How to clean window stickers - 5 most effective ways

Andrey September 17, 2016Specialization: facade finishing, interior finishing, construction of dachas, garages. Experience of an amateur gardener and gardener. We also have experience in repairing cars and motorcycles. Hobbies: playing the guitar and many other things that I don’t have time for :)

Most often, the need to remove stickers arises from owners of plastic windows - manufacturers cover them with a protective film, which over time simply sticks tightly, making it impossible to tear it off with your hands. In addition, sometimes it becomes necessary to remove vinyl and paper stickers, tape, sun protection films, etc. To help in this matter, below I will tell you about the five most effective ways of how and with what to wash window stickers.

Window stickers can be a real problem

How to remove blue film from plastic doors?

Heat the film, carefully pry it with something until it cools down, at an angle of 45 degrees. For example, with a stationery knife, blade or scalpel. Now you can easily tear it away from the profile.

Interesting materials:

What is the difference between mushrooms and plants? What is the difference and identity between the concepts of commerce and entrepreneurship? What is the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort? What is the difference between Deadlift and Deadlift? What is the difference between a dental surgeon and a dental therapist? What is the difference between strawberries and strawberries? What is the difference between animals and plants? What is the difference between ps4 and ps4 pro? What is the meaning of the signature? What do polysaccharides contain?

A few words about stickers

Manufacturers of plastic windows try to make the protective film so that it can be easily removed and does not leave marks. However, manufacturers are different, and accordingly, the quality also varies. In addition, a lot depends on how long the film will be in contact with the plastic.

Therefore, manufacturers warn that it must be removed immediately after installing the windows. In this case, most often, you can tear off the coating with your own hands with a sharp movement, after which there will be no glue left on the surface. The main thing is to do it in one movement, without interruption.

It is very difficult to peel off such film by hand.

If the “protection” is not removed in time, then it is literally welded to the surface and at the same time loses its strength.

It must be said that in addition to the protective film, it is often necessary to remove other stickers from windows. For example, manufacturers often paste paper stickers on the glass with the characteristics of the glass unit.

Paper stickers are often not easy to remove either.

Also, people themselves sometimes stick vinyl stickers as a decorative element, solar films and other self-adhesive products. Recently, it has even become fashionable to use window stickers instead of curtains.

However, sooner or later the life of the stickers comes to an end, resulting in the need to remove them. Often this operation also causes problems.

To avoid problems with dismantling the solar cover, use products from well-known brands. For example, the products of the German company EMETEC have proven themselves to be excellent.

Low-quality mirror film does not peel off well and has uneven darkening

Below I will tell you how to remove stickers from plastic windows of all the above types.

Household chemicals

It is easier to remove the sticker from glass using a household cleaner. It is enough just to apply it to the damaged area and wipe off the glue with a sponge or soft cloth. In addition, they will make the surface noticeably cleaner and more transparent. The following household products can achieve a positive effect:

• nail polish remover;
• petrol;
• alcohol;
• kerosene;
• acetone;
• vinegar.

An even more effective method of getting rid of stickers is to purchase a special liquid for cleaning glass or windows. The products in demand among buyers are:

The products are available in the form of a spray or gel. It’s easy to wipe off glue or traces of tape or decorative elements. It is enough to distribute a small amount of the active substance onto the damaged area and leave for a few minutes. Then, just lightly clean the glass with a sponge. This product is suitable for removing even old stickers on car windows or other surfaces.

Ways to remove stickers

So, stickers on window glass, as well as the glue left behind them, can be removed in the following ways:

Ways to remove stickers

All these methods are quite effective, and many of them complement each other. Therefore, you should choose according to the circumstances.

Removing the protective coating with a scraper

Method 1: scraper

First of all, let's look at how to remove stickers from plastic windows using a scraper. This method is quite simple. However, it can be used in cases where the film has not yet been strongly “welded” to the surface and has not lost its strength.

To remove the film using this method, you will need a scraper for glass-ceramic surfaces. Working with a scraper is very simple:

1. pry off the film with a scraper;
2. when the edge comes off, just pull it;
3. If you feel the coating starting to tear, use a scraper.

If there is any glue left on the surface, it can be removed with a product such as COSMOFEN 10 or similar FENOSOL.

Pictured is COSMOFEN 10 adhesive remover

If you are removing stickers from glass, the remaining adhesive can be scraped off with a razor blade without using chemicals.

