› homekeeping › house-cleaningHow to Remove Sticker Residue | Better Homes & Gardens Put a few drops of dish detergent into a sink or container full of hot water and immerse the item (if practical) into the water to soak until the residue softens. Scrape away the gunk with a plastic scraper or your fingers. Cold water will not remove sticker residue as effectively as hot water. Hairdryer