Are you ready to upgrade your laptop with some awesome new laptop stickers? But wait! What about all the ones currently stuck to it? Perhaps they've been on there for years. What's a person to do? Putting the stickers on was the easy part. Taking them off… not so much. Don't worry. We've got you covered with four easy strategies that will show you how to remove stickers from laptop covers.

Tips for Safely Removing Stickers From Laptops

When it comes to the safe removal of stickers from laptops, it's essential to take some precautions so you don't end up ruining your laptop in the process.

Unplug Your Device

First things first, unplug your device! This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's easy to overlook, especially if you're not paying attention to the safety aspect of sticker removal. Just like you turn off a car before getting gas (or you should be), or unplugging a hairdryer after you're done using it, you should unplug your laptop to keep things safe and happy.

Don't Use Too Much Liquid

Electronics and liquid typically don't mix very well. Have you ever dropped your phone into the toilet or a lake? Hopefully not! When you're figuring out how to remove stickers from laptops, keep in mind that you shouldn't use too much liquid.

When you are using liquids, do your best to prevent any of it from getting into any nooks and crannies because your laptop won't be too happy about it — and likely, neither will you.

spray bottle next to laptop with stickers

Don't Spray Cleaners Directly Onto Laptop

While too much liquid is a no-go, so is directly spraying cleaners onto your laptop. This would defeat the idea of keeping liquid out of the nooks and crannies specified in the previous safety tip. Instead, spray onto a cloth first and then apply onto the sticker you are trying to remove.

Take Your Time

If you're in a hurry, it might not be the time to learn how to get sticker residue off plastic. When you're removing stickers from your laptop, you want to take your time to ensure you're doing a good job, not damaging the laptop cover or the laptop itself.

How to Remove Laptop Stickers With Soap

bar of soap next to laptop with stickers

You might be shocked to know that you can use soap to remove stickers from a laptop. Say what? This is where "don't use too much liquid" is critical. Yes, you can use soap, but you're not pouring soap and water all over your computer. To ensure the safety of your laptop, prepare a soft, lint-free, microfiber cloth away from the computer. Then bring it over when you're ready to start the process.

Step 1: If possible, peel away the sticker from the laptop. It's ok if there is a sticky residue left behind. The soap will take care of that. If it doesn't peel up, you can rub the hot cloth over the sticker in tight circular motions to help soften up the glue of the sticker.

Step 2: When you're ready to remove the gunky residue, use those same tight, circular motions to help lift it away.

Step 3: Use the non-soapy part of the cloth to "rinse" it and remove the soap residue. Then use a completely dry microfiber cloth to soak up any additional moisture on the cover.

When using soap and water — or any liquids for that matter — it's essential that you don't get the liquid into any cracks or openings in the laptop. Most laptops aren't covered for liquid damage unless that warranty is specifically purchased. Always start with the most non-invasive methods of sticker removal first.

How to Remove Laptop Stickers With Oil

bottle of oil next to laptop with stickers

Oil is another method you can use to help remove stickers from your laptop. When using an oil-based removal method, make sure that you don't get it into any openings or cracks to prevent damage. It's also a good idea to wipe the area immediately after removal, so there isn't discoloration or damage to the laptop.

Step 1: Apply a small amount of oil — olive oil, mineral oil, tea tree oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or the like — to a dry, clean microfiber cloth. And then apply that directly to the sticker. The oil helps soften the adhesive of the sticker making it easier to scrape off.

Step 2: Allow the sticker to soak up the substance. This will be easier for uncoated stickers. If you're dealing with plastic and waterproof stickers, allow the oil to penetrate the sticker's edges for a few minutes to help soften it, being careful not to get it into any nooks in the laptop itself.

Step 3: Peel off the sticker or use a card to carefully scrape it off after it's softened. Immediately wipe down the area with a clean, dry cloth. The oil residue from the sticker will help remove any leftover adhesive.

Oil can be an effective way to get that gunk off your laptop. Just be sure you clean it up well afterward to keep the laptop safe from any issues due to exposure to the chemicals.

rubbing alcohol next to laptop with stickers

If you're dealing with stubborn residue left behind by your sticker, rubbing alcohol is another option for helping lift that gunk. It can also help soften up the adhesive, so you can peel it off. Be careful to clean the surface once the sticker is removed. Rubbing alcohol shouldn't damage the computer or discolor it, but prolonged exposure might not be the best thing for an electronic.

Step 1: Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the corner of a dry microfiber cloth. You don't want it dripping or saturated, as the liquid could get into any openings in your laptop and wreak havoc.

Step 2: Use small, circular motions to help loosen the adhesive of an existing sticker. You can run the cloth around the edges of the sticker to help it get underneath, taking care not to get it into any openings. If the residue or sticker is particularly stubborn, you can leave the cloth on it for 2-3 minutes, checking every minute or so to make sure all is still well under there.

Step 3: Peel the sticker off and wipe away the residue to reveal a clean laptop surface. Be sure to clean the surface afterward with a clean cloth that is slightly moistened with water to remove any alcohol residue, and then dry it off.
Now you're ready to add some new stickers!

How to Remove Laptop Stickers With Heat

blow dryer next to laptop with stickers

Heat is a neat way to remove laptop stickers. Typically, it doesn't even leave behind any residue or leftover pieces of a sticker. It's a quick and effective solution, but you should take great care because too much heat can damage your laptop.

Step 1: Grab a hairdryer. You want it set to the lowest setting. If it still puts off an uncomfortable amount of heat, you'll have to be mindful about how long you direct it towards the sticker.

Step 2: Point the hairdryer directly at the sticker you're trying to remove. You don't want to hold it there for too long, maybe 30-45 seconds per pass, unless your hairdryer is exceptionally warm, and then reduce the time per pass even more. You don't want the laptop to get too hot.

Step 3: After a couple of passes, it should be a cinch to remove those stickers, residue-free. If they don't want to come up at first, you can use a fingernail or credit card to help get up under the edge of them, and then it should be easy to peel them off.

A hairdryer is a quick and easy way to get stickers off your laptop so you can get organized and ready for the next set that will take their place!

How to Remove Sticker Residue From Laptops

If you've removed your stickers, you might have some gunky residue left behind — and no one wants that! Let's go over the methods we've discussed on how to remove sticker residue so you can get your laptop as good as new in no time at all.

You can use different liquids like a dash of dish soap or a drop of olive oil on a hot, damp microfiber cloth. You don't want too much liquid, or you'll risk damaging your laptop. Use these methods to help loosen the leftover adhesive and then wipe it away.

Whichever method of residue removal you use, make sure to wipe the area clean afterward to ensure it is free from any leftover soap or chemicals that could cause damage if left on too long.

Now that you've figured out how to remove stickers from laptop exteriors, it's time to shop for some new trendy stickers that get you excited. Next up, maybe you'll want to learn about other ways to decorate with our awesome stickers and accessories. For inspiration, check out dorm room decorating ideas here.

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