The Best Sticker Removers

Goo Gone Original Liquid

Get up and goo

This cleaner is perfect for large-scale messes when regular soaps come up short.

Best Overall

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Goo Gone’s Original Liquid is the best insurance policy to have on hand for countless messes around the house. If your hobbies or profession revolve around sticky supplies or you have artistic children that get carried away from time to time, this product restores floors and fabrics to their former glory. Goo Gone’s concoction dries quickly and cleans thoroughly through stickers, crayons, tar, and much more. When you don’t need industrial-sized surface cleaners but wouldn’t mind a little extra muscle, Goo Gone powers through your toughest messes with ease.

Pros:

• It leaves an enjoyable citrus smell
• Works on glass finished wood, stone, and metal
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Goo Gone will damage leather, suede, and rubber surfaces

Un-Du Original Formula Sticker Remover

Peel away your problems

For spills that stick, this option can give you like-new results with ease.

Runner Up

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If you’re looking for a precise product capable of removing years-old buildup on everything from fabric to paper products, say goodbye to goo with Un-Du. Their Orginal Formula sticker remover comes in a handheld container featuring a liquid solution perfect for smaller sections of stickers or adhesive. The pointed tip is ideal for applying small quantities directly to messy surfaces. While you’ll want a steady hand to conserve this liquid gold, Un-Du evaporates quickly without a need to mop up the excess with a towel. With the help of Un-Du, some precision tweezers, and a little bit of patience, pesky stickers will plague your possessions no more.

Pros:

• The acid-free composition is safer than some comparable removers
• Integrated scraped included with purchase
• Won’t harm leather

Cons:

• Cannot purchase in California

Scotty Peeler Label and Sticker Remover

Scrape the slime

If you'd prefer to stay away from harsh chemicals, this scraper stays sharp to stand up to sticky situations on any surface.

Best Manual Tool

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Scotty Peeler’s amazing adhesive remover is free of all chemicals, and its durable design can last for years without blunting. While most bond breakers rely on chemistry to dissolve unions between your possessions and unpleasant putties, the Label and Sticker Remover requires a bit more physical involvement for success. This device comes in packs of two or four, and because the self-coating sheath preserves the blade’s integrity, this set is excellent as a long-lasting gift. Each of the blade’s three sides is shaped to get under even years-old plastic and swiftly remove the stick. With its comfortable handle, universal appeal, and unlimited shelf life, this manual device won’t get fused to its cap with improper seals or make you lightheaded.

Pros:

• Ergonomic grip for superior leverage
• Built from rust-proof stainless steel
• Safe on glass surfaces

Cons:

• Larger adhesive areas will take a long time to scrape

Goo Gone on the Go Pen

The global goo eliminator

If persistent glue has got you feeling glum, reach for this pocket-sized protection to alleviate accidents instantly.

Best Portable

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Goo Gone’s portable pen uses pinpoint power to eliminate crusty buildup from tons of glues and gums. When considering what adhesive remover to choose, it’s quicker to review the surfaces you don’t need it for versus the ones you do. Aside from silk, leather, rubber, suede, and unfinished stone, wood, and drywall, Goo Gone will work quickly to revitalize old keepsakes and stained favorites alike. This award-winning formula is made in the USA, meaning you can enjoy added peace of mind regarding safety standards and don’t need to worry about excessive cleanup. We love the marker-style opening, and we’re sure anyone who’s been frustrated by sealed caps in the past will love it too.

Pros:

• Extremely easy to use and lightweight
• An excellent value for the price
• Top choice for removing gum from shoes on the go

Cons:

• It may not work as quickly on metal surfaces

Goof Off Gunk and Adhesive Remover

Spray without delay

This adhesive-removal spray keeps apparel and appliances free from persistent adhesives across wide surfaces.

Best Spray Form

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Larger messes caused by crayon misadventures or more industrial incidents are no match for Goof Off’s Gunk Remover. Goof Off excels at tackling surfaces such as cabinets and walls where long strips of tape can leave an unsightly residue that won’t budge with traditional cleaning supplies. The wide-mount spray nozzle applies this solvent quickly and evenly without the risk of spilling surplus gel. What really makes Goof Off stand out above the rest is its citrus-based formulation. While most adhesive removers envelop their blend in an orange scent, this liquid utilizes citrus terpenes and alcohol for a less-caustic clean. If you’re health-conscious and in a sticky situation, this blend penetrates deep to break down buildup wherever it lies.

Pros:

• Generous 12-ounce bottle
• No dilution or prep work required before use

Cons:

• Tougher adhesives will require some elbow grease

Frequently Asked Questions

How do adhesive removers work?

Adhesive removers have a similar composition to another invaluable home repair concoction: paint thinners. Since glue is essentially translucent paint, the chemicals work in a nearly identical fashion. This product can vary from toxic solvent-based blends or safer citric acid- and soy-based solutions. Regardless, all adhesive removers must sever the chemical bonds of glues and paint to be truly effective.

Are adhesive removers safe?

Not all adhesive removers are safe in confined spaces, and most should not contact the skin. Many thinners use caustic solvents to break the most durable adhesive molecules down, leaving a strong chemical residue in its wake. While more natural alternatives based on soy and citric acid exist, even these formulas will cause dangerous side effects if consumed or exposed to sensitive skin. Hand and eye protection, in addition to constant ventilation, are necessary when working with solutions of this type, and you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.