Get Glue off a Car

Glue, duct tape, or stickers can cause damage to your car, as well as be difficult to remove. Glue or sticker residue can be unsightly, frustrating many car owners. Some glue removers may further damage the surface you are trying to clean. By using gasoline, soap, or heat, you may be able to remove the glue from your car's exterior or interior.

Steps

Removing Glue with Gasoline

  1. Make sure to remove any duct tape or sticker first. Some stickers may be able to be peeled away, but be careful not to tear it because this can make it more difficult to remove the rest.
  2. Get a soft, clean cotton rag or old t-shirt. Be sure the rag is easy to handle and large enough to keep your hand from coming in contact with the gasoline.
  3. Get a sufficient amount of gasoline to use. Pour the gas slowly onto the rag to avoid soaking it through.
    • A small amount of gas should work. Too much may damage the exterior of your vehicle, so use sparingly.
    • Be careful not to completely drench the rag because it will increase skin contact with the gasoline. Prolonged contact with gas may cause skin burns, so it's important to thoroughly wash your hands after handling the rag.[1]
    • You can choose to wear gloves to protect your skin, but do not wear latex gloves. The hydrocarbons in petroleum products can cause latex gloves to erode, which can cause skin damage.[2]
  4. Rub the glue residue with the rag. Make circles as if you were washing the car. The glue should start to move from the car's surface in a short time.
  5. Clean any remaining gasoline off the car. Although gas often evaporates on its own, it can damage car paint or finishes if left alone. This can lead to premature corrosion. Mix some warm water and car soap and cleanse the area. Use a clean rag to dry to area.[3]

Heating the Sticker or Glue

  1. Clean the area with soap and water. Be sure to remove any dirt or other grime to ensure you don’t damage the surface of the vehicle while you’re working.
  2. Use a hairdryer to warm the glue. The heat makes the glue more pliable and easier to remove without damage to the paint. Using high heat for no more than a few minutes should be enough to loosen the glue or sticker residue.[4]
  3. Gently peel the sticker off. Use a plastic card to scrape the glue away. If the sticker starts to tear, use the card to scrape from the other side to prevent residue from sticking to the car.
  4. Use tree sap remover to clear any remaining glue residue. Tree sap remover helps to dissolve the remaining glue without causing damage. Follow the product’s instructions, give the remover some time to set in, and then wipe the glue away with a towel.[5]
    • These products are specially formatted to remove sticky substances.
    • Some tree sap removers you can purchase include Goo Gone, Ex-Con, and Mötsenböcker. These solutions can generally be purchased at a local home improvement store or big box retailer.

Using Soap to Remove Glue from Car Upholstery

  1. Scrape off excess glue. If you are using glue to add trim or other detailing on the inside of your car, you may accidentally get glue on the seats. You can use a plastic card or other tool to remove the glue. This makes it easier to remove the part adhering to the car’s upholstery.
    • This step may only be effective if the glue hasn't fully set into the upholstery. Removing it as soon as possible is most effective, if possible.
  2. Make a mixture of dish soap and water. Use one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and two cups of cold water.[6]
    • Epoxy and super glue may not come out of fabric upholstery with soap and water. Acetone, such as nail polish remover, can be used to loosen the glue. Be sure to wash the spot with soap and water afterward to prevent damage to the upholstery.[7]
  3. Take a clean cloth and blot the stain with the soap mixture. Use the cloth to absorb the liquid and repeat until the glue stain disappears.
  4. Blot the area with cool water. This ensures all the soap is out of the upholstery.
  5. Dry the area with a clean cloth. Use a clean, dry cloth to soak up any remaining moisture.

Warnings

  • Make sure you get the gas off of your hands before coming into contact with sparks or flames.
  • Using too much gasoline may take away the clear (top) layer of paint.
  • Be careful when peeling stickers to avoid shredding.
  • Wash gasoline off car to avoid paint damage.

Things You'll Need

  • A rag or shirt
  • A tiny amount gasoline
  • A little bit of rubbing strength
  • Dish soap
  • Warm water
  • A hair dryer
  • A plastic card
  • Tree sap remover
  • Clean cloths
  • Acetone

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mmg/mmg.asp?id=465&tid=83
  2. ↑ http://www.allsafetyproducts.com/asp-glove-selection-chart-chemical-break-through-times.html
  3. ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-gas-stains-from-vehicles/
  4. ↑ https://www.reference.com/vehicles/remove-glue-painted-surface-car-5ec2cad7fc2c6b8e
  5. ↑ https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-remove-sap-from-a-car
  6. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a15879/stains-glue-may07/
  7. ↑ https://www.pgeveryday.com/home-garden/cleaning-organization/article/13-stubborn-stains-and-how-to-remove-them

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