Putting stickers of your favorite pieces of art or brands can help personalize your laptop, setting it apart from other similar models. However, sometimes a sticker is too old, or your interests change, and the time comes to remove it.
Need to know how to remove stickers from laptops? We have plenty of tips for stubborn ones in this handy guide.
Heat Guns & Hair Dryers
Heat guns and hair dryers are items that can be found in most homes, making them a cheap option. However, we recommend exercising caution when utilizing these products to remove stickers; too much heat for too long could damage your laptop. Use cool settings and short bursts to help peel the sticker off the back of your laptop.
Solvents
Solvents are another excellent option; lighter fluid, mineral spirits, WD-40, and Goo Gone are all examples of solvents that could remove stickers. Solvents can dissolve adhesives when left to soak through the sticker’s surface. Once you have peeled the sticker off your laptop’s surface, we recommend wiping the solvent away completely to avoid damaging your laptop.
Abrasives
Light abrasives such as magic erasers, toothpaste, Scotch Brite pads, and baking soda paste are all possible solutions for stubborn stickers. Using the mildest abrasive you can is the best bet to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of your laptop. As with the solvents, be sure to wipe any solution away once the sticker is off.
Oil-Based
Various oil-based substances such as mineral oils, tea tree oil, petroleum jelly, or lotion could work to remove stubborn stickers. As with the two sections above, it is best to let it soak in and then completely remove the oil-based solution after use to prevent unnecessary damage to your laptop.
Things To Consider Before Removing Stickers From Laptop
How To Remove Stickers From Laptop (3 Safe Removal Methods)
1. Peeling Off Or Scraping Method
There are a few options when it comes to how to get laptop stickers off. Before using a hairdryer or solution, try picking at the edges of your sticker with your fingernail. If that is not doing the trick, some other possible tools to use include:
Picking and scraping with these could help remove most, if not all, of the stubborn sticker. Be sure to choose dull, non-abrasive items and not push too hard to avoid damaging your laptop. If this does not work, try using the cleaning methods below.
2. Wiping With Cleaners
You will need some tools when using the next steps, such as protective gloves and a face mask. There are a variety of abrasives, solvents, and oil-based solutions to choose from. Some possible choices include:
Make sure to have your laptop unplugged and turned off for these next steps. We recommend potentially wearing a face mask and gloves, depending on your chosen solution.
Choose the mildest option and apply it to a clean cloth. Gently rub the cloth into the sticker and let the solution soak for 5-10 minutes. Wipe and peel with a clean cloth and your nails until the sticker is lifted.
Clean the surface with a damp rag and consider repeating the previous steps if the sticker remains.
3. Dealing With Sticky Residue
Knowing how to remove sticky residue from stickers on laptops is only half the battle; putting in the elbow grease to remove the residue is the vital part. Once you have the sticker mostly off, clean the surface with a damp rag and consider repeating the previous steps if the sticker remains.
Make sure to completely remove the substance and dry your laptop. Any remaining residue from your cleaning solution or cloth could erode or damage your laptop over time. Once the residue and solution are completely removed, you can replace the sticker or start to remove other stubborn stickers on your laptop.
Tips For Getting Stickers Off Your MacBook Laptop
Need to know how to remove stickers from Mac laptops? Apple does not recommend using the following when removing stickers from their products.
What NOT To Use On Apple Products:
We recommend trying to remove the sticker with a non-abrasive cloth after shutting down and unplugging the laptop. If that does not work, you may have to try one of the non-Apple-recommended products like Goo Gone to remove the sticker.
Apply a small amount of the solution to a clean, non-abrasive cloth and apply it to the sticker. Leave it to soak for a few minutes and gently scrape or wipe the area clean as we described earlier. Do not use excessive force, and make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the area once done.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Can stickers ruin your laptop?
As long as you don’t cover the vents with them, no. The bigger risk is the removal process, but care and gentle movement should keep the chances of ruining your laptop to a minimum.
Related: Repairing Vs Replacing A Laptop
Does putting or removing stickers from laptops void the warranty?
Removing stickers should not void your laptop’s warranty. However, the stickers with the serial number and laptop ID should not be removed – anything else is advertising or decorative and can be removed.
Are laptop stickers unprofessional?
That depends on whom you ask, as well as your field and job description. Many creative workplaces may have a more relaxed attitude. If you are unsure, check with your co-workers or boss before applying any stickers to your device.
Conclusion
Stickers are a fun way to personalize your laptop and prevent it from being mistaken for someone else’s. As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to knowing how to remove vinyl stickers from laptops.
Be wary and thorough when removing any stickers and follow safety procedures to have a smooth and safe removal experience.
Jake Redman is a UK-born-digital nomad & founder of Ultimate Quality Content, a collective of high-end copywriters formed to provide detailed insight into everything technology-related. Jake is the definition of a man-nerd. He gets excited over things like processor architecture, ray-tracing, & is an avid E-Sports fan, specifically League of Legends. When he isn’t writing detailed tech-related articles, Jake can be found performing fire-breathing shows & wields a dragon staff, or on the sofa playing Mario Kart.