It must be said that the same principle can be used to peel off decorative “self-adhesive” stickers from windows.

Method 2: using a hair dryer

If the film has been exposed to the sun for a long time, as a result of which it has literally grown to the surface and at the same time begins to tear under any stress, it can be removed with a hairdryer. The work is very simple:

1. heat the area of ​​the film that is difficult to peel off with a hairdryer;
2. now, before the surface has cooled down, you need to pry it off with a scraper, spatula, utility knife or other tool;
3. Now the film needs to be removed in one motion. If it breaks, you should use a hairdryer again.

Instead of a hairdryer, it is better to use a steam generator, as it is an even more effective solution to the problem.

It must be said that this method also works well for removing paper stickers on glass, as well as sun protection films.

An eraser will help get rid of film and glue residues on windows.

Method 3: eraser

If there are small torn pieces of stickers and glue left on the glass, they can be erased with a soft eraser. To do this, simply rub it on the contaminated area, as a result of which the dirt and pieces of the sticker will simply roll off.

To remove such a lump from the glass, you can use a blade or scraper. If there is still glue left on the surface of the glass after sawing, wipe the surface with a swab dipped in white spirit.

Denatured alcohol is an effective means of removing film from windows.

Method 4: chemical means

All kinds of chemical methods for cleaning windows are quite effective. For example, when choosing how to wash stickers from plastic windows, you can choose industrial alcohol (denatured alcohol), which does the job well.

Instructions for its use look like this:

1. pour denatured alcohol into the spray bottle. You can use a spray bottle for indoor plants or leftover window cleaner;
2. then alcohol should be sprayed evenly onto the surface of the protective film;
3. now you need to wait 3-4 minutes;
4. After the specified time has elapsed, the film must be pryed off with a sharp object and torn off with your hands. There shouldn't be any problems with this;
5. Remaining glue can be removed using any of the methods described above.

Chemical HG Sticker Remover

There is also another way to wash stickers on plastic windows, which is to use special chemicals such as HG Sticker Remover. Such means are used as follows:

1. tear off the tip of the sticker with a blade, stationery knife or other sharp object;
2. then apply the product to the area under the severed tip and wait a few minutes;
3. now you need to pull the tip and thus remove the film;
4. after that, apply the product again to the surface and wait a few seconds;
5. At the end of the work, the surface should be wiped with a clean cloth.

It must be said that this method is good for removing sun protection film, as well as any other types of stickers. At the same time, the process of cleaning the window is simple and quite quick.

You can remove stickers and other “self-adhesives” from glass using various solvents, for example, acetone, white spirit, or even nail polish remover. The composition must be applied to the contaminated area and wait a while, after which cleaning the surface will not be difficult. The only thing is, do not try to clean the plastic surface with solvents, as it may be damaged.

The only drawback of this method is the rather high cost of the product. For example, the price of HG Sticker Remover is about 380-400 rubles per 300 ml bottle.

Method 5: vegetable oil

Finally, I’ll tell you about one more method that could be classified as chemical, however, it is environmentally friendly. This method consists of using vegetable oil, for example, sunflower.

You need to treat the contaminated area with oil and wait about 10 hours, after which cleaning the surface will not be difficult. It should be noted that essential oils are the most effective in this case.

Essential oil

Perforated stickers, as well as other types of them, can be easily removed using this method. The only thing you need to make sure is that the oil does not dry out within 10 hours. If necessary, it should be reapplied.

These, in fact, are all the secrets about how to remove stickers from plastic windows that I wanted to share with you.

A small educational program on the types of adhesive bases

Manufacturers of stickers and labels use different types of adhesive bases. In most cases, adhesion to the surface is provided by 3 types of glue - acrylic, silicone or rubber (rubber).

► The easiest way to remove stickers is with an adhesive base made from a special easily removable acrylic adhesive, after which no traces remain.

► Thermal labels with semi-permanent rubber adhesive, which has strong residual stickiness, are a little more difficult to peel off. These stickers are reusable: they can be removed and re-applied to surfaces several times.

► The worst situation is with permanent adhesive bases for self-destructive labels. Rubber-based compounds have strong adhesion, which significantly exceeds the adhesive force of the internal layers of the label. The stickers are removed in parts, and often a translucent bottom layer remains on the surface.

Image source - ekaterinburg.print.firmika.ru

Standard adhesive bases do not withstand exposure to high (above 50 °C) and subzero temperatures (less than -5 °C). The glue loses its adhesive properties when heated and cooled for 3-5 minutes.

