Hi, I got a used laptop from an family member. It did have this this annoying sticker on it (see picture). Apparently for years already.

So, how can I remove it without scratching the metal body or leaving residue behind?

Edit: Having some problems with picture upload, but here’s a similar photo for reference: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jDV7-ehqF38/maxresdefault.jpg

  • fireweed@lemmy.world
    37·
    1 year ago

    You don’t need a specialized product (like Goo Gone several comments mention) to remove sticky residue. Any kind of cooking oil will do. I usually use a small dab of whatever is on hand (which in my house is olive oil, but avocado, canola, corn, etc would also be fine). Start with a very small amount, like one drop: a little can go a long way and it can be a huge mess if you overestimate how much you need. Rub it in with your finger and the gunk should come right up. Paper towel the rest off. Repeat if necessary. Extra bad spots might require a touch of gentle fingernail action.

    • IsoKiero@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      4·
      1 year ago

      Almost any kind of grease will work. Moisturising cream, oil, butter, engine oil and so on. It’ll soften the glue and whatever residue your chemical leaves behind can be wiped off with hand sanitizer or a drop of soap. The trick, as you mention, is to use way less than what you think you’ll need to avoid mess.

      • fireweed@lemmy.world
        41·
        1 year ago

        Yup any oil works in my experience but I’ve found cooking oil to be the least messy, hence that specific suggestion. But in a pinch any kind of greasy substance will do.

  • Scrubbles@poptalk.scrubbles.techEnglish
    17·
    1 year ago

    I think you forgot to add the picture :(

    But, I assume it’s one of those super annoying ones. I’d say carefully peel all you can, then Goo Gone is your friend :)

  • pr06lefs@lemmy.ml
    10·
    1 year ago

    I’d just peel it off and maybe rub it with my finger to get rid of leftover adhesive.

  • HejMedDig@feddit.dk
    9·
    1 year ago

    I just use my nails to get it off, and most of the time, I manage to get most of the glue off by reapplying the sticker and peel it off again a few times

  • foggy@lemmy.world
    9·
    1 year ago

    Heat. Not a lot. But heat. Line a blow dryer.

    Then an exacto knife to separate the adhesive from the plastic/metal.

    Then googone to clean.

    Then alcohol wipes to finish.

    • Zikeji@programming.devEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      A heat gun is also inexpensive and very useful. 3M mount you need to remove (and/or reuse)? Heat gun. Sticker? Heat gun. Frazzled threads on clothes? Heat gun. No time to properly blow dry? Heat gun! (the last one is a joke, don’t do that).

      • intensely_human@lemm.ee
        2·
        1 year ago

        Also the most satisfying thing is putting plastic over windows to winterize and erasing all the wrinkles with the heat gun.

      • ThoGot@lemm.ee
        2·
        1 year ago

        I find wd40 also works well for removing grease

        That’s what it’s made for after all

  • Teknikal@lemm.eeEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    I’d use ipa to break down the glue or at a pinch some hand sanitiser and a cloth to get rid of stickers.

  • peto (he/him)@lemm.eeEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    A plastic ice scraper will help get the bulk off, then you can get a variety of solvents for removing any residue. If it is metal then it should be fine with most solvents but check the instructions and do a test patch somewhere discreet to be sure.

  • Fondots@lemmy.world
    31·
    1 year ago

    If you’re careful and can’t just get it off with your fingernails, a razor blade is young best friend for scraping off stickers, if you’re less careful they sell plastic razor blades for scraping stuff that also work pretty well.

    For residue, goo gone, cooking oil, isopropyl alcohol, lighter fluid, or just some soap and water if you’re careful. Or just let the residue wear off on its own if you’re lazy.