Buzz
Have you recently bought a laptop or another device and noticed some unattractive stickers on it? It's time to remove these labels so your electronics no longer serve as mobile advertisements.
Steps
Ensure your laptop isn't too old. Stickers dry out over time, and the adhesive on the back may separate from the printed surface. If you decide to remove the stickers, do it as soon as possible. Stickers won't remain fresh after one to two years (or more), depending on their quality. If your laptop is old, refer to the last method: chemical removal.
Identify the sticker to remove. Some stickers are quite useful, such as OEM retail license labels, which should be kept. Others may contain serial numbers, service tags, support information, or system configurations. Typically, removable stickers include promotional ones for operating systems like Windows (e.g., "Designed for Windows XP" and "Windows Vista Capable"), as well as Intel and AMD processor labels.
Remember to proceed slowly and carefully. If you rush and try to peel off the entire sticker at once, there's a risk of tearing it or leaving adhesive residue behind.
Start from the outer edge. Use your fingernail or a blunt razor blade to lift the sticker. Be cautious to avoid scratching or damaging the plastic or aluminum surface while peeling.
Gently lift the sticker from the edge you just loosened. Try to pull at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees. Never pull the sticker at an angle greater than 90 degrees, as this can cause the adhesive to separate from the printed surface.
Clean the surface. Some leftover adhesive can be easily removed, while others may require more effort. As always, avoid scratching the laptop's surface.
- First, try rubbing off the residue by hand. Many types of adhesive, even when mixed with a bit of paper pulp, will curl up when rubbed on a flat surface.
- Next, if rubbing doesn't work, try using duct tape or super-sticky tape to remove the remaining sticker. Tear or cut a piece of tape and press it onto the surface, then rub it slightly before peeling it off. Repeat this process until all the leftover adhesive is gone.
- Third, use a paper towel to apply a small amount of cooking oil, such as canola or olive oil, to the adhesive. Let the oil soak into the adhesive for 2-5 minutes. Now, use your finger or a soft plastic scraper to remove the adhesive. Use glass cleaner, like Windex, and a clean paper towel to wipe away any remaining adhesive and oil.
- If all else fails, the last resort is to use chemicals. A popular and highly effective method is to use a citrus-based cleaner like "Goo-Gone." These cleaners won't harm metal or hard plastic but may dry out soft plastic surfaces and leave a white haze. Test in a small, inconspicuous area first. Another option is rubbing alcohol (if available, you can also try a bit of perfume or deodorant). Furniture polish, like Old English, is also effective. WD-40 won't damage the surface and can be cleaned off with dish soap and a sponge.
Another product called "Odor Assassin" (Lemon-Lime Scent) is available at most dollar stores and discount shops abroad (in Vietnam, you can order it online). It dissolves most adhesives instantly, and you only need to wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Tips
- Start from a rounded edge if the sticker has one or more such corners. When you peel close to where the sticker splits, stop and peel from another edge.
- Patience will conquer any sticker. Always proceed slowly and steadily when removing stickers. If it doesn't go smoothly and you start to get frustrated, continue on another day when you're more patient.
- Use tools that are less likely to damage your laptop. Fingernails, erasers, plastic razors, food scoops, and even tweezers (used carefully) will have minimal impact on the laptop's surface.
- If you want to make a non-chemical adhesive remover, mix equal parts vegetable oil and baking soda. Let the paste sit on the adhesive for about 10 minutes. Then, apply more paste and use your finger to rub off the adhesive residue.
Warnings
- Heat from the laptop strengthens the bond between the adhesive and the surface over time. This bond can penetrate the paint layer, even dulling aluminum and discoloring plastic.
- Do not remove any stickers containing OEM certification information, as this may invalidate some OEM certifications.
- If you use sharp or hard tools to scrape off stickers, the laptop's surface may get damaged.
- Avoid spilling any liquids into cracked areas or gaps on the laptop, such as the keyboard. Some liquids are conductive and can cause short circuits.
- Before proceeding, ensure the laptop is powered off and disconnected from any power source. If possible, remove the laptop battery as well.
Things You'll Need
- Tweezers, used to grip and remove stubborn stickers.
- Cleaning solutions like rubbing alcohol or "Goo-Gone".
- Paper towels, napkins, or cloths for wiping with cleaning agents.
- Adhesive tape (such as duct tape) to remove excess glue.
