5 Ways to Unstick Bumper Stickers

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Bumper stickers tell the world about our political leanings, what bands we love, and how well our kids are doing in school. Removing those suckers is a nasty job, however, when our band flops, politician goes rogue or child flunks out of school.

Fortunately, bumper stickers are more easily removed in warm weather, which is also the same time we're more likely to home-wash our cars. The next time you get out the hose and bucket, try one of these five techniques to remove those outdated decals.k

1. Boiling Water

Process

1. Wet a rag in boiling water.
2. Alternately, pour boiling water repeatedly over sticker.
3. Soak for one minute or more.
4. Begin pealing sticker at corner.
5. Repeat if sticker is stubborn.
6. If you still have no luck, move on to No. 2: Natural Agents

Pros

• Requires little equipment or preparation.
• Won't damage paint or other surfaces.

Con

• Not highly effective on sun-baked stickers.

2. Natural Agents

Process 1

1. In a spray bottle mix three-parts water, two teaspoons rubbing alcohol, and one part eucalyptus oil, alcohol solution or dish soap.
2. Generously spray the sticker.
3. Soak for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove as much of the sticker as possible, peeling back from a corner.
5. If necessary, reapply solution, soak and peel until entire sticker is removed.

Process 2

1. Soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the bumper sticker.
2. Soak three to five minutes.
3. Peel off sticker from edges.
4. Rub vinegar over the area to remove sticky residue.

Pros

• All natural ingredients and processes.
• Prepares surface for a new sticker.

Cons

• Doesn’t penetrate some surfaces.
• Sometimes must perforate the surface so the cleaning agent can get under the sticker.

3. WD40 or Lighter Fluid

Process

1. Pour a bit of WD40 or lighter fluid on a cloth.
2. Rub on the edges of the sticker.
3. Start to peel off a corner of the sticker with your fingers, a rubber spatula or old credit card.
4. Do not use a razor blade as it can scratch surfaces.
5. Wipe residue with a soft, lint-free rag dampened with rubbing alcohol.
6. If area under sticker is discolored, buff with a polishing compound and a fresh coat of wax.

Pros

• Equipment is readily available.
• Can be quite effective.

Cons

• Messy and smelly.
• Fairly time consuming.
• Potential adverse skin re-action.
• Can't smoke during the process.

4. Blow Dryer

Process

1. Heat entire surface on blow dryer's low setting for 30 seconds or more.
2. Hold dryer at least six inches from surface.
3. Avoid high heat, which can cause paint to chip.
4. Start to peel off a corner of the sticker while continuing to apply heat.
5. Gently scrape off the sticker using a rubber spatula or a putty knife blade wrapped in duct tape.
6. Do not use a razor blade as it can scratch surfaces.
7. Wipe residue with a soft, lint-free rag dampened with rubbing alcohol.
8. Buff with a polishing compound and a fresh coat of wax.

Pros

• Works well on steel, glass and some painted surfaces.
• Suitable for small to medium-sized areas.

Cons

• Won't remove all residue or goo.
• Requires a looong extension cord.
• It's a fairly tedious and time-consuming process.

5. Goo Gone

Process

1. Use Kmart coupons to save on Goo Gone, a supplement to other removal methods.
2. Perforate the decal surface so the chemical can break down the adhesive.
3. Apply directly to entire surface.
4. Allow remover to soak in for several minutes
5. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe clean.
6. Wash area with soap.

Pros

• Best suited for removing adhesive after you've removed the sticker.
• Works by chemically breaking down adhesive with a minimum of fuss.
• I sweat by this product. It's amazing!

Cons

• Some possibility of skin irritation.
• Expensive but lasts forever, unless you have an incredible amount of goo around your house.

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Photo by: Peter Samis