How to Remove Stickers From Your Car Windshield (9 Ways)
As a car owner, maybe you have a city sticker or parking permits that are no longer valid. But since they are attached to your car glass for so long, the removal process can be pretty tricky.
Get more cleaning tips for the car and home here.
The good news is you can remove the entire sticker by following the helpful tips below.
Here’s how to remove your car’s windshield stickers:
- Use soapy water.
- Apply glass window cleaner.
- Spray some rubbing alcohol.
- Remove the auto stickers with a baking soda mix.
- Place an ice pack on your car decals.
- Spray WD-40.
- Use a heat gun.
- Spray on some nail polish remover.
- Apply a sticker remover like Goo Gone.
Without further ado, let’s get into the following methods to remove stickers from auto glass.
1. Use Soapy Water
Start by pulling the automotive stickers diagonally at one corner. The edges will create a port of entry for the soapy water to work its magic.
Next, prepare a bucket filled with clean, hot water and some dish soap or liquid detergent. Dip your rag in the bucket and place it on the remaining adhesive on the car window.
If you like, you can transfer the mixture to a spray bottle. That way, you can spritz the soapy water directly onto the glass.
Apply/spray the soapy water several times until the leftover glue is thoroughly soaked. Use a rag, plastic scraper, or fingernail to remove the excess adhesive.
After removing the sticker, clean the window glass with water and dry it out with a dry cloth.
RELATED: How to Clean the Inside of Your Car Windshield
2. Apply Glass Window Cleaner
Spray the glass cleaner to wet the window sticker. Leave it on for a few minutes or up until the sticker becomes slippery.
Use a plastic or scraper sharp razor blade to remove the corner of the sticker. Do so at a 45-degree angle so that you won’t end up scratching the glass.
Make sure to pull the sticker up slowly. Repeat the entire process – spray, scrape, and pull – until you get the entire sticker off the car windshield.
Afterward, dab the glass surface with a dry paper towel. Another better option is microfiber cloth /microfiber towel since it won’t scratch the glass or leave any fiber on the windshield.
Tip: When picking a window cleaner, choose one that’s ammonia-free. Ammonia can end up drying and damaging the rubber around your windshield. Avoid Windex if possible and try a glass cleaner more suitable for auto glass.
3. Spray Some Alcohol
This next step is similar to using a glass window cleaner. Apply rubbing or denatured alcohol on the sticker. Let it sit for a few minutes until the sticker is fully saturated.
Once the adhesive gets soft or wrinkly, peel the corner of the decal. If needed, use a razor blade to get rid of the remaining residue.
Fun Fact: Rubbing alcohol is not only helpful in removing stickers. It can help get rid of the pine sap on your front and rear windows as well. That can be a real sticky mess.
4. Remove the Auto Stickers With a Baking Soda Mix
Using baking soda is a safe way to remove your inspection decal. It’s non-toxic and very effective too.
For this procedure, you need to mix baking soda with half a cup of cooking oil. Apply the mixture on the decal until it’s fully soaked.
Feel the sticker and once it gives, use your fingers – or your old library card – to remove the residue from the surface of the glass.
Tip: While baking soda is the safest method on the list in some regards, you should avoid this if your vehicle’s windshield is tinted. Otherwise, you’ll end up damaging your expensive window tint!
5. Place an Ice Pack on Your Car Decals
Leave an ice pack on top of the pesky stickers for a couple of minutes. It will help cool the sticker which weakens the bond between the adhesive and the surface. This makes the sticker easier to pull off. Likewise, you can use a sharp object (such as a blade) for easy removal.
This method is great because it’s non-abrasive and unlikely to damage your vehicle.
6. Spray WD-40
Compared to the different methods above, the first step here is to remove the majority of the sticker. After doing so, you can apply WD-40 on the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes.
Once the WD-40 has settled in, use a damp cloth to remove the rest of the adhesive and grime.
If necessary, use a plastic scrape, spatula, or blade to get rid of the sticky residue.
RELATED: How to Remove Scratches from Car Windshields
7. Use a Heat Gun
Applying heat is another effective way to remove windshield stickers. It can help melt the glue, thus making it easier for you to remove the sticker.
You can use either a heat gun or a hairdryer on the highest setting for this step-by-step guide.
Start by holding the heat gun/dryer on the city sticker. Remove the corner once heated. Don’t let it cool before you start peeling off the decal!
Pull the sticker away from the glass slowly but surely. Use a wet paper towel should you need to get rid of any leftover residue.
8. Spray on Some Nail Polish Remover
If there’s remaining residue on the glass even after repeated removals, then it’s time to use some nail polish remover.
All you need to do is soak a dry paper towel with this product and rub it on the affected area.
Once the residue is saturated, you may go ahead and scrape it with a blade. As mentioned, make sure to do so at a safe, 45-degree angle.
Be careful not to get the acetone near your vehicle’s paint, as it could cause it to come off!
9. Apply a Sticker Remover Like Goo Gone
If the household items above don’t seem to work, then you best get your hands on a sticker remover like Goo Gone. This product, readily available in your local hardware store, is specially designed to get rid of stickers and adhesives.
The above steps apply when using Goo Gone. All you need to do is spray some product on the vinyl decals. Leave it on for a few minutes.
A good thing about Goo Gone is that it eliminates the need for a special razor blade. All it takes is a plastic scraper (or your old credit card) to remove the sticky residue.
Key Takeaways
When done the wrong way, it will take a long time before you can remove your windshield decal.
That said, you need to use the right products, such as:
- Soapy water
- Window cleaners
- Alcohol
- Baking soda mix
- WD-40
- Sticker remover (e.g., Goo Gone)
Likewise, using a heat gun/hair dryer or ice pack will help you remove decals easily as well with a bit more elbow grease.
