The BEST Way to Remove Stubborn Sticker Price Tags

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Do you have a price tag sticker that just won’t come off? 😫

Isn’t it the worst when you’re in a rush and are struggling to remove them from glass, ceramic, or hard surfaces? If scratching them off isn’t working, what next?!


I recently set out to find the EASIEST method and/or product for removing pesky adhesive sticker price tags, and tested five popular methods found online.

The first step was to gather my items that had price tags to remove, and then I started testing different ways to remove the stickers. P.S I like shopping at goodwill, but their stickers are the worst! 😬

Popular Ways to Remove adhesive Price Tags:
  • Goo Gone
  • Soapy Hot Water
  • Pencil Eraser
  • Nail Polish Remover
  • Rubbing Alcohol
What worked and what didn’t?

ALL of the above examples worked eventually with the exception of the pencil eraser. That was a TOTAL fail!

However, there definitely was a clear WINNER!! 🥇

Goo Gone was the BEST and FAVORITE method tested!

…And NO, they are NOT paying me. It definitely was surprisingly really FAST & EFFECTIVE at removing price tags easily. Tags just slide off immediately with very little effort. I was super impressed!

Plus, after reading about how well it can clean up gum, glue, stickers, crayon, wax, and more –  Goo Gone has become a dear friend. 😉

Tip: Make DIY Goo Gone by mixing a paste using a small amount of vegetable oil and baking soda. I tried it out and it did work, but took more effort and time to scrub.


Removing stickers and labels can be tricky and annoying,  so I hope this is helpful! 

Also worth mentioning is my LOVE of this Scrub Daddy sponge! It worked much better than my regular sponge during my price tag removal testing! 🙂 Thanks to Bryn for dishing about her LOVE for the Scrub Daddy too.


Written by Lina for Hip2Save. Lina is a proud mom of 2 kids who loves photography, all holidays, cooking, thrift store makeovers, bargain shopping, and DIY makeovers. Her goal is to create a beautiful life and stylish home on a dime! To see all of Lina’s DIY/Crafts created just for Hip2Save, click here.

Join The Discussion

Comments 113

  1. Andrew

    I’ve tried goo gone and it doesn’t work as good. You know what the best method is? Coconut oil and Baking Soda.

    Removes it instantly. And safely.

    I just did it on my washing machine where my contractor taped a plastic bag over it to protect it and it left some nasty tape residue. My new closet had some stupid “this side forward” stickers on it and goo gone didn’t do the trick. It took forever.

    Did a quick google search and found the coconut oil and baking soda method. Works amazingly fast. I have a bottle of goo gone just collecting dust now.

    • Lina D

      Thanks for sharing!

    • angie hook

      I agree with the coconut oil and baking soda! It took off sticker residue amazingly well! Bonus: no harsh chemicals.

  2. olgraygirl

    I have had some super sticky ones that even Goo Gone(my go-to) didn’t remove. Some online research led me to something we all have in the garage–apply a bit of WD-40, leave overnight and in the morning–the ultra sticky sticker and all glue come right off. Easy, peasy

    • Lina D

      Thanks for sharing!

  3. Joan

    Even easier is a hair dryer. Blow hot air on the price sticker. Works on cardboard and plastic which you can’t get wet. Also works on glass. Is great at removing those Kohls price stickers on kids toys that are impossible to get off.

  4. shinepm

    I blow the sticker with a hair dryer, it works great. 😉

    • Lina D

      How neat! I’m going to try next time 👍🏻

  5. Beth

    You can make a paste with vegetable oil and baking soda let it sit on sticker if not in a hurry. The sticker comes off super easy. This method is super cheap and super easy.

  6. Shana

    WD-40 works good too

  7. Nicole S.

    I have wonderful luck with charcoal lighter fluid to remove stickers as I peel off the label and the lighter fluid takes off the rest of the sticky glue and it is also great to remove sharpie marks that they use on stuff in thrift stores and garage sales.

    • Lina D

      Great tip – thanks for sharing!

    • Erin

      Thanks! I have two bottles of charcoal lighter fluid that I didn’t know what to do with!

  8. Nancy McConnell

    I have tried most of those methods, too but my favorite that always seems to work for me is to fill the jar with the hotest water you have and let the jar sit a minute or 2 and then peel off the label. Most problems come from getting the actual label wet, too which loosens the paper and leaves the glue behind. The warmth from inside the jar loosens the label and the whole thing usually comes off in one piece

    • Lina D

      That sounds great! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

    • Lisa

      I’m a huge Goo Gone fan, but I have done this before too, and it works really well.

  9. notnuts50

    My go-to is also WD-40. Takes adhesive off almost anything!

  10. LindsayW

    Lemon essential oil is a awesome natural alternative to goo gone! I have even used it to remove superglue from my fingers!

  11. Trish

    I love goo gone…it’s all I’ve used for the last couple years!

  12. Gigi

    If you have time and room, you can put it in the freezer for awhile and the sticker should come right off.

  13. Vickie M

    Creamy peanut butter is my go to. Works great put it on and let it set. Then rubs right off

    • Lina D

      Thanks for sharing that tip!

    • Jenn

      My go-to also. Peanut butter works great!

  14. Jennifer

    Lemon essential oil. Wipes right off. 🙂

    • Lina D

      Thanks that’s a threat tip too!

  15. A. Jones

    Lighter fluid has always worked the best for me. Let it soak for a minute or so and it comes right off.

    • Lina D

      Thanks! Great tip to share 👍🏻

  16. Kim

    Windex works the best on glass or plastic!

  17. Tammy

    Tanks for posting! I always have a heck of a time getting those price tags off. Also, my kiddos like putting stickers on things they shouldn’t. So this post will help with that too!

    • Lina D

      Oh yes great point! You’re welcome 😉

  18. MrsK

    I agree. Goo Gone works well.

  19. lily

    I use ORANGE OIL! I used to use GOO GONE, but the smell afterwards was terrible! Orange oil is very pleasant after smell, but it works just like it. : )

  20. Janice

    actually peanut butter is the best way. Just smear some on the tag or gooey stuff that is left then rub slightly with dish cloth or whatever.

  21. Kim

    A drop of great quality lemon essential does wonders for sticky goo, as well!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Great idea! Thanks for sharing

  22. Dee Ann

    Old conversation but I just had to comment. First to note.. I make stickers, hang stickers, and remove stickers. I know stickers and I know them well, and the best product for removing then quickly is a blow dryer. That’s right… a blow dryer. Heat that adhesive up just enough and those darn things just peal right off. I know.. go figure. But it works.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Thanks for sharing Dee Ann!

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