How to Get Sticker Residue Off of Glass

Is there anything more frustrating than having a beautiful jar, piece of décor, or windowpane marred by a sticker that just won’t come off? Holiday decor, privacy clings, or random stickers applied by little ones can leave a residue and a haze on your otherwise pristine glass. Traditional glass cleaners like Windex can help remove the residue, but sometimes, it seems that the more you scrub, the more it spreads.

Luckily, American Home Shield® has tips on how to get sticker residue off the glass, so you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing.

Note: Before using any of these methods on your windows, always check with the manufacturer. Windows may have coatings that can be damaged by certain substances or cleaning agents.

1. Isopropyl alcohol

Some of the best solutions are the ones that you already have at home. Because of its chemical makeup, common isopropyl alcohol can help dissolve the adhesive on the back of stickers. Simply splash some on a cleaning cloth or paper towel and rub the adhesive residue. After it soaks in, the residue should lift easily.

2. Vodka

If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, check the bar cart for vodka. Like rubbing alcohol, you can splash a little vodka on a cloth, let it soak in, and rub the adhesive away. Though it is more expensive than rubbing alcohol, it’s a great, easy solution.

3. Goo-Gone

Having a bottle of this in your cleaning arsenal can come in handy. Goo-Gone’s main de-gunking ingredient is d-limone, but it has other powerful citrus enzymes. Glass is one of the surfaces that Goo-Gone can be used on safely, and it even has a pleasant, citrusy scent. Follow the instructions on the product and apply it to the sticky residue—it should come off easily.

4. Homemade cleaning solution

If you prefer homemade, chemical-free cleaning supplies, try Pop Sugar’s Goo-Gone alternative. Mix two tablespoons of vegetable oil and three tablespoons of baking soda in a jar—you could also add some lemon juice to enhance the smell. Rub it on the sticky adhesive and watch it wipe away easily with a paper towel or cloth. This mixture doesn’t go bad, is gentle on surfaces, and doesn’t scratch.

5. Hot, soapy water

If you need to figure out how to get sticker residue off of glass jars, soak the items in a bucket filled with a solution of warm water and dish soap. (This method works best for small handheld items.) Let the jars soak for several minutes, then scrape away the adhesive.

6. Non-acetone nail polish remover

If nail polish can dissolve paint and nail glue, it’s not surprising that it can eat through sticker residue. Put some non-acetone nail polish on a paper towel or cotton ball and dab it on the sticker residue, ensuring it soaks the area. The gunk should start to dissolve. Wipe away any remaining residue with a rag or paper towel.

Make sure to apply nail polish remover only on glass and use it in a well-ventilated area.

7. White vinegar

White vinegar is the homemade cleaning solution MVP. Apply the vinegar to a rag and lay it over the sticker or residue for about five minutes. The residue should soften and be able to be scraped away easily.

8. Oil

Remember the vegetable oil from the homemade residue remover? If you don’t have baking soda to mix in, just use oil. Dab a paper towel or rag with any type of cooking oil and let it sit on the residue for a few minutes. Then, use a clean rag or another paper towel to remove the sticky substance.

Extra Tip: Try to use the smallest amount of oil possible because oil requires more work to clean off than the other methods.

9. Your Blow Dryer

When learning how to remove stickers from glass, sometimes all you need to do is apply heat. Point a blow dryer at the sticker for a couple of minutes. The heat will help the sticky adhesive separate from the glass, and it should peel away easily.

You can rely on American Home Shield ® for more than creative cleaning hacks like tips on how to get sticker residue off of glass. A home warranty can help protect your budget when your hardworking appliances and home systems break down from normal wear and tear. Explore home warranty plans to find the best plan for your household.

See the plan contract for coverage details, including service fees, limitations, and exclusions. Charges for non-covered items may apply. 

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.