this post was submitted on 13 Nov 2023
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Hi, I got a used laptop from an family member. It did have this this annoying sticker on it (see picture). Apparently for years already.

So, how can I remove it without scratching the metal body or leaving residue behind?

Edit: Having some problems with picture upload, but here's a similar photo for reference: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jDV7-ehqF38/maxresdefault.jpg

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[–] [email protected] 37 points 1 year ago (3 children)

You don't need a specialized product (like Goo Gone several comments mention) to remove sticky residue. Any kind of cooking oil will do. I usually use a small dab of whatever is on hand (which in my house is olive oil, but avocado, canola, corn, etc would also be fine). Start with a very small amount, like one drop: a little can go a long way and it can be a huge mess if you overestimate how much you need. Rub it in with your finger and the gunk should come right up. Paper towel the rest off. Repeat if necessary. Extra bad spots might require a touch of gentle fingernail action.

[–] [email protected] 21 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Hand sanitizer works better, actually.

Also: OP; How dare you remove those stickers!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

It does, but because it evaporates so quickly, hand sanitizer normally works better.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Almost any kind of grease will work. Moisturising cream, oil, butter, engine oil and so on. It'll soften the glue and whatever residue your chemical leaves behind can be wiped off with hand sanitizer or a drop of soap. The trick, as you mention, is to use way less than what you think you'll need to avoid mess.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Yup any oil works in my experience but I've found cooking oil to be the least messy, hence that specific suggestion. But in a pinch any kind of greasy substance will do.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

Baby oil works wonders too, but if it's safe to do so I usually just crack into a bottle of 91%+ isopropyl.

[–] [email protected] 25 points 1 year ago

15 sticks of dynamite should do the trick

[–] [email protected] 17 points 1 year ago (4 children)

I think you forgot to add the picture :(

But, I assume it's one of those super annoying ones. I'd say carefully peel all you can, then Goo Gone is your friend :)

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago

The only thing I would add to this is carefully use a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive on the sticker first. Should leave less mess for the goo gone to deal with.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

Test a small area of the laptop that you can't see to make sure the Goo Gone doesn't haze or discolor the plastic.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've heard the same, Goo Gone is magic.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sounds like overpriced alcohol to me ;D

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Just a Goo Gone and coke please.

That’ll be $23

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Dont tell that the Tiktok kids!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Does goo gone expire or something? I've had a bottle for years and it's useless.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I always use 99% Isopropyl alcohol for stuff like this

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Same. Maybe hit it with a heat gun first to help the sticker peel off.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago

I'd just peel it off and maybe rub it with my finger to get rid of leftover adhesive.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago

I just use my nails to get it off, and most of the time, I manage to get most of the glue off by reapplying the sticker and peel it off again a few times

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Heat. Not a lot. But heat. Line a blow dryer.

Then an exacto knife to separate the adhesive from the plastic/metal.

Then googone to clean.

Then alcohol wipes to finish.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A heat gun is also inexpensive and very useful. 3M mount you need to remove (and/or reuse)? Heat gun. Sticker? Heat gun. Frazzled threads on clothes? Heat gun. No time to properly blow dry? Heat gun! (the last one is a joke, don't do that).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Also the most satisfying thing is putting plastic over windows to winterize and erasing all the wrinkles with the heat gun.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I find wd40 also works well for removing grease or sticker residue

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I find wd40 also works well for removing grease

That's what it's made for after all

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Careful tho, I've seen melted keyboards thanks to a blow dryer.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Removing those is a war crime.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

They get eliminated at first sight!

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I just rub the residue with my thumb until it's gone, worked perfectly for me

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

Sure, but now you're down a thumb, so...

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

Goo gone and a plastic scraper might work

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Remove the sticker, and remove the leftover glue with an eraser.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I'd use ipa to break down the glue or at a pinch some hand sanitiser and a cloth to get rid of stickers.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

If you're careful and can't just get it off with your fingernails, a razor blade is young best friend for scraping off stickers, if you're less careful they sell plastic razor blades for scraping stuff that also work pretty well.

For residue, goo gone, cooking oil, isopropyl alcohol, lighter fluid, or just some soap and water if you're careful. Or just let the residue wear off on its own if you're lazy.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

A plastic ice scraper will help get the bulk off, then you can get a variety of solvents for removing any residue. If it is metal then it should be fine with most solvents but check the instructions and do a test patch somewhere discreet to be sure.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A little bit of lighter fluid on a paper towel works great for getting sticker residue off easily!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A lot of lighter fluid and a lighter works great too!

Goodbye stickers!... and house...

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Haha yeah that's one way of doing it for sure!