StickerYou Blog

The glass looks best when it’s clean — the slightest smudge or dirt can make it look unmaintained and less appealing. Despite glass being a common surface for sticker applications, stickers can take the aesthetic appeal away from a mirror, window, or other glass surface.

If you’re faced with a glass surface that has an individually crafted sticker you want to get rid of, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s a price tag, manufacturer’s label, a custom company logo sticker, or any other sticker, we list proven methods to help you remove it once and for all.

Why Are Stickers Difficult to Remove From Glass?

The adhesive backing that is found at the back of stickers is made with very strong and sticky material. While this allows it to stick to any surface without peeling off, it’s also bad news: when the sticker is applied somewhere, it’s not meant to be permanent.

This is often the case with glass surfaces where the manufacturer tends to place their branding stickers in conspicuous areas of the object.

The job of removing stickers from glass is made much harder because glass is very delicate. Using sharp tools, like a razor blade or knife, can be pretty tricky to do without risking damage to the surface.

But that’s not to say it’s impossible. With the right methods, you can effectively and safely remove any type of vinyl-based custom sticker from glass. 

Precautions When Trying to Remove Stickers From Glass

Before we reveal the top methods for removing stickers from glass surfaces, take some time to go through these precautions:

1. Never use window-staining products to clean windows, including car windshields.
2. Never use hard or metal scrapers, as this will damage the glass.
3. If you have treated or delicate glass material, be sure to do a test sample in a small area before applying any product or sticker-removal technique on the whole area.
4. Avoid scrubbing sponges or scouring pads, as these are abrasive to glass.
5. Avoid baking soda methods and treatments, as these are also mildly abrasive.

How to Remove Stickers From Glass: Best Methods

There are many ways you can remove stickers from glass without damaging or scratching the surface. Depending on how tough the sticker is and how long it’s been stuck on the glass, you may need to try more than one method from the list below.

Remove Stickers With Hot, Soapy Water

Hot, soapy water is the simplest, most accessible, and often the only solution you need to remove stickers from glass. This method is also the safest to try first.

Step 1: Prepare the Hot, Soapy Water

Take hot water from your water dispenser or boil it in your kettle. If you’re doing the latter, let the water cool down for a couple of minutes — boiling water can risk cracking or breaking the glass. For every gallon of water, add four drops of liquid detergent to create the soapy mixture.

Step 2: Peel Off the Sticker

Before submerging your glass item in the water, try peeling off as much of the sticker as you can first. This should make the sticker thin enough for water to completely penetrate it and reach the adhesive.

Step 3: Soak With Hot Soapy Water

Soak your glass item in hot, soapy water for at least 15 minutes. This should give the mixture enough time to wet and break down the adhesive. If your glass item can’t fit in the bucket or container where you have your soapy water, dip a cloth or sponge in the solution and use it to completely saturate the sticker.

Step 4: Rub Gently

When the sticker is wet, gently rub it. You’ll notice bits and pieces of it peeling off. After five minutes of rubbing, add more soapy water to the sticker to soak it some more.

Step 5: Peel or Scrape the Remaining Adhesive

If you have adhesive residue left behind, you can use a plastic scraper or stiff card to scrape the remaining adhesive off the glass. Be careful doing this to prevent scratching the surface.

Step 6: Rinse with Clean Water

When the sticker comes off completely, rinse the glass with clean running water. You can wash it with liquid detergent as well to restore shine.

Step 7: Dry Completely

Leave the glass item to air dry or wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel. The glass should look as good as new, free from any sticker or adhesive residue.

Remove Stickers With Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil works as a solvent that can break down the sticker’s adhesive and make it easier for you to lift it off the glass. If you don’t have eucalyptus oil at home, you can also opt for various other oil products. 

Follow these steps to remove stickers from your glassware, surfaces, and windows with this fragrant oil.

Step 1: Soak a Towel or Rag

Soak a clean towel or rag with warm water. You’ll use this to apply the oil onto the glass surface.

Step 2: Add a Few Drops of Eucalyptus Oil

Add a few drops of the eucalyptus oil to the warm water-soaked rag or towel. Alternatively, you can also drop the oil directly onto the sticker, but make sure to protect your tables and floors from drippings. Let the oil sit for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Gently Scrub Off the Sticker and Glue

Once the sticker is saturated with oil, gently scrub off the sticker and glue it with your rag. If some residue remains, use a plastic, dull tool to help scrape it off.

Step 4: Wash and Dry the Glass Surface

After you remove the sticker, take a paper towel and dab the area to remove excess oil. Then, thoroughly wash the glass surface with warm soapy water and dry it.

Remove Stickers With Alcohol and Elbow Grease

Alcohol works great in dissolving adhesive residue. But this method may require a little bit of elbow grease to remove the sticker completely.

Step 1: Spray the Alcohol-Based Solution

Spray the alcohol-based solution, or rubbing alcohol, onto the sticker area. Or you can wet a cloth with alcohol and use that to saturate the sticker.

