Q&A: How can I remove stickers from books?
QUESTION: What's the best way you've found to remove stickers and residue without damaging the book?
ANSWER: I've had great luck with "Goof Off" and "Goo Gone." They're both solvents you can buy at hardware stores. A small bottle or can will last you a long time -- a dab of the stuff takes adhesive residue and lots of other stuff right off. Let it soak for a couple of minutes before wiping off the book.
Sometimes when a book just looks dirty, a quick wipe with Goo Gone will make it look a lot better. Sometimes when I can't find my Goof Off or Goo Gone, I'll use the lubricant WD-40, which works OK.
Just be careful to do this in a well-ventilated room, and don't light up your cigar until you're finished. Any other tips out there?
posted by Steve Weber at 8/17/2006
5 Comments:
I also use goo gone for stickers, but I have found cheap rubbing alcohol works great for cleaning dirt off books and it dries very quick!
If the book has a shiny cover, try a Q-Tip dipped in vegetable oil. For some books try fingernail polish. And for books with prices written in crayon use a soft pencil eraser.
Depends on the book but I've found that if it's dirty, spraying a little 409 on a damp sponge and wiping the cover will clean it up nicely. GooGone is great for taking magic marker off of plastic. However some plastics will absorb the color of the magic marker. Bug and Tar Remover from the auto section of the store is also great for taking off sticky tags from things.
We use rubbing alcohol -- but the 91% or higher grade. This alcohol works with great success. We're afraid of using solvents such as Goo Gone for fear of damaging some covers.
Also, patience works. Dampen the sticker and check back in 5 minutes. No go? Then place wet paper towel with alcohol on sticker, check again in another 5 minutes.
We typically use hand sanatizer for labels, and clorox wipes for a quick wipe down of dirt or stains.
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