Press "Enter" to skip to content
Skip to main content
33 Checkpoints: quality printing at the speed you need.
Next Day Flyers: Online Printing Services
855-898-9870
Next Day Flyers: Online Printing Services
0
All Products
Marketing Materials
Brochures Business Flyers Calendars Club Flyers Comp Cards Custom Flyers Die Cuts Dine-in Menus Door Hangers Event Flyers Folded Cards Greeting Cards Mail Flyers Postcards Flyers Invitations Menus Rack Cards Sell Sheets Table Tents Take Out Menus
Business Essentials
Appointment Cards Business Cards Carbonless Forms Direct Mail EDDM Envelopes Key Card Holders Letterhead Loyalty Cards Mailing Services Plastic Business Cards Round Business Cards Presentation Folders Self-Seal Envelopes Silk Presentation Folders Square Business Cards Standard Business Cards #9 Envelopes #10 Envelopes
Boxes & Packages
Custom Boxes Custom Pouches Hang Tags Header Cards Mailer Boxes Product Boxes Shipping Boxes Silk Hang Tags Spot UV Hang Tags All Packaging
Labels & Stickers
Bulk Stickers Bumper Stickers Custom Labels Custom Stickers DTF Transfers Hand Sanitizer Labels Jar Labels Product Labels Roll Stickers Sticker Sheets Water Bottle Labels Wine Labels All Labels All Stickers
Banners, Posters & Signs
A-Frame Signs Aluminum Signs Backdrops Banners Canvas Prints Deluxe Retractable Banners Feather Flags Mounted Posters Pole Banners Posters Retractable Banners Rolled Canvas Stretched Canvas Teardrop Flags Vinyl Banners Wall Decals Window Clings Window Decals Yard Signs All Banners
Promotional Items
Apparel Auto & Safety Bags Bookmarks CD/DVD Insert Printing CD Products Drinkware DVD Products Gift Certificates Health & Wellness Magnets Magnetic Calendars Metallic Save-the-Date Cards Notepads Office & Stationery Outdoor & Leisure Pens Table Cloths Technology Tickets Wall Calendars
Catalogs and Booklets
Booklets Catalogs
All Products
See All Products
Postcards Flyers Stickers Banners Business Cards Boxes Brochures
stickers

Ways to Remove Stickers From Laptops

January 27, 2025 Art

Removing stickers from a laptop can be tricky. Before you begin, consider the type of sticker you’re dealing with. Stickers like warranty seals, license keys, or serial numbers require extra care. Removing these could complicate future servicing or software use. Similarly, if you’re planning to sell your laptop, removing stickers might affect its resale value. With these factors in mind, here’s a comprehensive guide to safely remove stickers from your laptop. 

General Guidelines Before Removing Stickers 

1. Shut down and unplug your laptop. Ensure it’s completely powered off and disconnected from any power source.

2. Remove external components. If possible, detach the battery and peripherals to avoid damage.

3. Test in an inconspicuous area. Before applying any method, test it on a hidden part of your laptop to ensure no damage occurs.

4. Work in a clean, well-ventilated area. This reduces the risk of dirt entering the device and helps disperse fumes from certain solvents.

Methods for Removing Sticker

Abrasives

  • Use mild abrasives such as magic erasers, toothpaste, or baking soda paste. Avoid harsh abrasives to prevent scratching the laptop’s surface.
  • Gently rub the sticker in circular motions until the adhesive wears down. For uncoated stickers, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
  • Check for residue or damage after removing the sticker, and wipe the area clean with a lint-free cloth.

Oil-Based Substances

  • Select oils like mineral oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, or petroleum jelly. These work well for paper-based or non-coated stickers.
  • Apply a small amount of oil to the sticker using a clean rag, avoiding any laptop openings. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Peel or scrape off the sticker with a plastic card or scraper. Wipe the area clean immediately after removing adhesive and oil residue.

Solvents

  • Choose from options like rubbing alcohol, acetone, vinegar, WD-40, or Goo Gone. Avoid applying solvents directly to the laptop.
  • Dampen a clean cloth with the solvent and apply it around the sticker edges. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to loosen the adhesive.
  • Gently peel or scrape off the sticker, then clean the area with a damp cloth to remove solvent residue.

Heat (Hair Dryers and Heat Guns)

  • Set a hair dryer or heat gun to its lowest heat setting and apply it to the sticker for 30-45 seconds.
  • Use a plastic scraper or your fingernail to lift an edge and peel off the sticker. Repeat the process if necessary.
  • Be cautious to avoid overheating, which could damage the laptop’s components.Be cautious to avoid overheating, which could damage the laptop’s components.

Special Considerations for MacBooks

Apple recommends against using solvents, paper towels, or abrasives for cleaning or sticker removal. Instead:

  • Use a slightly damp cloth to wet the sticker and gently peel it off with your fingernail or a plastic card.
  • Avoid letting any liquid seep into openings, as it could damage the MacBook.
  • For stubborn stickers, try Goo Gone applied to a lint-free cloth, ensuring the cloth is not oversaturated. Gently scrape and clean the residue without applying excessive force.

How to Remove Sticky Residue

Common substances for residue removal include:

  • Rubbing alcohol: Dampen a cloth and gently rub the area.
  • Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda and water, apply to the residue, and wipe clean.
  • Oil-based options: Olive oil, baby oil, or petroleum jelly can dissolve residue.
  • Commercial products: Use Goo Gone, WD-40, or adhesive removers. Apply with a cloth and clean thoroughly afterward.

Pro Tips for Glass Surfaces

To remove stickers from glass (e.g., screen protectors or tempered glass covers):

  • Use a hair dryer on a low setting to heat the sticker for 30-45 seconds.
  • Peel the sticker using a plastic card or fingernail.
  • Clean the area with vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth to remove residue.
  • Avoid oil-based substances, as they may leave streaks on glass.

By following these methods, you can safely remove stickers from your laptop while preserving its condition and functionality. Always exercise caution, and when in doubt, opt for gentler methods to avoid accidental damage. 

Published in Printing Tips & Resources