For the time being, bathtub decals are an effective fall prevention tool. However, they will inevitably get shabby or out of date, necessitating their removal. Sadly, once the novelty wears off, the adhesive remains.
Bathtub decals are also useful as a means of entertainment for children and as a means of decoration. When it’s time to take them out, it’s not nearly as much fun.
Decals that are no longer wanted can be removed from the bathtub. To get rid of them, use one of the numerous approaches.
As you’ll learn as you continue reading, some of these sticker residue removal techniques call for the use of vinegar, alcohol, and other standard bathtub cleaning ingredients.
7 Tips to Remove Old Bathtub Sticker Residue
Apply Vinegar On Sticker Residue
With a little distilled white vinegar, you can safely get a hold of bathtub appliques. Microwave 15 seconds with a half cup of vinegar. Allow the acid to permeate and remove the glue by soaking a cloth in vinegar and placing it over the decal for 10 minutes.
The bathtub sticker should come off easily after it’s been properly wet. After that, give the tub a good scrub and let it air dry.
Let’s break it down step by step.
- Heat Up Vinegar: Microwave the vinegar until it’s hot. Fill a jar with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar. Heat it in the microwave for about a minute, depending on your microwave. Heating vinegar becomes effective at removing the bathtub decal.
- Fill Hot Vinegar In A Container: Fill a spray bottle or other container with the hot vinegar. You can use any heavy-duty container to store it.
- Apply On Decal: Apply the Vinegar using a paper towel, paintbrush, or sponge to the decal’s adhesive side. Lightly coat the decal with vinegar, allowing it to soak into and around the decal’s edges for atleast 10 minutes.
- Wipe & Clean: Wipe & clean the decal with a paper towel after soaked with vinegar. Then, attempt to remove the decal from the bathtub by peeling or scraping it. If the decal won’t come off, use a box cutter or razor blade. Remember, applying excessive force can leave marks.
- Get Rid of Residue: Remove sticker residue by cleaning it off with water and soap solution until any sticker residue are left. To do this, Take a rag and dissolve it with water and soap solution, then start moving it back and forth on the sticker residue.
Rubbing Alcohol or Vodka Can Work Too
Rubbing alcohol is an efficient solvent for removing sticker residue from most surfaces, including your bathtub. If you don’t have gin on hand, vodka will do.
Rub alcohol on a paper towel or clean rag and use a cotton swab to remove any remaining residue. Sticker residue can be loosened by applying an alcohol-soaked rag to the affected area and allowing it to settle for a few minutes.
Rub away any lingering gunk with the damp rag. Try removing the decal by peeling it off with a putty knife. If that doesn’t work, try removing it with a tool like a paint chipper. If the sticker does not come off fully the first time, use more alcohol and let it sit for a few more minutes.
It’ll be best if the surface dries rapidly.
After removing the decay, use rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining stickiness. Also, the smell of alcohol or vodka can remain for some time. To get rid of it quickly, wash with soap and water. However, the smell goes away on its own with time.
Application of a Hairdryer
Caution: Before using the hairdryer, make sure the bathtub and surrounding area are completely dry to avoid electrocution.
In the bathroom, you’ll find useful tools for removing sticker residue. Pointing a hairdryer towards the sticker residue can remove the glue.
The aluminum foil must be used to protect the decal. You can utilize the aluminum foil that you have in your kitchen. Use tape or your hand to hold the decal in place.
Once you apply a hairdryer to the decal, the foil will help it warm up faster than if you left it uncovered since it reflects thermal energy into the object it covers.
A blow-dryer of any kind will do the job. Connect the hairdryer to the nearest power outlet by plugging it in the other end.
Set the hairdryer to high heat until the sticker is pliable. This will most likely take a few seconds to complete. The sticker should be pliable when it has dried completely.
Begin by pulling up and softly peeling back one end of the sticker at a time.
The sticker may be difficult to remove and will eventually tear. If this occurs, slowly work your way towards the center of the decal by lifting the edges with your fingers.
Repeat this process until the sticker has been removed completely.
If the sticker is obstinate, you may have to scrape it off with a knife. Use a plastic ice scraper to remove the sticker’s remnants from the edges and stuck-on areas.
Continue scraping until the decal is completely removed.
Use Canola and Olive Oil
Sticker removal is a cinch using canola or olive oil. Cooking oil can be used to soften bathtub sticker residue. Leave only what you need to keep it clean.
You can use a plastic scraper or a plastic knife to do this. Using a clean rag and massaging the area may also work. Wipe away any remaining oil after removing the sticker residue.
Take Help of Commercial Cleaners
Sticker residue can be removed with commercial products like Goo Gone. Goo Gone has a wide range of goods. To get rid of the decal, try using the Original Goo Gone.
Alternatively, you can buy the Goo Gone Sticker Lifter or get it as a spray gel. The two items aren’t the same, yet they accomplish the same thing.
Home Remedy: Add one part vegetable oil to two parts baking soda to produce your own Goo Gone home. Empty the contents into a bowl or jar and store them in the refrigerator.
Let’s see how to apply Goo Gone to remove bathtub sticker residue:
- Use a rag or paper towel to apply the Goo Gone to the decal. Alternatively, spritz the decal with the adhesive and spread it evenly with a paper towel. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of products to completely cover the sticker.
- After applying Goo Gone, let the decal sit for around 4 or 5 minutes before removing it. At this point, the decal should be free to move about.
- After that, remove the decal from the bathtub using a plastic ice scraper or a similar item. Work your way inward from the outer edges to the center. You can use the scraper to remove the decal until all of it is gone.
- To get rid of any remaining Goo Gone, use hot, soapy water and a sponge or towel to remove any buildup. You won’t find any sticker residue after this.
Use WD-40 Lubricant Spray
There are numerous household uses for the WD-40 lubricant spray, one of which is removing sticker residue. After you remove the sticker, you could find that there is still some sticky residue left behind.
Wipe the sticky area clean with a rag or paper towel after spraying WD-40 on it. Make sure there is no adhesive residue left on the bathtub surface by giving it a thorough scrub.
WD-40 leaves an oily residue, so wash the area where the decal was before attempting to remove it. Even if you decided to eliminate the stickiness with vinegar, you need still to wash the surface. Use a rag and warm soapy water to clean the surface.
Set a timer for 30 minutes and let it air dry.
Recommended: Guide to Remove Sticker & Sticker Stains Using WD-40
Use of Hot Water
Immerse the object (if possible) for a short period in hot water with a few drops of liquid detergent until the residue melts. Use a plastic scraper or your fingers to remove the muck. Sticker residue cannot be removed as well with cold water as hot water.
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