Use rubbing alcohol, not oil, for sticker goo

Rubbing alcohol lifts sticker residue off plastic folders and notebook covers without leaving a greasy film. Just wet a cotton swab or soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol and rub the sticky spot. The goo dissolves in seconds and the alcohol evaporates clean.

The usual trick — cooking oil, baby oil, or WD-40 — works on glass and metal, but plastic is porous enough that oil soaks in and leaves a permanent slick film. Then you’re stuck wiping it for days. Alcohol avoids that entirely.

For thick, crusty labels, a little heat helps first. Hit it with a hairdryer for ten seconds, peel off as much as you can with your finger or a plastic scraper, then go in with the alcohol. If a few tiny bits remain, tap them with a piece of clear packaging tape until they’re gone.

Test on a hidden corner first if it’s a nice cover. Most plastic folders are fine, but cheap coated cardstock can react with alcohol and smear.

Clean sticker residue, no greasy souvenir.