Sticker residue can be a problem to clean, especially on delicate surfaces that you cannot scratch or treat rough. Leather is a tricky surface to clean if there is sticker residue on it.
Whether it is a price tag residue, or a bigger sticker mark that feels sticky to the touch, you will have to ensure that you clean the leather surface thoroughly. People use all kinds of stickers on leather and this material is used in all kinds of places.
From notebooks, tablet covers and seaters, leather can be a good cover for all places.
Leather is harder to clean like plastic or glass, and that is why, we will discuss how you can remove sticker residue from there to keep a clean surface.
Understanding Sticker Residue on Leather
The adhesive on stickers is quite strong, and you will find it hard to remove even after the paper from the sticker is gone. This adhesive binds tightly, and if you used a good-quality sticker, you will see that the sticky feeling and the dull stain will remain for long.
For leather, this issue is even worse because the natural oils and pores of the material can trap the glue and that causes it to cling long after the sticker is removed.
Moreover, the sticker adhesive is sensitive to pressure, which means that the longer the sticker was on the surface, the tougher it will be to remove it.
Heat, light, and humidity can also cause the adhesive to melt a little and stick to the surface while some of it will seep into the leather’s grain. This melting and seeping makes it hard to remove the residue. You can gently peel off the sticker, but the residue might need some effort!
Before you begin any cleaning process, it’s important to identify the type of leather you’re dealing with. Smooth finished leathers are smoother and have a slippery surface so they are easier to clean. Matte, and grainy leather finishes will take long. while unfinished or suede leathers require extreme caution and special care products.
What You Should Never Use on Leather?
Every upholstery and surface has some ‘rules’ of cleaning. For instance, you cannot use water and soap on suede, and you cannot use acidic cleaners on plastic or light fabrics or even leather. While cleaning leather, stick to gentle cleaning agents and always test on a small, hidden area before applying anything to a visible spot. Here are a few materials that you should not use on leather, no matter how tough the adhesive is:
- Nail polish remover or acetone
- Vinegar
- Alcohol
- Acidic cleaners
- Scrubs or steel brushes
- High heat
Ways to Clean Adhesive from Leather
The first step to remove adhesive is to clean the leather surface with a cloth and rub off as much residue as you can. You can use your fingertips, or a plastic scraper to get rid of any adhesive.
Moreover, do not use any steel wool, or abrasive scrubber to rub the leather surface. You can try a towel soaked in warm water but it might not remove the adhesive completely.
Instead of using direct heat from a blower, try and place a warm cloth on the adhesive and it will remove some of it for sure. If you patiently repeat the step, you might be able to get majority of the sticker adhesive out of the leather surface. You can try the following steps to remove sticker adhesive as well:
-
Mild Soap and Water
If there is light residue on the leather surface, a simple soap-and-water solution is often enough. You will have to mix a few drops of any mild soap to a bowl of water to use with a microfiber towel.
Dip the cloth in the soapy water and wring out the water. Wipe the leather surface with this cloth or towel repeatedly. You will have to renew the luke warm water and soap mix by soaking the towel in the soapy mix after a few rubbing sessions.
Repeat this process until the sticky residue begins to fade. Make sure the leather doesn’t stay damp for too long because moisture can cause damage if absorbed.
-
Natural Oils or Leather Conditioner
You can use natural oils and conditioner creams to remove sticker adhesive from leather. As mentioned earlier, leather is absorbent and it soaks up a little bit of adhesive, making it hard to remove.
If soap and water does not remove the sticky glue, you can try olive or coconut oil. All you have to do is dab a small amount on a soft cloth and gently rub it over the sticky spot. You can leave it on the surface till it gets absorbed and softens the adhesive.
After a few minutes, wipe it with a dry cloth.
-
Try a Leather-Safe Adhesive Remover
There are several leather cleaners available in the market. Moreover, there are specific adhesive removers that work for all kinds of leather finishes. These products are formulated to dissolve glue without harming the finish.
Always make sure that you begin using by reading the label to follow any specific instructions. Apply a tiny amount on a hidden patch of the leather to check for discoloration.
Once safe, apply the remover using a soft cloth and gently rub in circular motions. Follow with a dry wipe to remove excess moisture. Avoid general-purpose products like WD-40 unless the manufacturer explicitly states they are leather-safe, as these can sometimes leave greasy stains.
Final Thoughts
Removing sticker residue from leather requires patience and some tactics that will make the task easier. If you are looking to remove sticker residue, the removal methods we have shared above will help you.
Every method is useful, and if one does not work completely, you can try all of them one by one. Ensure that you finish the removal by conditioning the leather, ensuring it stays hydrated, flexible, and lustrous.
With proper care, your leather will continue to age beautifully and retain its luxurious appearance for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about our label services and would like us to provide you with a FREE quote, trust the experts at M&R Label to help you!
Call Us at (708) 534-6621 or Request a Quote!
