Glue, tape or stikers can damage the car and are also difficult to remove. Sticky residues are unsightly and frustrating for many motorists; some products and solvents can even make the situation worse by damaging the surface they are supposed to clean. However, you can remove the glue from the bodywork or the interior of the cabin by using gasoline, soap or heat.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: with Gasoline
Step 1. Make sure you peel off any remaining tape or adhesive
Some decals come off like a cuticle, but be careful not to tear them, as it would be very difficult to remove the fragments.
Step 2. Get a clean soft cotton rag or old T-shirt
Check that the fabric is easy to handle and large enough to avoid direct contact between your hands and the gasoline.
Step 3. Get enough gasoline
Slowly pour it on the rag, avoiding to soak it.
- A small dose should be enough, too much fuel could damage the body, so proceed sparingly.
- Be careful not to wet the fabric completely, otherwise you increase the risk of directly touching the gasoline with your hands, which could cause chemical burns. Remember to wash them thoroughly after handling the rag.
- You can consider wearing long gloves to protect your skin, taking care not to use latex ones. The hydrocarbons present in petroleum products can erode this material and damage the epidermis.
Step 4. Scrub the glue residue with the rag
Make circular movements as if you were washing the car; the adhesive should peel off in a short time.
Step 5. Clean all traces of fuel
Although this product will evaporate on its own, it can damage the paint or finish if not removed. The exterior of the machine could corrode prematurely; then mix some car soap with warm water and wash the treated surface. When finished, dry it with a clean cloth.
Method 2 of 3: Heat the Glue or Adhesive
Step 1. Wash the area with soap and water
Remove all traces of dust and dirt to avoid damaging the surface as you work.
Step 2. Use a hair dryer to heat the glue
The heat makes it malleable and allows it to be removed more easily without damaging the paint. To soften glue or decal residue, applying heat for no more than a few minutes should suffice.
Step 3. Gently peel off the adhesive
Use a plastic card to scrape it off. If it starts to tear, move the tile to another side of the decal to prevent residue from remaining on the machine.
Step 4. Remove all traces with tree resin solvent
This product is able to dissolve all traces of glue without damaging the surface. Follow the instructions on the package and give the solvent time to work before wiping it off with a cloth.
- These types of solvents are specifically formulated to remove sticky substances;
- There are many different brands, the Arexons line offers effective products, available at supermarkets and auto parts stores.
Method 3 of 3: Use Soap to Remove Glue from Upholstery
Step 1. Scrape off the excess glue
If you are using adhesive to mount moldings and similar elements, you could unintentionally dirty the seats. You can use a plastic card or other tool to remove the excess substance; this is the easiest way to peel off the adhesive on the upholstery.
This operation is effective only if the glue has not completely penetrated the fabric; removing it promptly is the best solution
Step 2. Prepare a solution of water and dish soap
Use about 15ml of cleanser and 500ml of cold water.
Superglue and epoxy do not detach from fabrics with soapy water; if so, you should use acetone or nail polish remover. Use soap and water to wash the treated area to avoid damaging the upholstery
Step 3. Take a clean cloth and blot the stain with the cleaning solution
Use the rag to absorb the liquid and continue this way until the glue disappears.
Step 4. Wash the area with cold water
This allows you to remove all soap residues.
Step 5. Dry the fabric with another rag
Make sure it's clean and dry to absorb any moisture.
Warnings
- Remember to clean gasoline from your hands before approaching open flames or sparks.
- Using too much gasoline could remove the clear coat from the body.
- Pay attention to how much you peel off the stickers to prevent them from breaking.
- Wash the gasoline off the car to avoid damaging the paint.