How To Get Sticky Residue Off Plastic Without Rubbing Alcohol?

Removing sticker residue from plastic is a common problem. Almost everything in the mall comes with the manufacturer’s label or price tag, which you must peel off. But they leave a sticky residue that nobody wants. If you are ever in this situation, you might be wondering

How To Get Sticky Residue Off Plastic Without Rubbing Alcohol?

If this is your situation, peel off as much sticky residue as you can; soak a piece of cloth in soapy water and wipe the sticky spot. Most folks use rubbing alcohol to remove adhesives from all kinds of things because it’s very effective. However, rubbing alcohol is not safe for all surfaces.

Alcohol is too strong to be applied to plastic and can cause discoloration. Remove as much of the residue with your hand or plastic scape like an old credit card, and then use mild cleaners to clean the plastic surface.

Steps To Get Adhesive Off Plastic Without Rubbing Alcohol

For delicate surfaces like plastic, rubbing alcohol may not be the best option for removing the adhesive on it. Instead, apply a mild adhesive remover like cooking oil and mayonnaise to the plastic and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe it off with a dry cloth or wash and rinse dry.

Follow the steps below to get adhesive off plastic without rubbing alcohol;

1. Soapy Water
   If you have a sticky residue on plastic bottles or any other water-resistant plastic object, put the object in a bowl or sink of hot water, add dishwashing liquid and let it soak for about 15 minutes. The hot water melts the glue while the soap attacks the bonds on the adhesive. Use a soft brush or sponge to remove the residue afterward. Soapy water is your best bet for removing sticky residue from clothes.
2. Nail Polish Remover
   Nail polish remover contains acetone, an organic solvent that dissolves adhesives, paint, or varnishes. To remove sticky residue, simply soak a cotton swab in nail polish remover and dab the sticker. Wait a few minutes and then wipe it. Acetone in its pure form is astringent and causes discoloration, but its buffer form, as in nail remover, is safe for use on plastics.
3. Cooking Oil
   Oil reduces the surface tension of substances; applying cooking oil like olive oil to the sticky residue loosens the bond on the adhesive, so you clean it off the surface. Pour a little oil on a cotton swab and dab it in the sticky residue. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and then clean or wash it off. If you’re using oil to remove sticky residue, consider the object’s color. Some plastics absorb oil and could stain. To be on the safe side, test the oil on a smaller portion.
4. Mayonnaise
   Mayonnaise or butter works just like cooking oil. Smear a generous quantity of mayonnaise on the sticky residue and leave it on for about an hour. Wipe it off with a dry cloth until the stickiness is gone.
5. White Vinegar
   Vinegar dissolves adhesives just like acetone does. However, you shouldn’t use vinegar on rubber. It can damage it. To use vinegar, pour one cup each white vinegar, a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and hot water into the sink. Soak the plastic object in the solution for 20 minutes, and then scrub off the residue with a sponge.
6. Rubber Eraser
   Rubber erasers not only remove pencil marks but sticky residues too. Roll the eraser over the sticky surface to remove the adhesive. This will work especially for plastic bottles.
7. Mild Heat
   Use a hair dye to apply mild heat to the sticky residue. Focus the heat on that spot for 30 seconds. The heat will melt the adhesive. Clean off the molten residue with a dry cloth.

 

How Do You Get Sticker Residue Off Plastic Using Wd40?

If you have sticker residue on plastics like motorcycle parts, you might want to try using WD-40 before trying anything else because it will not damage the plastic-like other products might do. Spray WD-40 on the sticky spot and let it sit for a couple of minutes and then wipe it clean.

WD-40 is an efficient adhesive remover that is safe for most surfaces like wood, plastics, and glass. The best thing about WD-40 is that it works like oil. It soaks up the sticky residue just like oil does, so it’s safe for use on plastics.

How Do You Remove Old Duct Tape Residue?

Duct tape comes with very strong adhesive. Peeling it off often leaves a stubborn residue that may be hard to get id off. To remove duct tape residue from objects;

• Spray WD-40 on the sticky residue
• Let it sit for 15 minutes to melt the adhesive
• Clean it off with a dry cloth.

A mixture of baking soda and vegetable oil also works perfectly to remove duct tape residue. Deciding which approach is best depends on what the container is made of. For plastics, use vegetable oil and baking soda to pensive the plastic. For wooden surfaces, you can use WD-40.

How To Remove Sticky Labels From Plastic Containers

Over time, the adhesive on plastic container labels can become gooey and hard to peel off. To get rid of the residue, soak the plastic container in a mixture of hot water and dishwashing liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and scrub off the sticker with a plastic scraper. 

If you want to use your old plastic containers for storage, you may consider removing the sticker labels on them. But, those stickers may not come off easily because they’ve been sitting there for quite a while. Here are two ways to remove sticky labels from plastic containers.

