Susan Hansen, Extension Educator Colfax County

 

It is often a frustrating chore to remove stickers and labels from household items.

 

Avoid using strong abrasives or solutions that will soften, scratch, discolor or harm the household items. Test the cleaning material to be sure it will not harm the surface of the household item. Some labels may indicate what type of solvent will remove the sticker or label.

 

Stickers, labels and tapes with pressure-sensitive adhesive (those that are peeled from a backing or roll, then pressed in place) can sometimes be peeled off. The remaining adhesive can then be rubbed off with your fingers similar to the way you “thumb-roll” rubber cement into small balls. If the adhesive is old or has been exposed to high temperatures and/or humidity, the “thumb roll” method does not always work.

 

Try removing as much of the label or tape as possible with a fingernail or the dull edge of a knife.

 

Sometimes the adhesive can be removed with a solution of warm water, liquid dishwashing detergent and vinegar. Other suggestions include vegetable oil or fingernail polish remover.