Hi, I got a used laptop from an family member. It did have this this annoying sticker on it (see picture). Apparently for years already.

So, how can I remove it without scratching the metal body or leaving residue behind?

Edit: Having some problems with picture upload, but here’s a similar photo for reference: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jDV7-ehqF38/maxresdefault.jpg

  • @fireweed
    link
    4011 months ago

    You don’t need a specialized product (like Goo Gone several comments mention) to remove sticky residue. Any kind of cooking oil will do. I usually use a small dab of whatever is on hand (which in my house is olive oil, but avocado, canola, corn, etc would also be fine). Start with a very small amount, like one drop: a little can go a long way and it can be a huge mess if you overestimate how much you need. Rub it in with your finger and the gunk should come right up. Paper towel the rest off. Repeat if necessary. Extra bad spots might require a touch of gentle fingernail action.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      411 months ago

      Almost any kind of grease will work. Moisturising cream, oil, butter, engine oil and so on. It’ll soften the glue and whatever residue your chemical leaves behind can be wiped off with hand sanitizer or a drop of soap. The trick, as you mention, is to use way less than what you think you’ll need to avoid mess.

      • @fireweed
        link
        311 months ago

        Yup any oil works in my experience but I’ve found cooking oil to be the least messy, hence that specific suggestion. But in a pinch any kind of greasy substance will do.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      210 months ago

      Baby oil works wonders too, but if it’s safe to do so I usually just crack into a bottle of 91%+ isopropyl.

  • Scrubbles
    link
    fedilink
    English
    1311 months ago

    I think you forgot to add the picture :(

    But, I assume it’s one of those super annoying ones. I’d say carefully peel all you can, then Goo Gone is your friend :)

  • @foggy
    link
    1011 months ago

    Heat. Not a lot. But heat. Line a blow dryer.

    Then an exacto knife to separate the adhesive from the plastic/metal.

    Then googone to clean.

    Then alcohol wipes to finish.

    • @NarrativeBear
      link
      411 months ago

      I find wd40 also works well for removing grease or sticker residue

      • ThoGot
        link
        fedilink
        211 months ago

        I find wd40 also works well for removing grease

        That’s what it’s made for after all

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      311 months ago

      A heat gun is also inexpensive and very useful. 3M mount you need to remove (and/or reuse)? Heat gun. Sticker? Heat gun. Frazzled threads on clothes? Heat gun. No time to properly blow dry? Heat gun! (the last one is a joke, don’t do that).

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        211 months ago

        Also the most satisfying thing is putting plastic over windows to winterize and erasing all the wrinkles with the heat gun.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    811 months ago

    I just use my nails to get it off, and most of the time, I manage to get most of the glue off by reapplying the sticker and peel it off again a few times

    • SanguinePar
      link
      711 months ago

      Sure, but now you’re down a thumb, so…

    • @neumast
      link
      511 months ago

      They get eliminated at first sight!

  • @olosta
    link
    311 months ago

    Remove the sticker, and remove the leftover glue with an eraser.

  • @Fondots
    link
    2
    edit-2
    11 months ago

    If you’re careful and can’t just get it off with your fingernails, a razor blade is young best friend for scraping off stickers, if you’re less careful they sell plastic razor blades for scraping stuff that also work pretty well.

    For residue, goo gone, cooking oil, isopropyl alcohol, lighter fluid, or just some soap and water if you’re careful. Or just let the residue wear off on its own if you’re lazy.

  • peto (he/him)
    link
    fedilink
    English
    2
    edit-2
    11 months ago

    A plastic ice scraper will help get the bulk off, then you can get a variety of solvents for removing any residue. If it is metal then it should be fine with most solvents but check the instructions and do a test patch somewhere discreet to be sure.

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    2
    edit-2
    11 months ago

    I’d use ipa to break down the glue or at a pinch some hand sanitiser and a cloth to get rid of stickers.

  • It's Maddie!
    link
    fedilink
    English
    111 months ago

    A little bit of lighter fluid on a paper towel works great for getting sticker residue off easily!

    • work is slow
      link
      311 months ago

      A lot of lighter fluid and a lighter works great too!

      Goodbye stickers!.. and house…