Price tags and barcodes are on almost everything we buy: jars, bottles, crockery, shoes, appliances. Cars collect service, parking, advertising and toll stickers on the glass over the years, and children's furniture and fridges end up covered in favourite cartoon characters. Picking them off with a fingernail takes ages, and the glue leaves a sticky grey patch that attracts dust.
Home remedies do not work well. A hairdryer only helps if there is a socket nearby and plenty of time, and cooking oil or hand cream often just smears the glue around. A dedicated product dissolves the adhesive layer so the sticker and the residue come off quickly and easily.
What you will need
Important: On plastic, car paintwork, matt paint and wraps, test the product on a hidden area first. Do not scrape paint or plastic with metal. Do not work on hot surfaces in direct sun.
Step 1
Prepare the surface and product
Lay out everything you need first so the job goes quickly. Wipe dust and grit from around the sticker with a dry cloth, especially on car bodywork, so you do not scratch the lacquer. Shake the can well before use.
Step 2
Apply the product to the sticker
Spray WD-40 Specialist Sticker Remover generously over the sticker, especially around the edges. Tear or score paper labels slightly so the product reaches the glue underneath faster. For small stickers or tight spots, spray onto a cloth and hold it against the sticker.
If you do not have the dedicated remover to hand, WD-40 Multi-Use will also deal with light labels: it gets under the paper and softens the glue, though it works more slowly.
Step 3
Let it work
Wait a few minutes for the product to get under the sticker and dissolve the adhesive. Test the edge with a fingernail or scraper now and then. Old stickers baked on by the sun, such as those on car windows, may need a second application.
Step 4
Peel off the sticker and glue
Pull the sticker slowly from one corner, keeping it at a shallow angle to the surface. Ideally it will come off in one piece. Remove remaining glue with a plastic scraper or card; on glass you can carefully use a blade held almost flat. Treated adhesive comes away easily and rolls into small balls that are simple to wipe up.
Step 5
Wash the surface
To restore the shine and leave no greasy film, wash the area with a sponge and warm soapy water. This removes both product residue and small crumbs of glue. Dry with a microfibre cloth. On car bodywork you can follow up with wax or polishing paste to even out the gloss.
Tip: On car bodywork the paint around a sticker fades slightly over time while the paint underneath stays brighter, so an outline may remain after removal. This is not glue residue and no remover will shift it: a light polish with polishing paste will.
What next
The same method works for labels on preserving jars, glass bottles and new crockery, stickers on laptops and appliances, and tape marks on glass and furniture. Keep Sticker Remover with your household cleaning products, and WD-40 Multi-Use for a hundred other jobs around the home.
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».