a clean towel.

2. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to remove sticker residue from plastic or coated paper. Rub the alcohol-soaked swab over the residue. Avoid soaking the area on paper items such as book covers. Reapply the alcohol as needed and continue to rub until most of the residue is removed.

3. Dampen a cotton ball with fingernail polish remover to remove any remaining residue from glass items. Rub the price tag adhesive with the cotton ball until the residue is mostly removed.

4. Moisten a cloth with warm water. Rub the cloth over the item, rubbing off any remaining price tag adhesive.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash cloth items in a mixture of one part vinegar to one part warm water to remove any sticky residue if it does not come out in the regular wash.

• If an item is too large to soak in water, lay a towel soaked in hot water over the price tag and leave it for 20 minutes to help loosen the adhesive.

• Never use fingernail polish remover or acetone on plastic. The chemical softens the plastic and damages it.

References

• University of Kentucky Extension: Removing Stickers and Labels