How to Remove Glue from Glass?

If you have just managed to effectively remove a sticker from a glass surface only to be faced with a gob of glue left behind, don’t fret. Even though this glue may appear impossible to budge, there are a few very effective ways to remove it.

How to avoid damage to glass surfaces

Your first instinct may be to reach for a sharp object like a metal blade or a putty knife to scrape the glue off but don’t do this. Even though glass is a hardy material, this may leave unsightly scratch marks on its surface.

If you still need some assistance to scrape off the glue after trying some of the effective methods below, prefer to use a plastic scraper, plastic knife, or a credit card. A soft sponge can also be used, but prefer not to use the abrasive side, unless necessary, and if you do, rub gently.

If you do need to use a razor blade, always scrape at an angle. Never use a dull blade because it may leave marks on the glass.

Which are the most effective methods for adhesive removal from glass

There are many methods that you can use to effectively remove sticky adhesive from your glass surfaces. The great thing is, you probably have most of the ingredients needed for any of these methods in your home already.

These methods are tried and tested and have proven to be the most effective:

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol will dissolve the glue, making it easy to peel away. All you must do is apply some to the sticker for a few minutes before gently peeling it away.

Acetone

Any nail polish remover will do because they all contain some degree of acetone in them. Acetone works in the same way as rubbing alcohol to break down the glue. Apply it to the sticker with a cotton wool pad, allow it to soak for a few minutes, and peel or rub the glue off.

Vinegar

Another powerful ingredient that you most probably have at home. Use it in the same way as you would acetone and rubbing alcohol. It may require a bit more rubbing than the first two and you may have to dilute the vinegar with a little bit of water because it is quite acidic.

Cooking oils and peanut butter

These oils will break down the glue of the sticker. Apply a small quantity onto the adhesive, making sure that it is applied to all the edges. Leave for a few minutes. After that, the glue should peel or rub off easily.

Hot air

Use a hairdryer to direct hot air onto the stubborn adhesive. Work quickly one the glue has softened to remove the glue with a scraper, otherwise, when it gets cold it becomes even more stubborn to remove.

Masking tape

One other very sticky material is great for removing stubborn adhesive left on your glass. Any strong tape will do, but masking tape is the best. Loop some masking tape onto your finger with the glue facing outwards. Press this sticky side of the tape on the adhesive you want to remove and pull it off abruptly like you would a band-aid. Repeat with new tape if the old loses its stickiness until all the adhesive residue is removed. Wipe the glass clean.

Other things to watch out for

Whichever of the above methods you decide to use, just make sure to protect any other surfaces that are around the glass. Use masking tape and a cloth to do this because wood and fabrics will absorb oils, acetone, etc. damaging their appearance.

Window cleaner

Spray some window cleaning material on the glue. Leave it on for a few seconds, and then gently use a scraper to budge the glue. Glass & Mirror Cleaner Foam from Fab Glass and Mirror is a very effective glass cleaner for removing glue from glass surfaces.

How to maintain glass clean?

There are many tricks to maintaining your glass surfaces clean. Try some of these for shiny glass surfaces with no streak marks:

• Start from the top and work downwards if you are cleaning windows or shower doors. This prevents window cleaner from leaking downwards as you work.
• If you do your windows on a cloudy day, you will be able to see the dirt better than when the sun is shining in. On sunny days, the cleaning liquid dries up faster than you can work and may leave streaks that you cannot see.
• Squeegees guarantee that you won’t have any streaks on large glass surfaces.
• Go into corners with a cotton bud to ensure you get to any grime stuck there.
• Newspaper, microfiber rags, and paper towels all polish glass nicely.
• You can use a solution of homemade window cleaner if you prefer. The mixture is easy to prepare: 1 cup water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, and 1 tablespoon vinegar. However, commercial window cleaners, like Glass & Mirror Cleaner Foam are formulated to tackle all types of dirt including old adhesives.