Before you hit the road: How to remove glue from car paint

Decals and glue can make a mess of your car. Find out how to remove glue from car paint before you hit the road, by following these simple steps.

• How to remove glue from car paint
• How to get glue off your car: Windows and interiors

How to remove glue from car paint

The glue from decals and bumper stickers can leave an ugly mark on car paint. Luckily, with the right know-how, getting rid of glue residue is easy. Here’s how to remove glue residue from cars, without damaging the paint.

1. Clean the surface with soap and water. This way, you’ll avoid accidentally making the paint dirtier.
2. Warm the glue. Glue is easier to remove when it’s been softened. Heat up the glue by using a hairdryer at the highest setting for 3-4 minutes.
3. Scrape off the glue. Use a card or scraping tool to gently scrape away the softened glue, keeping the tool tilted at a 45-degree angle. Avoid using sharp blades, as they might damage the paint.
4. Clean and wax. After washing the surface with soap and water, wait for it to dry before applying a layer of wax.

How to get glue off your car: Windows and interiors

Removing glue from your car windows and interiors is equally quick and straightforward – no need for special cleaning tools or products, let alone professional help! Here’s how to get glue off your car yourself.

Remove glue from car windows

1. Soften the glue. Soak a clean cloth in warm water and press it firmly against the glue stain to soften it.
2. Scrape off the glue. Use a razor blade held at a 45-degree angle to gently scrape away the glue. Make sure you maintain the angle and work slowly and carefully, to avoid damaging the glass.
3. Apply acetone. If there’s still a small amount of residue left, use a cloth soaked in acetone (commonly found in nail polish remover) to rub away any remaining glue residue.
4. Clean the glass. Use glass cleaner to leave your windows sparkling clean.

Remove glue from car interiors

Wondering how to remove glue residue from car upholstery or dashboards? This is what you need to do:

1. Peel off loose glue. You might be able to scrape or peel off some of the glue residue with your fingers. Avoid using any sharp tools that might damage the upholstery or dashboard.
   
2. Soften the glue. Soak a clean cloth in warm water. Place the cloth on the glue stain and leave it for about half an hour. The glue needs to stay warm, so you might have to soak and apply the cloth a few times.
3. Clean the surface. If the stain is on the car seat you can use upholstery cleaner, but dish soap works equally well. Mix a tablespoon of soap with two cups of water, then dip a cloth or sponge in the liquid and gently wipe the surface.
4. Dry the surface. Use a clean towel or cloth. If there’s still a bit of leftover residue, simply repeat the process.