Got Something Sticky On Your Auto Glass? Three Ways To Remove It
There are a number of reasons why there may be something sticky on your auto glass. You may have put a vinyl decal on, placed a bumper sticker too high or it could be tree sap on your car. Regardless, when there is something sticky on your car, you may be tempted to use something abrasive to scrub it away, or worse, use a razor to attempt to lift and remove it. Abrasive items and razors can scratch your auto glass, leaving behind permanent etchings that can affect visibility. If you have something sticky on your auto glass, here are a few different ways to remove it.
Hot Water and Soap
One of the fastest and easiest ways to remove sticky residue from your auto glass is to use hot water and soap. Fill up a spray bottle with water as hot as you can get it out of your tap. Then add in a squirt or two of a grease-fighting liquid dish soap. Shake up the mixture and then spray it directly on the sticky area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. For stubborn areas, you may have to repeat this method multiple times until the residue is gone.
Baking Soda and Oil
Another method that you can use to remove sticky residue from your car is to mix cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, with baking soda. You should have two parts oil to one part baking soda. Stick a paper towel in the mixture and then dab at the residue. The oil works to lubricate the sticky residue and get it to lift, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive lifting agent, helping to lift the residue up and away.
Rubbing Alcohol
The last method you can use to lift sticky residue from your auto glass is rubbing alcohol. Saturate the area with the residue and then also saturate a paper towel or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol. Set the soaked cloth or towel over the already saturated sticker or residue to fully soak the area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. The rubbing alcohol will lift the sticker or residue. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the residue. Repeat this process until all of the residue has lifted.
Never use razors or abrasive scrubbing agents to remove sticky residue from your auto glass. You can permanently etch or scratch the glass. If you have already made this mistake, bring your car to an auto glass professional. They may be able to remove the scratches using a glass polishing method or you may need to replace your auto glass entirely.