Special adhesive compositions can withstand deep freezing and extreme heat. Some types of glue are highly resistant to water.

Top 3 special tools

The use of special preparations allows you to cope even with a complex task for which home recipes have proven ineffective. The market offers a large list of goods in various volumes and price categories.

Kangaroo Scotch Remover

The product will effectively remove adhesive from tape, stickers and labels. Scotch Remover contains citrus oils. Can be used to clean glass, including car glass. Manufacturer – Korea. A bottle with a sprayer with a capacity of 0.24 ml costs from 550 rubles.

Application procedure:

1. Shake the balloon.
2. Spray from a distance of 0.2-0.3 m from the surface.
3. Hold for 20 seconds.
4. Wipe the glass with a rag.

Advantages:

• efficiency;
• ease of use;
• natural oils in the composition;
• surface safety.

Minuses:

• high price;
• Strong smell;
• leaves behind greasy stains, which must then be removed by other means;
• not always effective the first time with double-sided tape;
• small amount of product.

Aufkleberentferner from Liqui Moly

Sticker Stain Remover contains an effective combination of solvents that removes adhesive residue. Can be used on vertical glass surfaces. The cost of a volume of 0.4 liters is about 700 rubles.

Application:

1. Shake the can.
2. Spray on the desired location from a distance of 0.2-0.3 m.
3. Allow a short period of time for the reaction to pass.
4. Wipe with a napkin.

Pros:

• It breaks down the remains of the adhesive layer well;
• suitable for vertical application;
• non-flowing gel-type consistency;
• versatility;
• nice smell;
• can be used to clean various surfaces, not just glass.

Minuses:

• price;
• may not help the first time.

Glutoclean

The sticker, tape and sticker remover allows you to work on any hard surface (from glass to plastic and wood). Manufacturer – Germany. The cost of the container is 0.5 l. – from 600 rubles.

Contains:

• 5% nonionic surfactants;
• 30% aliphatic hydrocarbons, etc.

Application:

1. Soak a rag with the removal compound.
2. Wet any remaining label residue.
3. Leave for a minute.
4. clean off starting from the corners.
5. Wipe off any residue with a brush.
6. Rinse off with plenty of water.
7. Wipe dry.

Advantages:

• efficiency;
• ease of use;
• Suitable for all types of labels.

Minuses:

• The packaging and lid are not always convenient;
• in some cases, re-processing may be necessary;
• high price.

How to remove sticky marks from a sticker: 3 simple tricks

Sometimes it’s easy to remove the paper layer, but it leaves a sticky residue from the glue. Dust and small debris collect on it, so you want to clean it too. But if you do this with a utility knife, you may end up with unwanted scratches. There are better options.

Eraser

A regular office eraser will do. Just use it to wipe off any remaining dirt from the plastic. This method is good for removing fresh adhesive immediately or shortly after removing the label.

For old glue, the method should be strengthened. First, wet the desired area with water, then with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge. Remove the remains with a grater.

Scotch

Masking or stationery tape will help remove any remaining fresh glue. Glue a piece of tape of the required size and tear it off with a sharp movement. If necessary, repeat several times.

Salt and wet wipe

The method is suitable for removing fresh and old glue. Sprinkle the sticky layer with table salt and a damp cloth. It may take several pieces to completely clean the surface.

General information

The first thing most people try to do is remove the sticker from the glass of a car, household appliance or window by scrubbing. But, instead of a cleaned surface, the opposite effect appears - a large stain, stains and scratches are formed. Before you begin to remove it, you need to know its type. There are several options, depending on its purpose:

• tint film that refracts the sun's rays;
• shockproof, designed to increase the strength properties and service life of glass;
• installation – it contains basic information about the product and its manufacturer;
• advertising banners;
• stickers are decors necessary to give glass attractive qualities.

Useful tips

If children have a strong desire to stick decorations on the windows, for example, for the New Year, they must then remove them as quickly as possible. Over time, the adhesive crystallizes or turns into a thick rubbery layer, making it even more difficult to remove.

The paper base of the sticker becomes clogged with small dust particles. Because of this, the harmless glue turns into a hard substance that is very difficult to remove without damaging the window.

If you don’t want to have to deal with cleaning glass after the holidays, try to convince your child to decorate the apartment somehow differently. For example, hang snowflakes on strings rather than gluing them. Apply designs to windows with toothpaste, which is easily washed off.