Step 2: Let it Sit and Soak

Cover the entire sticker with alcohol and, let it sit, and soak into the sticker for 10 to 30 minutes. This will give the alcohol enough time to break down the adhesive.

Step 3: Scrape Off the Sticker

Using a plastic razor scraper or dull tool, gently scrape off the sticker and the sticker residue. If you’re scared of scratching the glass, you can also use a soft cloth to scrub the sticker off. Reapply alcohol as necessary.

Step 4: Clean the Area

Once you’ve removed the sticker, clean the area with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Should you notice adhesive residue after cleaning the surface, you can repeat the process again.

Remove Stickers With WD-40

WD-40 is a strong chemical solution that can remove tough stains and even adhesive residue. Before working with WD-40, make sure to wear gloves to protect your skin.

Step 1: Dilute WD-40

Get your can of WD-40 and dilute it with water in a plastic spray bottle.

Step 2: Spray the Solution Over the Sticker

Spray the solution over the sticker to ensure it is well-soaked. If you’re working with a vertical surface, you may need to reapply the solution after a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Leave It to Sit and Soak

Leave it to sit and soak for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the WD-40 to penetrate the sticker and dissolve the adhesive.

Step 4: Wipe Away the Sticker

Use a wet, soapy cloth to wipe away the sticker, and dry the surface thoroughly. Clean the glass surface with soapy water, or if you’re working with a window, use a window cleaner.

Removing Stickers With Steamer or Hair Dryer

Applying heat to a sticker can help soften the adhesive, making it easier for you to peel the sticker off later.

Step 1: Apply Heat to the Sticker

For this method, you can use either a steam or hair dryer. Set the heating tool of your choice to the medium setting and apply heat to the sticker for 10 to 15 minutes. Hold the tool about half an inch away from the sticker.

Step 2: Scrape It Away

After the sticker becomes soft, you can remove it with a plastic razor scraper, credit card, or dull butter knife. Do this immediately after heating while the adhesive is still hot and has not hardened.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Area

After removing the sticker, wipe down the area with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. You can also use glass cleaner to restore shine.

Removing Stickers With Commercial Sticker Cleaner

If regular household products aren’t cutting it, it’s time you use commercial sticker cleaners or products specifically made to remove stickers and residue from surfaces.

Step 1: Peel Off If Possible

If you can, try to peel off as much of the sticker as possible. This will make it thin enough to allow the solution to penetrate the adhesive.

Step 2: Apply Sticker Cleaner

Apply the solution on the sticker with a sponge or cloth. If your sticker cleaner comes in a spray bottle, you can also spray the liquid directly onto the sticker to saturate it.

Step 3: Let It Sit

Once the sticker is saturated with the solution, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, giving the cleaner ample time to break down the adhesive.

Step 4: Wipe or Scrape

After 10 minutes, take your plastic scraper or stiff card and gently scrape the sticker off the surface. You can also use a sponge or cloth to scrub the sticker off.

Step 5: Clean the Glass

When the sticker is completely removed, wash the glass thoroughly with water and liquid detergent. This is especially important if your glass item is dishware, as commercial sticker cleaners can be toxic.

Step 6: Dry Completely

Let the glass item air dry on your kitchen counter, or wipe it with a soft, clean cloth. If you notice remaining adhesive, scrub it with a sponge and soapy water.

Removing Stickers With Window Cleaner

Most commercial window cleaning products contain solvents that are effective at dissolving stickers and adhesives. Even if you’re not working with a window, you can use this method for your other glass items.

Step 1: Peel Off

While the sticker is dry, peel off as much of it as you can until only the adhesive remains. This will make it easier for the solution to reach and break down the adhesive.

Step 2: Spray Window Cleaner

Once you’ve peeled off a good amount of the sticker, you can proceed to spray the window cleaner onto the residue, making sure the entire thing is saturated.

Step 3: Allow It to Sit

Leave the solution to sit and work its magic. Depending on the type of window cleaning solution you use, 10 minutes should be enough time.

Step 4: Wipe or Scrape

After 10 minutes, use your cleaning cloth to wipe the sticky residue off the glass surface. For a bit more elbow grease, you can also use a plastic scraper or stiff card to help scrape the adhesive off.

Step 5: Eliminate Any Remaining Residue

Wash the glass item with liquid soap and running water. You can scrub the area with a sponge or rough cloth to get rid of any remaining residue.

Step 6: Ensure Complete Drying

Ensure the glass item is completely dry after the sticker removal process. Wipe it with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water stains on the surface.

How to Remove Stickers From Glass: Conclusion

Removing stickers from glass surfaces can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. All it takes is being aware of the proper methods that can effectively remove stickers and adhesive residue without scratching or damaging the glass. Try any one of the solutions we’ve listed above and restore your glass item to its original shine and beauty.