How to Remove Gummy Adhesive Labels

All stickers can leave behind a gummy residue.

Removing the sticky residue that is left after peeling off a sticker or label can be frustrating, but it is actually a relatively simple process to remove the leftover gunk. All you need is an eraser for most situations, though nail polish remover is helpful and can save you a lot of elbow grease. Both methods will avoid damaging the surface of whatever you are trying to free from the tyranny of gummy adhesive label residue.

Things You'll Need

• Hard eraser
• Nail polish remover
• Paper towels
• Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Press down firmly on the surface with a hard eraser, like the one on the end of your pencil or a larger art eraser. With steady motions, move the eraser back and forth over the gummy area, stopping periodically to remove any gunk that builds up on the eraser tip. Do not use a gum eraser or other soft eraser for this method as it will lack the hardness to remove the gunk.

2. Pour nail polish on a spare toothbrush and a little on the gummy area itself. Scrub the surface as you would scrub the floor, in circular motions with firm pressure behind the brush. Stop and wash gunk off the bristles occasionally if necessary.

3. Dry the area with a paper towel, ensuring that it is completely dry. Run your fingertips over the formerly gunky area to detect any residue. If gunk remains scrub again with a toothbrush and nail polish.

References

• University of Kentucky: Label Rmoval