Home Garden

Removing Sticky Labels From Wood

Labels left on wood often leave behind a sticky residue that will collect dust and dirt over time. Commercial adhesive remover products are available to remove sticky labels, but they often cost a lot of money and you may never need to use the product again. Remove the labels carefully with in expensive household items without ruining the wood so that the item lasts for many years.

Things You'll Need

  • Dull butter knife
  • Fingernail polish remover or rubbing alcohol
  • Towel
  • Paper towels
  • Washcloth
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Instructions

  1. Adhesive Labels

    • 1

      Peel the label off the wood with your fingers or a dull butter knife.

    • 2

      Rub on the remaining adhesive with your fingers to remove it.

    • 3

      Remove any remaining adhesive by wiping it off with fingernail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.

    • 4

      Rinse the wood off with clean water. Dry the wood with a towel.

    Water-Soluble Labels

    • 5

      Peel as much of the label off the surface as possible with your fingers.

    • 6

      Soak paper towels and water and lay them over the surface to loosen the label. Most labels contain water-soluble glue that peels off easily.

    • 7

      Wipe the surface with a dry washcloth to remove the sticky label.