Glue or paint that dries and hardens can leave stubborn stains on windows and form an annoying opaque film. Stickers that are peeled off of window panes can leave a sticky, viscous, and greasy film. Even strong adhesives are generally resistant to water and common cleaning techniques. However, you should be able to clean windows using a solvent and scraper. Continue reading and learn the specific steps required to resolve this issue.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Dry Glue with Solvent
Step 1. Rub isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover onto the glue layer
Pour a cap of a bottle of isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover onto a tissue. Rub in a circular motion to soften the paint or glue. You don't need to use a lot of solvent. Keep in mind that focusing a small amount of solvent is much more effective than spraying it all over the window.
Remove the glue stain with your regular window cleaning spray. Wipe this cleaning spray onto the window surface with a clean cloth. This will help remove any remaining stains as well as cover the smell of isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover
Step 2. Use white vinegar to remove any remaining duct tape
This method is best suited for window panes that have been duct-taped for a long time or duct tape that has dried quickly in the sun. Wipe off the remaining glue several times with a soft cloth dampened with vinegar. Leave it for a few moments, then wipe again with a new damp cloth. Keep rubbing and adding vinegar until all of the dried adhesive is removed. Next, dry and buff the glass with a clean cloth.
Step 3. Use a car engine cleaning product (degreaser)
Visit your local auto supply store, there is a wide selection of products that can help you deal with stubborn adhesive residue. Look for brands like Fast Orange, Goof-Off, and Goo Gone. This product is designed to remove oil and grease residue from hands, but is also capable of removing sticker residue, duct tape, and glue because it contains a strong oil-cleaning agent.
The cleaning agent contained in citrus-based cleaning products such as Fast Orange is usually d-Limonen. Meanwhile, other products use heptane, which is a strong solvent. For your safety, be sure to use both types of product in small amounts in a well-ventilated area
Step 4. Use WD40 or paint cleaner
Spray one of the products onto the surface of the remaining glue and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Step 5. Use the liquid filled gas lighter
Pour the contents of the gas lighter onto a cloth or paper towel. Be careful not to spill this liquid. Wipe the glue stain with a damp towel until it's completely clean.
- Alternatively, moisten the glue stain with the liquid filled gas lighter to loosen it. Pour or dab the liquid from the gas lighter directly onto the glue stain at a specific point. Leave for 1 minute, then wipe with a damp, clean cloth.
- This method is also able to remove crayon scribbles from the wall. While some of the stain may still remain, the liquid in the gas lighter will remove most crayon wax stains. After successfully removing the stain, you can fix the wall paint.
Step 6. Heat the glass with a high-temperature hairdryer
Point the hair dryer at the glue stain for at least 1 minute to loosen its bond to the window. Once the adhesive has weakened, you can either wipe it off with a solvent or scrape it off with a tool.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Wet Glue
Step 1. Pay attention to the type of glue
How to clean wet glue is determined by the type of glue that begins to stick to the window. Some types of glue (mostly) can peel off without leaving a stain after drying. However, some other types of glue must be wiped off with hot water and a solvent, while some may not be able to be cleaned unless using a heavy technique that could potentially damage the glass. Pay attention to the type of glue you use:
- The glue gun should peel off once it dries. Let this glue dry then peel off until clean.
- Elmer's liquid glue should also be able to peel off clean once it dries.
- Although stronger than other glues, Elmer's stick glue can be peeled off in warm water.
- Sticky glue can usually be peeled off once it dries. However, you can also try wiping it with warm water to fix it before it dries.
- Super glue or Superglue cannot be peeled off without scraping off. Chances are your window glass will be scratched if this super adhesive is cleaned.
Step 2. Act fast
Glue can be very difficult to remove once it dries. If you can act immediately while the glue is still wet and sticky, you may be able to remove most of the glue before it hardens on the surface of the window.
Step 3. Wipe off the wet glue with a wet washcloth before it dries
Hot water and a washcloth should be able to remove any glue that hasn't dried yet. You can also use a tissue, an old T-shirt, or the rough side of a cleaning sponge. Wipe the window for a few minutes until all the glue is removed. Dry the window surface with a rag after cleaning. Check the window pane again and repeat this process if the glue stain is still sticky.
- Be aware that wet glue may stick to the washcloth and be difficult to clean. Use an old rag which is fine if it breaks.
- Smearing with wet glue can spread the glue stain around it and make the window more opaque. If water and a washcloth alone don't help, try using a stronger solvent.
Step 4. Use the solvent you used to clean dry paint
Isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover, WD-40, car engine cleaner, vinegar, and lighter fluid should also help you remove wet glue from window surfaces. As with dry glue, wipe the glue stains with a cloth or tissue that has been moistened with the solvent of your choice until clean.
Step 5. Try wetting the stain with a damp sponge
First of all, wet the sponge with boiling water for a few minutes. Squeeze the sponge and apply it to the glue stain. Let the hot sponge sit for a few minutes. When you lift the sponge, most of the glue should also be lifted. Rinse off any excess glue from the sponge, then wipe any remaining glue off the surface of the glass until it's completely clean.
Alternatively, pour boiling water directly onto the glue stain. Pour boiling water continuously for a few seconds so that the remaining glue loosens and can be scraped off. Try scraping off any excess glue immediately after heating while the bond loosens
Step 6. Try freezing wet glue with ice cubes
Place an ice cube on the surface of the glue stain for a few minutes to freeze it. Once the glue stain has frozen, scrape it off with a butter knife or the edge of a credit card.
Method 3 of 3: Scrape the Glass
Step 1. Scrape off the glue stain after you've wet or rubbed it with a solvent
The solvent will loosen the glue on the window, and the scraper will help you peel it off the glass. Use a metal scraper, preferably sharp and strong. Do not use a thin, brittle knife as you will have to scrape vigorously to remove the glue, and sharp knives are very dangerous if they break.
Step 2. Scrape the stubborn glue off the surface of the glass with a scraper
Use a scraper that is also used to clean the sticker of the machine. Alternatively, use a new razor, cutter blade, or minus bolt. Tilt the knife at a 30-degree angle against the glass surface. Scrape the remaining glue off the glass surface carefully and carefully. Press gently, and remember to scrape not slice, otherwise your glass will be damaged.
This method of scraping is not only useful for cleaning glue, but is also able to clean stubborn paint stains
Step 3. Use a wire sponge
If the glue stain is very difficult to remove, try wiping the window with a wire sponge. Wet a wire sponge in water that has been poured with a few drops of dish soap. Be careful not to rub too vigorously. If the wire sponge is pressed too tightly, your windows can be permanently scratched.
Step 4. Wipe the scraped area clean with a clean, dry towel
Finish by wiping the area clean using a clean towel, or with the clean side of the tissue. If you have paint stains on your windows, you don't need to use solvents and just wipe them off with a clean towel.
