Tips And Tricks: 7 Easy Ways To Remove Stubborn Stickers From Crockery Items

Last Updated:July 22, 2025, 16:00 IST

Struggling to remove stubborn stickers from glass, steel or plastic? Try these 7 easy home hacks using oil, vinegar, lemon and more to clean without damage

When you buy crockery, glass bottles, tiffin boxes, or plastic containers, they often come with price tags or brand stickers firmly stuck on the surface. These stickers can be tough to remove, as pulling them off sometimes damages the surface or leaves behind sticky glue. In some cases, trying to scrape them off can even cause scratches. But don’t worry, here are seven simple hacks to help you remove stubborn stickers without a mess.

Use Oil To Remove Stickers

Coconut oil, mustard oil, or even baby oil can work wonders in removing stickers and their sticky residue. Just dab some oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the sticker. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wipe off gently with a sponge or cloth. This method works well on steel, plastic, and glass surfaces.

Baking Soda With Oil

Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of coconut or olive oil to make a paste. Apply this to the sticker, leave it for 10 minutes, and then rub gently with a soft cloth. The paste softens the glue, allowing the sticker to come off without leaving marks.

Warm Water And Dish Soap

Soak the sticker area in lukewarm water mixed with dishwashing soap for 5 to 10 minutes. Then gently scrub it with a sponge or scrubber. Warm water loosens the adhesive, and the soap lifts off the stickiness.

Hair Dryer Hack

A hair dryer isn’t just for styling; it’s also a great kitchen hack. Blow warm air onto the sticker for a few seconds to loosen the adhesive. It usually peels off easily after that. Be cautious with plastic items, though, as excessive heat might damage the surface. Always use a soft or microfibre cloth to clean.

Lemon and Salt

If a sticker or its glue won’t budge, try lemon and salt. Mix some salt with lemon juice and rub it on the affected area. The acid in the lemon and the natural abrasiveness of salt make a great combination, especially for steel and glass items.

Vinegar

Glue marks on glass, metal, or ceramic can be removed easily using vinegar. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and place it on the sticker for 5–10 minutes. Then rub gently with a cloth. Vinegar acts as a natural solvent and breaks down adhesive.

Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover (acetone-based) can also dissolve sticker glue quickly. Apply some remover on a cotton ball, dab it on the sticker, and then wipe clean with a cloth or sponge. However, always test on a small corner first — acetone may cause discolouration on some surfaces.

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