StickerYou Blog

How to Remove Stickers From Laptop

February 15, 2023
A laptop with three stickers stuck on the cover.

Adding stickers to your laptop is a great way to show off an interesting quote or your favorite memes, the things that you like, and possibly start some interesting conversations. Like all things, however, change is sometimes necessary, and removing those baked-on stickers can seem like an impossible task.

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some neat tips and tricks to make laptop sticker removal a breeze.

But first, we recommend that you check your laptop for warranty seals, serial numbers, and license keys. These stickers shouldn’t be removed or covered up.

Also, check the type and model of your laptop first before choosing the method mentioned below. Every laptop is made with different metals and materials, which can impact the effectiveness of certain sticker-removal techniques.

Are These Removal Methods Safe for All Laptops?

Removing stickers from laptops, regardless of type, brand, or model, should be done with great care to prevent damage to the device. Generally, the methods we’ll be listing in this article can be performed on any laptop. However, the safety of each will depend on where the sticker is located on the device.

Tackling stickers on top of the laptop, i.e. on the cover, is safer because this area doesn’t have electrical components. However, stickers placed right beside the mouse pad or below the keyboard are more concerning.

It’s a good measure to look to the manufacturer to determine if certain solvents or cleaning solutions are harmful to your laptop brand or model.

Precautions When Trying to Remove Stickers From a Laptop

  1. Never use hard or metal scrapers, as this will damage the laptop cover and leave unwanted scratches.
  2. Be sure to do a test sample in a small area before applying any product or sticker-removal technique on the whole area of the laptop.
  3. Avoid scrubbing sponges or scouring pads, as these are abrasive to laptops.
  4. Be sure to choose the correct method to remove the sticker, as laptops, Macbooks, and PCs all differ.
  5. Check whether stickers are coated or uncoated, and be aware that oil will only lift the edges of waterproof stickers. For non-waterproof stickers, use oil-based elements to remove the whole sticker.
  6. Avoid baking soda methods and treatments, as these are mildly abrasive to laptops.
  7. Avoid using liquid and large amounts of water and soap, as electrical devices and water do not mix well and could fry your laptop.
  8. Avoid applying water, oil, or liquid to any gaps and ports of the laptop.
  9. Unplug your laptop and close it properly before removing the stickers.
  10. Avoid any tool or product that will damage the underlying surface of the plastic materials used to make some laptops.
  11. Avoid Scotch Brite pads and baking soda if you have a laptop with a metal exterior.
  12. It is advisable to use a damp microfiber cloth when cleaning laptops.
  13. When using a heat gun or hair dryer, don’t use the heat tool for too long, as heat can damage a laptop. Only focus the heat on a precise spot for a short time.
  14. If you suffer from skin allergies and irritations, use gloves when applying solvents.
  15. Avoid pouring any solvent solution onto the laptop surface, as this could seep into gaps, portals, and the screen with damaging effects. Pour it into a cotton ball or rag.
  16. Avoid using paper towels on laptops, as this is abrasive.
  17. Be sure to use sticker-removal methods that do not void your laptop warranty.

How to Remove Stickers From a MacBook

If you own a Macbook, we’d advise taking extra precautions. Apple products are made with a variety of materials, and each material might have unique cleaning requirements.

To get started, here are some tips that apply to all products:

  • Use only a soft, lint-free cloth.
  • Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
  • Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.
  • Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
  • Keep liquids away from the product unless otherwise noted for specific products.
  • Don’t get moisture into any openings.
  • Don’t use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
  • Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the item.

A sticker placed right beside the mouse pad of a Macbook.

How to Remove Stickers From a Laptop: Best Methods

Method 1: Oil-Based Products

Choose your oil and follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Dampen a cloth with a small amount of oil and apply it to the sticker area on the laptop.

Step 2: Soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Use a plastic razor scraper to scrape the label or sticker off gently.

Step 4: Wipe the area with a clean cloth and dry accordingly.

A laptop with stickers on its cover and a jar of an oil-based product right next to it

Method 2: Solvents

Step 1: Grab a cotton ball and dip it into the solvent of your choice.

