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My son, Sayhan, soon to appear for his O Level exams, came to me one day holding one of his academic books.

He was frustrated, asking how to remove the price sticker from the cover without damaging it.

I could see the concern in his eyes.

Price stickers on books can be tricky—they leave behind sticky residue, and sometimes the cover underneath gets damaged. 

I know how much my son values his books, and this got me thinking about how to properly remove stickers from books without causing any harm.

If you’ve ever struggled with the same issue, you’re not alone. 

Let’s explore the best ways to remove price stickers and ensure that your books remain in perfect condition.

Why Price Stickers Can Be Problematic

Price stickers might seem like a small issue, but they can cause a range of problems.

• Sticky Residue: Often, price stickers are stuck on with a strong adhesive that leaves behind residue when removed. This sticky substance can make the book look untidy.
• Damaging the Cover: If you’re not careful, the process of removing the sticker can damage the book’s cover, tearing the paper or leaving marks.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A book with a visible sticker is often less appealing, especially if it’s an item you plan to keep for a long time or display on your shelf.

Fortunately, there are several ways to remove price stickers safely, without damaging the book.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Price Stickers from Books

1. Start with a Hair Dryer

One of the safest ways to remove a price sticker from a book is by using a hair dryer.
The heat will soften the adhesive, making it easier to peel off the sticker without leaving residue behind.

How to do it:

1. Set your hair dryer to a low heat setting.
2. Hold the dryer about 6-8 inches away from the sticker.
3. Move the hair dryer around the sticker for about 30-60 seconds, ensuring that the adhesive becomes warm and soft.
4. Gently peel the sticker from the cover. Start from one corner and slowly work your way across, lifting the sticker in one piece.
5. If any residue is left behind, try using your fingers to gently rub it off.

2. Use a Plastic Card or Scraper

If the sticker isn’t coming off easily with just heat, you can use a plastic card (like an old credit card or gift card) to gently scrape the sticker off.

How to do it:

1. Hold the card at a 45-degree angle to the book.
2. Gently slide the card under the edge of the sticker. Be careful not to press too hard, as this could damage the cover.
3. Work your way around the sticker until it begins to lift.
4. Once the sticker is mostly off, you can use your fingers to peel off any remaining bits.

3. Use Rubbing Alcohol

If the sticker residue persists, rubbing alcohol can be an effective solution. It’s gentle on book covers but powerful enough to break down the sticky adhesive.

How to do it:

1. Dampen a soft cloth or cotton ball with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
2. Gently rub the residue with the cloth, taking care not to get alcohol on the actual book cover.
3. Continue rubbing until the residue is gone.
4. Wipe the area with a clean cloth to remove any excess alcohol.

4. Try Peanut Butter or Olive Oil

It might sound a bit unconventional, but peanut butter and olive oil are both surprisingly good at removing sticky residues. The oils in these substances break down the adhesive and allow you to remove it without damaging the book.

How to do it:

1. Dab a small amount of peanut butter or olive oil on a clean cloth.
2. Gently rub the residue until it begins to lift.
3. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth.
4. Use a damp cloth to remove any remaining oil, making sure not to get any on the rest of the book.

5. Use Goo Gone or a Similar Product

For more stubborn stickers, commercial adhesive removers like Goo Gone can be a life-saver. These products are designed to break down adhesives quickly and are safe to use on most book covers. However, always test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the book.

How to do it:

1. Apply a small amount of Goo Gone to a cloth or cotton ball.
2. Gently rub the residue with the cloth, taking care to avoid the rest of the cover.
3. Wipe away the product and residue with a clean, damp cloth.
4. Let the book dry before handling it.

How to Prevent Price Stickers from Damaging Books

While removing price stickers can sometimes be tricky, there are ways to prevent them from causing issues in the first place.

1. Purchase Books without Stickers

Whenever possible, try to buy books that don’t have price stickers on them. Many stores now sell books without visible price tags, and some even use removable stickers that don’t leave behind residue.

2. Ask the Store to Remove the Sticker

If you’re buying a book in-store, ask the cashier to remove the sticker for you. Many stores have sticker-removal tools that can make the process much easier.

3. Use Book Covers

Protect your book by using a book cover, especially for expensive or collectible editions. A cover will shield the book from scratches, sticker damage, and other potential issues.

4. Be Careful with Sticker Placement

If you’re placing a sticker on your own book, make sure it’s easy to remove. Opt for removable stickers designed for books or surfaces that won’t leave behind adhesive when taken off.

Conclusion

Removing price stickers from books doesn’t have to be a stressful task. With a little patience and the right techniques, you can keep your books looking clean and pristine.

Whether you use heat from a hair dryer, rubbing alcohol, or an unconventional solution like peanut butter, the key is to be gentle and cautious to avoid damaging the book.

Next time you find a price sticker on one of your books, you’ll know exactly how to handle it. And remember, treating your books with care, as my son does with his academic texts, ensures that they remain in great condition for years to come.

This is Emon, signing off!