Old stickers, price tags, double-sided tape or a drop of glue leave a tacky patch on plastic that soon collects dust and turns grey. Rubbing it dry rarely works, and a harsh scourer or solvent can easily ruin a glossy finish.
Below is a simple routine that works on plastic, PVC window sills, appliance housings, and also on glass and metal. The key is to soften the adhesive rather than tear it off by force.
What you will need
Important: Test the products on a hidden area first: some plastics, especially glossy or painted ones, may discolour. Do not use metal scrapers or abrasive pads.
Step 1
Clean the surface
First remove dust and dirt from the plastic with a sponge and warm water, then dry with a cloth. That way only the glue remains and the product can work directly on it.
Step 2
Soften the glue
Shake the can and apply WD-40 Multi-Use to the glue residue. For a small spot, WD-40 Smart Straw with its thin straw is more precise. Wait a few minutes while the product works its way under the glue and loosens its grip on the plastic.
Then wipe the spot with a cloth. Most soft sticker and tape adhesive comes away at this stage.
Step 3
Treat stubborn marks with a cleaner
If the glue is old and firmly bonded, use WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner. Spray it onto the spot, wait a few seconds and wipe with a cloth. Repeat until the glue is gone. This cleaner evaporates quickly and leaves no oily film.
Step 4
Lift the rest with a card
Push the most stubborn glue off with the edge of a plastic card. Hold it at a shallow angle and move it in one direction without pressing hard. The blunt edge will not scratch the plastic, and together with the product it clears even a thick layer quickly.
Step 5
Wash and dry the plastic
WD-40 Multi-Use leaves a thin protective film. If you do not want it on this surface, wash the area with a sponge and warm soapy water and dry it with a clean cloth. The plastic will look as good as new.
Tip: On kitchen appliances or PVC window sills the thin film left after treatment repels dust for a while, so sometimes you do not need to wash it off; just buff thoroughly with a dry cloth.
What next
Remove stickers from new items straight away: fresh adhesive comes off far more easily than glue that has baked in the sun for a year. The same method also clears tape marks from glass and metal.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».