How to remove stickers from wooden furniture: tips for parents

Whether it's a simple price tag or a child's artwork, stickers of all shapes and sizes are difficult to remove from most surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide will loosen stubborn stickers on plastic, an iron will help remove sticky residue on clothing, and nail polish remover can remove the adhesive layer from glass decorative items. However, wooden surfaces often cause problems.

Popular products and a hard sponge can damage the wood. Experts tell us how to remove stickers from such furniture and get rid of the marks.

Is it possible to use a hair dryer

It all depends on the type of wood. You can gently rub the sticker with a washcloth dipped in a solution of warm water and soap. If you're dealing with an expensive or antique piece, you'll want to pay more attention to it so as not to damage the surface. Experts advise using a hair dryer. The heat it radiates will melt the glue and help you instantly peel it off without leaving any traces. However, there are two nuances. First, the temperature should not be too high. Secondly, under no circumstances should you use a hair dryer on a lacquer finish.

When you have determined that it is safe to heat the surface, simply turn on the hair dryer to the lowest setting and aim it at the sticker.

• Keep the appliance at least 5 cm away from the surface and move it constantly to make sure you don't overheat the area.
• The movement should be done at 30-second intervals.
• Try to gently lift the corner of the sticker after each half-minute pass. Then slowly slide the plastic scraper under the sticker to remove it completely.
• Dampen a cloth with warm water and soap and wipe off any adhesive residue.

Do not use abrasive materials, such as sandpaper or steel wool, as this will irreversibly damage the wood.

Other ways to remove stickers from wooden surfaces

If you're not sure if a wooden surface can be treated with direct heat, you can try a few other methods.

White vinegar can help – its acidity neutralizes the glue.

• Soak a paper towel or cloth in vinegar and then leave it on the sticker for about 30 minutes. Using a sponge or cloth, rub the sticker in a circular motion.

• Wash off the residue with warm water and soap.
• Do not use this method on painted or treated wood, as vinegar can damage the surface.

You can also add a few drops of vegetable oil to the sticker for two hours, which will allow you to scrape it off easily. However, keep in mind that oil can darken untreated light wood. Alternatively, experts advise covering the sticker with a thick layer of petroleum jelly for eight hours or a few drops of WD-40 or baby oil for two hours. Then use a plastic scraper to lift the sticker, removing the sticky residue with warm water and soap.

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