If your sticker has been in place for more than a year, you may have to use water, alcohol, or another cleaning solution to remove the sticker or leftover adhesive.
If you use a putty knife or credit card, be careful not to scratch the laptop’s surface. Move the putty knife or card slowly instead of aggressively scraping, and try not to press it hard into the laptop surface. Be sure to use a plastic knife or card instead of a metal tool. Manufacturer stickers will be thicker and heavy duty, but they should come off with some effort.
Peeling fast and pulling the lifted edge too hard could tear the sticker or increase the chances of leaving behind residue. If the sticker comes off clean, you’re all set! If it left behind adhesive goo, don’t worry. There are plenty of tricks for getting rid of adhesive.
You’ll use water or another liquid to clean your laptop, and you don’t want to risk shocking yourself or damaging the computer.
Take care not to get moisture into any openings in the laptop. Damage due to liquids may not be covered in your warranty. For any cleaning project, it’s wise to start off with the gentlest method available. That way, there’s a lower risk that you’ll alter or damage the finish of the surface you’re cleaning.
When you’re finished, use the non-soapy parts of the wet cloth to wipe away any suds. Never pour dish soap, spray aerosols, or apply any other cleaning solution directly onto your laptop. Always apply a cleaner with a cloth.
If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, use a 1-to-1 mixture of white vinegar and warm water. Vodka would work well in a pinch, too![9] X Research source
Rubbing alcohol shouldn’t discolor or damage the plastic or aluminum used for laptop casings. However, check the area every 30 to 60 seconds to be safe.
If there’s any stickiness left over after using the duct tape, wipe it away with a cloth dipped in hot water or rubbing alcohol.
Rub the sticky area with the scrub pad gently. Nylon and melamine foam scrub pads are mildly abrasive, so be careful not to scratch the surface of your laptop.
Even if your computer is off and unplugged, you don’t want to risk overheating it or damaging its internal parts. Stick to a low or medium setting, and use it in 30-second intervals to avoid getting your laptop too hot. If you collect stickers, consider purchasing a display for them if you don’t want to stick them on your laptop or other items.
