How to remove stickers from stainless steel

Stickers stick well to stainless steel, which is great until you try to take them off. It might be a new stainless steel fridge, a water bottle, or mixing bowls. Removing sticky labels can leave glue behind and smudges that don’t wipe away with soap and water.

Plus, you don’t want to scratch the stainless steel. You don’t need special tools. A little heat, rubbing oil, or surgical spirit usually does the job fast and keeps the metal clean and smooth.

What you need to remove sticky labels from stainless steel

You don’t need anything complicated to remove sticky labels from stainless steel. Most items are already in your kitchen.

You’ll need:

• Hair dryer (or heat gun on low)
• Plastic card or plastic scraper
• Microfibre cloth or soft kitchen roll
• Cooking oil, baby oil, or olive oil (used as rubbing oil)
• Surgical spirit (70–90%)
• Washing-up liquid and warm water

Optional

• Goo Gone or WD-40
• Baking soda
• Peanut butter (kitchen-safe option for bowls and bottles)

Before you start: test a small spot

Before you remove stickers from stainless steel, test your method on a small hidden area. Some stainless steel fridge doors and bowls have protective coatings, and harsh scrubbing or the wrong liquid can dull the sheen.

Apply a tiny amount of rubbing oil or surgical spirit to the edge of the sticker and rub gently with a microfibre cloth or soft kitchen roll. Wipe in the direction of the grain. Make sure the finish looks the same before you treat the full area. This helps you avoid scratches, streaks, or marks while you loosen adhesive residue safely.

If your appliance manual recommends a stainless steel cleaner, you can also use a small drop during testing to make sure everything stays smooth and even.

Method 1: Heat + peel to easily remove sticky labels from stainless steel

Heat helps soften the adhesive, so the sticker comes off without scratching your stainless steel surface.

How to do it:

• Warm the sticker with a hair dryer for 30–60 seconds.
• Gently lift one corner with your fingernail or a plastic card.
• Peel slowly. If it sticks, add more heat and continue peeling.

Tip: If some residual adhesive stays behind, warm the area again and wipe it with a soft cloth or kitchen roll. This makes it easier to remove in the next step.

Method 2: Use rubbing oil (food-safe option)

If you’re working on bowls, bottles, or anything that touches food, rubbing oil is a gentle way to loosen glue without harsh chemicals. Olive oil or baby oil works well, and you probably already have it in your kitchen.

How to do it:

• Add a small amount of rubbing oil (or olive oil) to a soft cloth or kitchen roll.
• Rub over the sticky area and let it sit for 1–2 minutes to soften the adhesive.
• Wipe in the direction of the grain to lift the glue.
• Repeat if needed until the adhesive residue loosens and wipes away.

Tip: If the sticker was thick or has stubborn residue, a tiny pinch of baking soda mixed with oil can help loosen it faster. Keep pressure light and avoid heavy scrubbing to protect the metal surface.

Method 3: Remove sticker residue with surgical spirit on stainless steel

When oil isn’t enough, surgical spirit works fast to dissolve adhesive residue on stainless steel. It cuts through leftover glue without leaving a greasy film.

How to do it:

• Add a small amount of surgical spirit to a soft cloth or kitchen roll.
• Press it on the sticky area for 20–30 seconds to soften the residual adhesive.
• Rub gently along the grain until the glue lifts.
• Wipe again with a clean cloth and rinse with warm water if needed.

Tip: If you’re cleaning a stainless steel fridge, avoid soaking the area. A small amount of liquid is enough.

Finish: Dry with a microfibre cloth to keep the surface smooth and streak-free.

Method 4: Adhesive removers for stainless steel surfaces (if oil + surgical spirit fail)

If the sticker was very strong or has been on the metal for a long time, a commercial remover can help loosen tough adhesives. Products like Goo Gone or WD-40 break down glue quickly, especially on a stainless steel fridge or appliances with thick sticker backing.

If you're dealing with product labels, brand tags, or even craft stickers, like circle stickers you’ve put on jars or bottles, adhesive removers work well as a last step.

How to do it:

• Apply a small amount of adhesive remover to a soft cloth or kitchen roll.
• Dab it on the sticky area and let it sit for 30–60 seconds.
• Rub gently, following the grain, until the residue lifts.
• Wipe with a clean cloth, then wash with washing-up liquid and warm water.

Food-safe reminder: For bowls or kitchen tools, clean with washing-up liquid after, rinse well with hot water, and dry fully. You can also wipe with a little white vinegar to remove smells.

Method 5: Baking soda paste for stubborn sticky labels

If you still see adhesive residue after trying oil or surgical spirit, a baking soda paste can help loosen the last bit without scratching the stainless steel surface.

How to do it:

• Mix baking soda with a few drops of hot water or olive oil to form a thick paste.
• Spread a small amount on the sticky area.
• Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.
• Rub gently with a soft cloth or kitchen roll, following the grain.
• Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Tip: Keep pressure light. The baking soda adds mild grit to help break down glue, but you don’t need heavy scrubbing.

Best way to clean a stainless steel fridge after sticker removal

After you remove stickers and adhesive residue, clean the surface to bring back a smooth finish and natural shine. This helps remove any liquid or oil left from the process and keeps the stainless steel looking even.

How to do it:

• Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with warm water.
• Dip a soft cloth or kitchen roll in the soapy water and wipe along the grain.
• Rinse the cloth and wipe again to remove soap.
• Dry with a clean microfibre towel to prevent watermarks.

Optional: If you want an extra polished look, apply a drop of stainless steel cleaner or a little baby oil and wipe lightly in the direction of the grain.

What not to do on stainless steel fridges and bowls

To protect your stainless steel, avoid these 5 mistakes:

• Don’t use steel wool or abrasive pads. They can scratch the metal.
• Avoid razor blades or sharp tools. They leave marks.
• Do not scrub across the grain. Always wipe in the same direction.
• Don’t soak your stainless steel fridge with cleaner or liquid. Use a small amount and wipe as you go.
• Skip strong chemicals on kitchen bowls and food items. Use gentle, food-safe options instead.

Keeping it simple prevents scratches and streaks, and helps your stainless steel stay smooth and clean.

Troubleshooting: sticky labels won’t budge?

If a sticker or adhesive residue is still stuck, try these steps:

• Warm the area again and peel slowly
• Add a little more rubbing oil and let it sit for a minute
• Switch to surgical spirit and rub gently along the grain
• Use a small drop of adhesive remover on kitchen roll (for appliances only)
• For bowls or bottles, repeat oil first, then wash with hot water and washing-up liquid

If the sticker was very thick or has been on the metal for a long time, you may need to repeat the process twice.

Final words

Removing sticky labels from stainless steel doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with gentle methods like heat and rubbing oil, then move to surgical spirit if the adhesive remains. Always wipe with the grain, work slowly, and keep the surface clean as you go. With a little patience, you can easily remove stickers and keep your stainless steel smooth and streak-free.

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