Have you removed a label from a plastic item and now there are sticky residues left behind? It can be frustrating, as adhesive remnants quickly accumulate dust and dirt. Do you want to learn our secrets for removing all these marks without damaging the surface? Follow our tips! Here’s a list of 11 tricks to remove glue from plastic.
1. Steam
Want to get rid of glue marks on plastic? Try using steam! Wondering how to do it?
It’s simple—just boil a pot of water, then put on a pair of protective gloves and hold the item above the water for a few moments. This will soften the glue residues in no time.
2. Oil
Here’s another tried-and-true tip! You can remove glue residues with oil. Just take a bit of cooking oil and pour it onto a microfiber cloth. Then, rub the affected area with this synthetic cloth until the residues disappear.
Once you’re done cleaning, simply wash the area with soapy water and you’re set!
3. WD-40
Are you familiar with WD-40? It’s effective for loosening locks and bike chains. Today, we’re going to repurpose it! We’ll use WD-40 to remove glue marks from plastic.
Here’s how to do it:
- Shake the bottle of WD-40 vigorously;
- Spray a small amount on the adhesive;
- Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping the surface with a soft cloth;
- Repeat the application if you’re not satisfied with the results.
4. Hot Water and White Vinegar
Are you looking for another trick? Apply a mixture of hot water and white vinegar. Just dilute one cup of vinegar in 1 liter of warm water and scrub the gluey surface with this solution.
5. Dish Soap and Vinegar
Did the water and vinegar not work? In that case, add a bit of concentrated dish soap to your mixture and stir it all together. Use this formula to scrub the plastic until the glue is gone. However, be sure to use a soft cloth for this task to avoid scratching the delicate surface.
Once the glue is eliminated, all you need to do is rinse the plastic with warm water and admire the result.
6. White Spirit
White spirit is an effective product for removing paint marks and cleaning paintbrushes. It’s also a powerful solution against glue residues. Do you want to use white spirit for this purpose? Soak a piece of cloth with the product before scrubbing the stained plastic. Be sure to apply some pressure for a moment to ensure all the glue is removed, then rinse with warm water and dry.
Not sure? Perform a test spot on an inconspicuous area of your item. This way, you’ll be certain not to damage the material with this product.
7. Hairspray
Did you know? Hairspray has multiple uses! Today you’ll use this hair product to eliminate glue residues on plastic.
Here’s how to do it:
- Spray hairspray directly onto the glue;
- Let the product sit for a few minutes;
- Scrape the softened residue with a credit card;
- Rinse the object thoroughly;
- Dry it with a soft cloth.
8. Hair Dryer
It’s well known that heat softens adhesives. Quickly grab your hair dryer! You’ll use this styling tool to remove the glue from your plastic object.
To do this, turn the device to the highest setting and direct the hot air toward the glue. Once it appears to have melted, scrape the area with a credit card. Repeat this process until all residues are gone.
After finishing your little project, all you have to do is wash the surface with a bit of warm soapy water before rinsing and drying.
9. Makeup Remover
If makeup remover is essential for removing cosmetics, it’s also a cleaning product! For example, it can maintain certain types of leather without leaving any stains. It’s also a great asset when trying to remove glue residues.
Curious? Quickly grab your favorite microfiber cloth; you’ll use it to apply some makeup remover to the adhesive marks. Rub the area until the glue disappears, then rinse everything with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. You’re done!
10. Adhesive Remover
Do you know that miraculous product that removes residues left by band-aids and medical tape on the skin? Rush to the nearest pharmacy or supermarket to get a bottle! You’ll use this to clean your plastic object in record time.
How to proceed? It’s simple; just rub the glue with a soft cloth soaked in this solution. You’ll see the residues disappear before your eyes! Once the process is complete, just wash the area with some soapy water, rinse, and dry—easy peasy!
11. Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is very handy when looking to get rid of glue marks, but before using this product, you should test it on an inconspicuous part of the item. Indeed, some plastics are too fragile to withstand the chemical action of the remover. They may get damaged.
Are you sure your item isn’t at risk? Rub the glue with a cotton ball soaked in remover to remove it, then rinse the plastic with warm water and dry everything! You just need to admire the result!
