We Tried 7 Tricks for Removing Sticky Stickers (and Residue) Off of Dishes, and the Winner Took Zero Effort. Sound familiar? You pick up a cute new mug or dish at the store, but after peeling the price tag, thereโs this stubborn sticky mess staring back at you. Well, if it drives you as bonkers as it does me (seriously, donโt even get me started on the sticker goo left on my pie plate after I made this apple pie filling coffee cake), then youโre in good company. Honestly, I used to dread tackling this gunky problemโuntil I tried almost every hack under the sun. Buckle up, because just like my cleaning stained coffee pots winner methods tested post, Iโm sharing real results (and a couple of facepalm moments).
The Story Behind This Recipe
Hereโs why I love this 7 Easy Tricks for Removing Sticky Stickers (and Residue) from Dishes: it uses pantry staples and it tastes like a bakery treat. We Tried 7 Tricks for Removing Sticky Stickers (and Residue) Off of Dishes, and the Winner Took Zero Effort. Sound familiar? You pick up a cuteโฆ
Best Methods for Removing Sticker Residue?
Okay, hereโs what folks (me, relatives, nosy neighbors) usually rave about:
- Soaking in hot, soapy water โ as plain as toast, but sometimes the sticker wins and you just get a mushy mess.
- Rubbing with oil (olive, veggie, or peanut butter) โ surprisingly slick trick, but your plate might smell…nutty.
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol โ stinks, but cheap and often does the trick.
- Store-bought solutions (Goo Gone, etc.) โ works fast, but thereโs that chemical thing.
Real talk: Results totally depend on the dish, sticker type, and just dumb luck. Sometimes you get a clean win, sometimes total flop.
“I’ve been fighting with sticker residue on thrift store plates for years. These methods finally gave my dishes a second chanceโand my patience a break!”
โLinda from Kentucky

How I Tested the Methods for Removing Sticky Stickers
Not exactly scientific (I am not lab coat material), but hereโs the deal:
- I grabbed dishes with the most stubborn, crusty stickers.
- Gave each method its fair shotโno shortcuts, pinky promise.
- Judged โem by: effort level, actual stickiness left, andโyepโif my dish still smelled like a science experiment afterward.
My kitchen was…not tidy. But hey, thatโs the spirit of discovery! And also, chaos is just part of life sometimes, right?
Sticker Removal Method: Peanut Butter
This one sounds like a prank, but itโs notโI swear.
- Smear a light layer of peanut butter on the sticky spot (creamy or chunky, but chunky leaves more…nut decor).
- Wait 10-15 minutes. Take a snack break if you want.
- Wipe off with a paper towel or old ragโthen, wash with soap.
Honestly, itโs kind of wild how well this works, especially on glossy plates or mugs. (Oh, the lingering nutty smell? Happens. Worth it for sparkling dishes though.)
Sticker Removal Method: Goo Gone
Store-bought, but hey, sometimes you just want results.
- Squirt a tiny bit of Goo Gone on the sticker gunk.
- Rub gently with a rag or even a cotton ball.
- Rinse with hot, soapy water afterโthe smell isnโt great, but it beats constantly picking at glue.
This stuff is like a magic eraser for sticky disasters. Not the most โhomemadeโ solution, but my goodness, itโs effective. Use it in a well-ventilated room (not kidding).

Sticker Removal Method: Vinegar Soak
Cheap as chips and always in my pantry (I use it for everythingโkind of obsessed).
- Soak a paper towel in white vinegar and slap it right on top of the sticker mess.
- Wait 10-ish minutes (or longer if youโve got patience).
- Scrape with your fingernail or a plastic scraper. Repeat if your sticker is being extra stubborn.
Sometimes it smells like salad dressing while you clean, but the sticky stuff doesnโt stand a chance. Plus, no weird chemicals or nutty scents left over.
Common Questions
Do these methods work for all dish types?
Well, mostly yesโceramic, glass, and even metal dishes. Just be careful with delicate painted surfaces or wood. No one wants to ruin a family heirloom.
Will I need to rewash the dish afterward?
Definitely! You donโt want to snack on residual peanut butter or Goo Gone. Hot, soapy water is your friend hereโtrust me.
Can I use these tricks on non-kitchen stuff?
Totally. I use the vinegar or oil tricks on jars, mugs, and even some random thrift store finds. For stuff like deliciously simple stewed potatoes recipes, clean dishes matter, but for decor? Go wild, just spot test.
What if none of these work?
Once in a blue moon, stickers from the underworld just wonโt budge. Try a mix: soak, scrape, and maybe phone a friendโpreferably one who owes you a favor.
Does it matter which peanut butter or oil I use?
Nope! Any type will do, but just remember: the cheaper, the betterโunless you wanna feed the sticker caviar.
Want to Give These a Go? Hereโs Why You Should
So, hereโs my final plea: stop fighting with stubborn sticker residue and start enjoying your new dishes. With just pantry staples and stuff you probably already have, you can save your sanityโa powerful combo, if you ask me. And hey, if you love quirky cleaning tricks, give this cleaning hardwood floors effortless method a whirl too.
Donโt just take my word for it: The Easiest Way to Remove Sticker Residue from Dishes (Tested … and We Tried 5 Methods for Removing Sticky Stickers – There Was One … both offer even more tricks you can try (so, you know, if youโre a sticker residue pro already). Put those newly cleaned dishes to work with your next kitchen creationโmaybe even try my brunch ideas for a real reward! Good luck, and happy (clean) stacking.


