How do I get a sticker off of my MacBook Pro?

[MacLover2011]

Does anyone have suggestions how to get a sticker off my MacBook Pro safely?

 

[IWT]

Hi and welcome.

Would one of these links help, do you think?

How can I remove stickers from the lid of my MacBook Pro?

I've got a MacBook Pro with Retina display and I've got a ton of stickers on it. Is there a method for removing the stickers from the back without damaging the finish and without leaving sticky res...

apple.stackexchange.com

Ian

 

[RadDave]

Does anyone have suggestions how to get a sticker off my MacBook Pro safely?

Hi - Ian has already given some links that I just reviewed and you may want to follow their advice. I've been removing 'obstinate' stickers for years (but not so far from computer surfaces, so be careful!) - my 'go to' items are shown below, i.e. some type of heat gun (mine is from Makita) and Goo Gone - again need to be cautious.

Now you've not told us 'where' the sticker is located nor its nature? Assume not on the screen - YIKES!

For a computer, I would probably use a hair dryer - the heat is less and gentler than the heat gun shown but the heat level can be greatly reduced. I would first try gentle heating and removal of what becomes loose (it can be amazing how a little heat can soften the adhesive); then, put a 'small amount' of the Goo Gone on a non-abrasive rag (or even a micro-fiber cloth to wipe computer screens) and do some rubbing. Again, I've not done this on a computer case surface but has worked on other labels for me over the years. Be very careful and good luck. Dave

.

 

[Rod]

When it comes to the gooey residue remaining after removal of a sticker the thing you need is oil. Most glues are oil based. It doesnt matter too much what oil, citrus oil or machine oil but you will need to use is sparingly then a detergent to remove the oil, dishwashing liquid usually works. It's a slow painful procedure I'm afraid.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Be VERY careful of applying heat to the top case with the LCD. If you get aggressive with it, you're going to damage the LCD.

 

[pm-r]

Does anyone have suggestions how to get a sticker off my MacBook Pro safely?

As Rod already mentioned...

And believe it or not, rubbing the sticker with butter usually works.

Just be patient and keep rubbing. The remaining butter residue is easily removed.

Avoid using any harsh solvents such as acetone or nail polish remover.


- Patrick
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[ukitconsultant]

When I've had to remove stickers and other sticky things from MacBooks in the past, I've found that using some 99% IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) works, just a very small amount under the sticker, and a little bit of pulling on the sticker and it tends to work really well. Takes a few minutes, but seems really worth it.

Failing that, goo gone is my next step in the process. That thing can work miracles, but the device will require a good cleanup afterwards.

 

[badshoehabit]

WD40 is effective

 

[pm-r]

WD40 is effective

Ahh yes, I keep forgetting, that is one of the the wonders and one of the multiple uses of WD-40, but it's not really designed or recommended to be used as a lubricant as so many suggest. I just thought I should mention that little fact.

- Patrick
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[MacLover2011]

Thanks for your replies.

How about using water?

 

[MacInWin]

How about using water?

No. Just. Say. No. Water and electronics is a terrible mix, plus water is unlikely to work on the glue used on stickers. The suggestion for Goo Gone is the best. Or any similar product using very little and going slowly. The GG dissolves the gummy glue. Once you have all of the gummy stuff off, you can use a very sparingly damp cloth to clean off the GooGone that is left. Then wipe it with a dry cloth and you should be good to go. No scrapes, no overheating, no liquid inside.

 

[pm-r]

The GG dissolves the gummy glue. Once you have all of the gummy stuff off, you can use a very sparingly damp cloth to clean off the GooGone that is left.

If there is still any amount of gummy glue left, a small amount of butter or olive oil rubbed into the clue and then wiped off can do an amazing cleaning job and sticky gum removal.


EDIT:
Opps, my apology to Rod who had already mentioned using oil in his #4 post above.



- Patrick
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[Kishwaukee]

When it comes to the gooey residue remaining after removal of a sticker the thing you need is oil. Most glues are oil based. It doesnt matter too much what oil, citrus oil or machine oil but you will need to use is sparingly then a detergent to remove the oil, dishwashing liquid usually works. It's a slow painful procedure I'm afraid.

Baby oil- works on bubble gum in kids’ hair… no damage. Its just mineral oil that smells good…

 

[sllewk]

Hello Ian, Keith here. You might try WD40, yes it does work but you must be careful and work slowly, it can be absolute magic stuff for removing sticker residue after removing a label. Apply, leave a minute or two then rub gently. I hope it works for you.
Very best regards from Keith in Derby.

 

[pm-r]

Hello Ian, Keith here. You might try WD40, yes it does work but you must be careful and work slowly,

Well, I would think several of Ian's suggestions and links could have aided the OP's question, especially considering he was inquiring about the problem with their post 6 months ago.

And yes WD-40 is an alternate choice that works for that and many other things but it is not a true lubricant as many people misunderstand and believe that they think it is.




- Patrick
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[Rod]

I believe WD40 is fish oil.

 

[pm-r]

I believe WD40 is fish oil.

Actually, I believe you are partially correct in that it is derived from fish oil.



- Patrick
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[MacInWin]

I believe WD40 is fish oil.

Actually, I believe you are partially correct in that it is derived from fish oil.



- Patrick
=======

Well, according to the WD40 company, that is a myth.

Well, I would think several of Ian's suggestions and links could have aided the OP's question, especially considering he was inquiring about the problem with their post 6 months ago.

And yes WD-40 is an alternate choice that works for that and many other things but it is not a true lubricant as many people misunderstand and believe that they think it is.




- Patrick
=======

They also point out that WD-40 is, indeed, a lubricant.

Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.

Fact: Consumers have told us over the years that they have caught some of the biggest fish ever after protecting their fish hooks and lures with WD-40 Multi-Use Product . We believe this legend came from folks assuming that the product must contain fish oil since it appears to attract fish. Sorry Charlie®, it just ain’t so.

All that can be read here, with more Myth/Fact statements:

WD-40 Myths & Fun Facts | Facts About WD-40 Products | WD-40

There are many myths and fun facts about WD-40 uses and history. Learn more about WD-40 and how millions have used it as a lubricant, engine degreaser, rust removal product, corrosion inhibitor and more. Find out more about creative and effective uses of WD-40 at our official website.

www.wd40.com

 

[Jimmysb]

At one one time WD 40 was indeed a water repentant, however with 36 products you need to choose the correct one for the job. The original WD 40 was based around Acetone, which is hygroscopic, but things have moved on.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

At one one time WD 40 was indeed a water repentant, however with 36 products you need to choose the correct one for the job. The original WD 40 was based around Acetone, which is hygroscopic, but things have moved on.

I worked at a skateboard shop years and years ago, and it was very common to see kids coming in who had been using WD40 to rejuvenate their wheel bearings. Grit would work its way inside the bearings as the grease leaked out over time, and eventually the bearings would seize up. The problem with using WD40 for this? It was extremely corrosive to skateboard wheels, and the bearings wouldn't seat inside the wheel after much use of this stuff. Saw this all the time. We sold a silicone-based lubricant that was much better suited.