Last Updated:October 25, 2025, 10:50 IST

Diwali rangoli stickers can leave stubborn residue, but simple household items can make the removal process easy.

Diwali is here, and the entire country is celebrating the festival of lights. This is a time of colour, light and joy, and no Diwali celebration feels complete without rangoli. While many people create intricate rangoli designs, others opt for ready-made stickers, which are widely available in markets, placing them in courtyards or at the main entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Once the festival ends, many households are left with the sticky aftermath of these rangoli stickers. While they brighten courtyards and entrances, removing them often leaves an adhesive residue that can be present long after the lamps have been extinguished.

Here are some do-it-yourself solutions to remove sticky residues without damaging your floor finishes.

Hot Water And Soap Solution

One of the simplest methods is to apply a solution of hot water and a few drops of dish soap to the sticker or its remnants. Leave it for a few minutes to soften the adhesive, then use a plastic scraper or your fingertips to gently lift it away. This low-risk method works well on most solid flooring surfaces.

Cooking Oil Or Olive Oil

For a gentler, more natural approach, apply a small amount of cooking oil (or olive oil) to the adhesive and let it sit for a few minutes to weaken the glue. Wipe away with a clean towel and then wash the area with soapy water to remove any oily residue.

White Vinegar

Another mild yet effective option is white vinegar. Dampen a cloth with vinegar, place it over the sticky residue, leave it for a few minutes and then gently scrub the area. It acts as a gentle, natural adhesive remover.

Rubbing Alcohol

For more stubborn patches, rubbing alcohol is effective. Soak a cloth in rubbing alcohol, place it on the residue for a few minutes and then wipe away the loosened adhesive. This works on a variety of floor surfaces, including wood and tile.

Rubber Eraser

For stubborn spots, a rubber eraser can be used, especially on delicate surfaces that could be scratched by harsher methods.

Commercial Adhesive Removers

For stubborn residue, commercial adhesive removers can be used. But always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test first on a small and hidden area to avoid damage or discolouration.

Precautions To Protect Your Floors

Always try any cleaning solution on a hidden spot first to ensure it won’t harm the floor finish. Steer clear of metal scrapers or strong chemicals that could scratch or make the surface dull. Instead, use a plastic scraper and apply gentle pressure instead of scraping aggressively.