1. By Scraping

Use scaping tools like an old credit card or spatula to gently peel off the sticker label. Soak the container in hot water for 15 minutes if it leaves a residue, and then scrub off the residue.

2. Using a Hairdryer

Heat may be just what you need to remove that stubborn sticky label from your plastic container. Turn your hair dye to a high setting and focus the heat on the sticker label for 30 seconds. Peel off the sticker with your nails or plastic scraper.

How Do You Get A Sticker Off Plastic Without Scratching It?

A good way to remove stickers from plastics without scratching the container would be to put some nail polish remover on a cotton ball and gently rub it on the sticker. The acetone in the nail polish will dissolve the adhesive on the sticker quickly.

Rubbing alcohol removes adhesives, too, but for plastics, it can cause cracks or discoloration. Alternatively, add a thin layer of soap or oil to the top of the sticker you want to peel off. Use your thumb or a butter knife to slide under the edge of the sticker and it should come right up.

What is the best Sticky Stuff Remover?

Here is a list of some of the best sticky stuff removers;

1. Goo Gone Adhesive Remover Spray Gel

Goo Gone is a fail-proof liquid for removing sticky residue from surfaces, including wood. It works on adhesive residue from labels, tape, and stickers. The solvent in Goo Gone dissolves the adhesive, allowing you to wipe it off with a damp cloth or paper towel. You can find it on Walmart or Amazon.

2. Elmer’s Sticky Out Adhesive Remover

Elmer’s Sticky Out Adhesive Remover is easy to apply and remove, making it perfect for removing all canyon stains, glues, labels, and stickers.

3. 3m General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner

3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner is perfect for removing sticky glue residues. It soaks and penetrates the adhesive making it easier to wipe off. If you’re looking to remove silicone-based adhesives from glass, metal, and rubber surfaces, then this may be your product.

4. Peel Easy No-Sting Medical Adhesive Remover Spray

Peel Easy No-Sting Medical Adhesive Remover Spray is a mild silicon-based adhesive remover. It contains ingredients that do not irritate the skin in any way. You spray the adhesive remover onto your skin and then rub in circular motions until the adhesive peels off.

5. Un-Du Original Formula Remover

Un-du Original Formula Remover is suitable for removing sticky stuff such as tapes, labels, and adhesives. It’s excellent for eliminating tapes, especially if you want to use them.

6. Duck Brand 527263 Adhesive Remover

Duck Brand 527263 Adhesive Remover is a professional strength adhesive remover that is designed to remove even the most difficult adhesives and glues. All you have to do is spray it on and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then wipe off with a cloth or paper towel to get rid of any remaining residue.

7. Rapidtac 30323 Adhesive Remover

If you’re trying to remove a sticker or adhesive quickly from a surface, RapidTac 30323 Adhesive Remover might be your best bet. It is a non-toxic adhesive remover that dries quickly, leaving no residue behind.

8. Goof Off Fg658 Professional Strength Remover

Goof Off FG658 Professional Strength Remover removes any sticky residue from adhesives to paints. Spray the Goof Off FG658 Professional Strength Remover on just about any surface and scrape off the label of sticky residue.

9. Sensi-Care Adhesive Releaser

Spray the Sensi-Care Adhesive Releaser on a tape, sticker, or label and peel it off. The alcohol-free adhesive remover is non-toxic, which means that you do not have to worry about any adverse effects when using this product.

10. Uni Solve Adhesive Remover Wipes

If you have sticky stuff on your skin, such as a sticker or adhesive, Uni Solve Adhesive Remover Wipes are just what you need to get that stickiness off.

How Do I Know Which Adhesive Remover To Use?

There are many adhesive removers on the market. It’s important to know what each is best used for so that you can get the right adhesive for the job. One of the most important things to remember when selecting an adhesive remover is that not all adhesives are created equal.

Some adhesives are made for specific purposes. Follow the steps below to know which adhesive remover to use;

1. Read The Label – The product may be labeled for a specific type of adhesive, such as rubber cement or carpet glue. Read the label before you buy it, and make sure that it is safe for what you are trying to get rid of.
2. Check The Ingredients – Acetone is a common ingredient in many adhesive removers. It’s a liquid solvent that dissolves most of the adhesives used in removing stickers. Acetone cannot be used on vinyl flooring or other surfaces that contain plasticizers (chemicals that make plastics flexible). Isopropyl alcohol is another common ingredient in adhesive removers. It has similar properties to acetone, but it’s not safe for plastics except diluted with distilled water.

Conclusion

The key to getting sticky residue off of plastic without rubbing alcohol is to use a mild cleaner. A great solution is soapy water or white vinegar. It won’t damage or discolor the plastic. Soak the plastic in soapy water for 15 minutes, and then scrub off the residue. Alternatively, take a paper towel or soft cloth, dip it in white vinegar, and apply it to the surface while rubbing gently.