How to Remove Stickers from a Laptop
Make sure this laptop isn't too old., Decide which stickers to remove., Remember to do this slowly., Start from the edges., Pull the sticker up slowly from the edge you just started., Clean the surface., A product called "Odor Assassin" (Lemon-Lime...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure this laptop isn't too old.
The stickers will dry up, and over time, the glue backing will separate from the printed material.
If you decide to remove the stickers, do it quickly.
The stickers are not going to stay fresh for more than a year or two, depending upon its quality.
If your laptop is a relic, skip to the very last step to use a chemical removal method. -
Step 2: Decide which stickers to remove.
Some stickers are useful, such as OEM licensing stickers that will be void when removed.
Others may contain serial numbers, service tags, support information, or systems specifications.
Commonly removed stickers include ones promoting the Windows operating system (ie: "Designed for Windows XP" and "Windows Vista Capable"), as well as Intel and AMD CPU stickers. , If you rush it and try to pull the whole thing off at once, you run the risk of tearing the sticker or separating the glue backing. , Use your fingernails or a non-abrasive abrasive putty knife.
Be careful not to scratch or damage any plastic or aluminum surfaces in the process. , Try to pull it up using an angle between 45 and 90 degrees.
Never bend the sticker back further than a 90 degree angle, as this will promote the separation of the glue backing and printed material. , Some sticker residue may be rubbed off easily, while some require additional help.
As always, avoid scratching the surface.
First, try rubbing off the remaining residue by hand.
Many forms of glue, even when mixed with a little paper, will curl up onto itself when moved over a surface.
Second, if rubbing doesn't help, try using duct tape or other very sticky tape to remove the remaining residue.
Break or cut off a piece of tape, apply it to the surface, then remove it or, if possible, simply rub the sticky surface of the tape over the residue.
Repeat this until all of the residue has been removed, and attached to the tape instead.
Third, apply a small amount of cooking oil, such as canola or olive oils to the adhesive with a paper towel.
Allow the oil to sit on the adhesive for site 2-5 minutes.
The adhesive should now easily scrape off with your finger or a soft plastic tool.
Using window cleaner, such as Windex, and a clean paper towel clean the remaining oil and adhesive off.
Fourth, if all previous attempts fail, use chemicals.
A popular and extremely useful method is to use a citric-acid based cleaner such as "Goo-Gone".
These types of cleaners will not harm metal or harder plastics, but may dry the surface of softer plastics, leaving a white, frosted appearance.
Test this on a small, hidden area first.
Another liquid to try is alcohol (try spraying a small amount of your deodorant or perfume, if that is handy).
Aerosol furniture polish, like Old English, can be very effective.
Another is WD-40 which won't hurt the surface and can be cleaned off the computer's surface with a dish rag and a little soap. , -
Step 3: Remember to do this slowly.
-
Step 4: Start from the edges.
-
Step 5: Pull the sticker up slowly from the edge you just started.
-
Step 6: Clean the surface.
-
Step 7: A product called "Odor Assassin" (Lemon-Lime Scent) that is available at most "dollar" and discount stores will dissolve most adhesives instantly and can be removed with a clean cotton face cloth.
Detailed Guide
The stickers will dry up, and over time, the glue backing will separate from the printed material.
If you decide to remove the stickers, do it quickly.
The stickers are not going to stay fresh for more than a year or two, depending upon its quality.
If your laptop is a relic, skip to the very last step to use a chemical removal method.
Some stickers are useful, such as OEM licensing stickers that will be void when removed.
Others may contain serial numbers, service tags, support information, or systems specifications.
Commonly removed stickers include ones promoting the Windows operating system (ie: "Designed for Windows XP" and "Windows Vista Capable"), as well as Intel and AMD CPU stickers. , If you rush it and try to pull the whole thing off at once, you run the risk of tearing the sticker or separating the glue backing. , Use your fingernails or a non-abrasive abrasive putty knife.
Be careful not to scratch or damage any plastic or aluminum surfaces in the process. , Try to pull it up using an angle between 45 and 90 degrees.
Never bend the sticker back further than a 90 degree angle, as this will promote the separation of the glue backing and printed material. , Some sticker residue may be rubbed off easily, while some require additional help.
As always, avoid scratching the surface.
First, try rubbing off the remaining residue by hand.
Many forms of glue, even when mixed with a little paper, will curl up onto itself when moved over a surface.
Second, if rubbing doesn't help, try using duct tape or other very sticky tape to remove the remaining residue.
Break or cut off a piece of tape, apply it to the surface, then remove it or, if possible, simply rub the sticky surface of the tape over the residue.
Repeat this until all of the residue has been removed, and attached to the tape instead.
Third, apply a small amount of cooking oil, such as canola or olive oils to the adhesive with a paper towel.
Allow the oil to sit on the adhesive for site 2-5 minutes.
The adhesive should now easily scrape off with your finger or a soft plastic tool.
Using window cleaner, such as Windex, and a clean paper towel clean the remaining oil and adhesive off.
Fourth, if all previous attempts fail, use chemicals.
A popular and extremely useful method is to use a citric-acid based cleaner such as "Goo-Gone".
These types of cleaners will not harm metal or harder plastics, but may dry the surface of softer plastics, leaving a white, frosted appearance.
Test this on a small, hidden area first.
Another liquid to try is alcohol (try spraying a small amount of your deodorant or perfume, if that is handy).
Aerosol furniture polish, like Old English, can be very effective.
Another is WD-40 which won't hurt the surface and can be cleaned off the computer's surface with a dish rag and a little soap. ,
About the Author
Carolyn Ellis
Creates helpful guides on organization to inspire and educate readers.
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