Step 2: Gently dab the solvent-soaked cotton ball onto the sticker’s edges.

Step 3: Soak for a few minutes before using a plastic razor scraper to scrape off the sticker.

Step 4: Use a clean piece of lint-free cloth and wipe the area once you’ve removed the sticker. Leave to dry.

Method 3: Abrasives

You can also use mild abrasives to help wear out the stickers on your laptop. Some of the safest to use include toothpaste, baking soda paste, magic erasers, or Scotch Brite pads. If you’re not keen on using these on your cherished device, you can also use a damp microfiber cloth for a gentler scrub.

Step 1: Choose a mild abrasive and apply it directly onto the sticker.

Step 2: Rub the abrasive in gentle circular motions. The sticker will begin to wear down as you rub it.

Step 3: When the sticker is fully removed, check for residue and clean it off with rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or other adhesive-removing solutions.

Keep in mind, however, that using abrasives can risk scraping the exterior of laptops made with metal casing. Under no circumstance should you use harsh abrasives as they will likely damage the surface.

Method 4: Hair Dryers or Heat Guns

If you’re wary about using chemicals to remove stickers from your laptop, you can ditch them entirely and use heat instead. Heat from a hair dryer and heat gun can help soften up the adhesive and make it easy to peel off the sticker.

When using this method, never set your device to a temperature higher than the lowest setting to prevent your laptop from overheating.

Step 1: Set your hair dryer or heat gun to the lowest heat setting.

Step 2: Point the device’s nozzle over the sticker and apply heat for 30-45 seconds at a time.

Step 3: After a couple of passes, use your fingers to peel the sticker off the surface.

Step 4: If you’re unable to remove the sticker without tearing or residue, grab a plastic scraper or stiff card to help lift the edges.

Step 5: Proceed peeling the sticker off by hand.

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Laptop

If you’ve successfully removed the sticker but are now left with sticky adhesive residue on your laptop, you can use the following to remove it.

WD-40

WD-40 is a powerful substance that most households use to remove adhesives on a range of surfaces. It’s also quite safe to use on a laptop.

Step 1: Grab your can of WD-40 and spray the solution directly onto the adhesive residue.

Step 2: Leave the solution to sit for a couple of minutes to allow it time to soften the adhesive.

Step 3: Wipe the area with a clean cloth, making sure to remove excess liquid.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can be effective in removing sticker residue, especially from laptops with metal or plastic surfaces.

Step 1: Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol.

Step 2: Rub the cotton ball on the adhesive residue gently until it comes off.

Step 3: Use a soft cloth to wipe the surface clean.

Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover is an alcohol-based solution that can dissolve sticker adhesive.

Step 1: Get a clean cloth, rag, or paper towel and wet it with nail polish remover.

Step 2: Rub the cloth on the adhesive residue until it’s fully removed.

Step 3: Wipe the surface clean with a soft and dry cloth.

Goo Gone

Goo Gone is a product specifically made for removing adhesive residue from surfaces. It’s available in most hardware stores and is considered the most effective at removing sticky residue from laptops.

Step 1: Apply the Goo Gone solution to the adhesive residue.

Step 2: Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow it to work its magic.

Step 3: Wipe the solution off with a clean, dry cloth.

Rubber Erasers

A rubber eraser can introduce friction to the adhesive, helping you scrape it off easily. Before trying this, though, it’s important you know that it does not work well for all laptop surfaces. Test the method in an inconspicuous area before proceeding to tackle the adhesive residue.

Step 1: Rub the eraser onto the adhesive residue in gentle, circular motions.

Step 2: Do this until the adhesive residue rolls off the laptop surface.

Step 3: Use your hands to wipe the eraser and adhesive scraps from the laptop.

Conclusion

There are many ways you can remove stickers from your laptop safely. But before you try any of the methods we listed above, make sure it’s safe for your particular device and the material it’s made of. Check with the manufacturer before proceeding, and perform the sticker removal techniques carefully to keep your laptop in good condition.