If you’re a homeowner, chances are you know the joy of getting new windows installed followed by the struggle of removing the stickers and/or tape that new windows tend to be covered in. Make sure you take care when removing stickers from your windows; the last thing you want to do is damage your glass and need a window repair or replacement.
While it may seem like a lost cause to even try and remove the stickers yourself – they do require some major determination paired with elbow grease – here are some tried and true suggestions to help you get crystal clear windows.
If all else fails and you find yourself struggling to remove the sticker yourself, give your local window replacement and repair company a call and have them come do the heavy scraping for you.
The most basic sticker removal methods require only one removal ingredient, which you most likely have lying around the house already.
Use alcohol and elbow grease
If done correctly, this method is a reliable way to remove any stickers from the glass with minimal risk of damage. Spray window cleaner or rubbing alcohol onto the sticker and allow it to soak in for 10-30 minutes. Then scrape with a razor blade to remove the leftover sticker and residue.
This process may be slightly time-consuming, as you’ll most likely need to spray, scrape, and repeat a few times, while continuing to pull the sticker from the glass until it’s completely removed. If you’re not keen on the idea of using a razor blade, try swapping out an old credit card, just use the edge as a “scraper”.
Lather up with a soapy water solution
Some window manufacturers will recommend the most basic method of cleaning for sticker removal: hot, soapy water. Use a rag to clean the windows like you would any area that requires cleaning, applying the soapy solution and scrubbing as necessary until the sticker detaches from the glass.
Give it an oil-soaking
Another tried and true method requires you to grab some vegetable or cooking oil from your kitchen and either spray it on the residue or apply it with a sponge until the entire area looks “wet”. Allow the oil to set in for a few minutes then use paper towels to remove. Repeat as needed and then clean the windows as you normally would.
Borrow a trick from a stain removal champion
The next sticker remover solution is likely to be in your laundry cupboard. Try using a spray stain remover or any “spray and wash” type solution to loosen your residue and help with your window sticker removal mission.
This method does require removing as much sticker as possible prior to application but can effectively lift the remaining sticky residue and those gummy-marks so often left behind.
Remove stickers the Aussie way
If you’re a fan of natural cleaning or aromatherapy, chances are you’ve got the next sticker removing hero around your home. Eucalyptus oil naturally breaks down tough sticky and goopy messes, so it’s the perfect way to get rid of window stickers.
Wet a rag, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and scrub the sticker and residue until the gooey residue starts to lift off the glass.
Call WD40 to the rescue
A spray you don’t normally associate with windows – but most likely have in your garage – can work double duty as a sticker removal spray. First, remove as much of the sticker as you can.
Then grab your can of WD-40 and spray on the area and allow it to soak in. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and the residue should come right off. Cleaning with window cleaner will most likely be necessary after the sticker is removed for a clear window.
Ice it
An ice pack is yet another sticker removal solution waiting to happen. Simply hold an ice pack over the sticker and then scrape with a razor. As science has it, the cooling effect of the ice will neutralise and stiffen the adhesive residue making it a whole lot easier to remove.
Get unstuck
As you can see, there are several different ways to sort out the sticky stuff left on your new windows and glass surfaces after installation. While not all of these methods have a 100% success rate a combination of methods can work well, and you can be sure your window will look better than when you started.
If you happen to have scratched the glass window or door, don’t stress – check out our tips on how to remove scratches from glass windows.
If all else fails, you may find your efforts to remove the stickers more frustrating than it’s worth. Instead of “just putting up with” the stickers as you may be tempted to do, find local window repair and replacement professionals who leave your windows sticker-free and crystal clear.
Get in touch with Action Glass & Aluminium today for full-service window manufacturing and installation.
