this post was submitted on 13 Nov 2023
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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

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[โ€“] fireweed@lemmy.world 37 points 1 year ago (3 children)

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.

[โ€“] ColeSloth@discuss.tchncs.de 21 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Hand sanitizer works better, actually.

Also: OP; How dare you remove those stickers!

[โ€“] intensely_human@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It does, but because it evaporates so quickly, hand sanitizer normally works better.

[โ€“] IsoKiero@sopuli.xyz 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[โ€“] fireweed@lemmy.world 3 points 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.

Baby oil works wonders too, but if it's safe to do so I usually just crack into a bottle of 91%+ isopropyl.