Cleaning effectively means picking the right tool for the job. General cleaners will be good most of the time, but stickers and adhesive can leave behind a nasty residue that is very hard to remove.
So will PB Blaster remove stickers?
PB Blaster is not suited to removing stickers or adhesives and you should look at getting an adhesive remover. These are cleaning products that use either citrus or solvent-based fluids to break down glues and adhesives for easy removal.
I’ll take you through effective methods to remove sticky residue or glue using cleaning products and household remedies.
We’ll also look at the best way to remove stubborn glue from a variety of surfaces as well as make the object clean and odor-free for use afterwards.
Will PB Blaster Remove Stickers and Glue?
PB Blaster is primarily used to help lubricate rusted or corroded parts and not to clean up stickers.
PB Blaster is a penetrating oil which is a type of oil with low viscosity. This low viscosity helps the oil and lubricant penetrate into the smallest gaps and spaces.
PB Blaster’s surface tension and product makeup make it volatile and it will leave behind a film of lubricant. None of these qualities are particularly useful for removing glue.
What Are Substitutes Instead Of Adhesive Remover?
The common methods that products use to try and remove glue or sticker residue are citrus-based or solvent-based mixtures and denatured alcohol.
Citrus-based removers
Citrus-based mixtures can help dissolve and clean up dirt, grease, and sticker adhesive. They generally do not contain harsh chemicals like chlorine.
The added advantage is that the smell of such products can range from tolerable to quite pleasant. This means after cleaning that no additional steps are needed to remove strong odors.
One of the most popular and well-rated products in this area is 3M’s Adhesive Remover. This citrus-based cleaner can be ordered in 18.5 fluid ounce cans for spray application.
Solvent-based removers
Solvent-based adhesive removers are likely going to be containing much harsher chemicals but will have strong cleaning power.
Look for keywords like heavy-duty to find these types of products. One notable example is Goof Off’s Household Heavy Duty Remover that comes in a spray bottle.
Another common household chemical that contains solvents is nail polish. Acetone can help remove sticky residue or labels off a variety of surfaces.
Solvent-based cleaners can be destructive to the wrong material. Make sure you check the bottle for listings of surfaces that it may destroy, this is commonly rubber and delicate fabrics.
Generally, you will spray the cleaner on and leave for a few minutes before wiping away with paper towels. Make sure any excess cleaner is also mopped up, and reapply to the sticker residue and try again if there are still some stubborn pieces remaining.
Denatured Alcohol
Also known as ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol is a strong solvent. You want to look for at least 90% strength. There are specialty cleaning versions and they may be branded as methylated spirits.
Direct application of the denatured alcohol to the area followed by wiping down afterward with paper towels will clean up any excess as the rest should evaporate.
It’s best to wear gloves and avoid getting these products on your skin.
How Do You Remove Sticky Adhesive Residue?
First, the area should be washed with a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar. This may help swell up dried areas, allowing them to be removed. White vinegar contains acetic acid which will help remove dirt and debris.
You should then use a scraper such as DEKEones’ Plastic Razor Blade Scraper that you can get on Amazon. This will remove glue and sticker residue but won’t scratch the surface.
- If you’re still unable to get all the residue off, it’s time to try out either a citrus-based or solvent-based adhesive remover.
Check the compatibility of your selected cleaner with the surface you’re dealing with. Plastics may not react well with strong chemical cleaners. Painted surfaces may have their finish ruined or thinned due to strong solvents.
Metals can be cleaned effectively with brake cleaner or degreaser for the removal of tough grease or sticky residue.
Isopropyl alcohol works particularly well to remove glue from metal, even hardened glue. Rub with a rag to remove excess product to reduce any odors.
Glass is best cleaned using a citrus-based cleaner or warm water and detergent. You should then use distilled water mixed with white vinegar at a 50/50 ratio. Load into your reusable spray bottle and then just spray and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
Wood can be a difficult substance to remove sticky residue from. Distilled water should be tried first and a heat gun may also work to weaken the bonds of the glue. The usual white vinegar and commercial cleaners will also work well.
Wood has a tendency to absorb odors, and so should be thoroughly wiped down with distilled water after cleaning.
Wood can also be sanded and filled with wood filler but this is the last resort to remove glue or adhesive.
For delicate fabrics, you should try out laundry soakers. Laundry soakers work to gently remove stains and dirt over a long period of time.
OxiClean White Revive is one of the best products for removing stains and junk from clothing.
Its chlorine-free and color-safe properties mean you can just mix in the laundry soaker with water and leave the clothes soaking for 24 hours.
Another strategy is rubbing the clothes against each other while in the tub. Dip a section of the clothes in the laundry soaker liquid and then rub it against another part of the clothing that has the stains.
Laundry soakers can also be added to a normal clothes wash in the washing machine.
