How do I remove sticky residue left over from window tinting film?

Therese O'Brien
by Therese O'Brien
Does anyone know how to remove sticky residue left over from window tinting film that got left on my car windows after the film was peeled off? it is so thick it blurs the window and makes checking for oncoming cars tricky during the day and almost impossible on rainy days or at night. icon .

  14 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on May 18, 2018

    Goo Gone and a razor blade would be what I would try first.

    • Therese O'Brien Therese O'Brien on May 23, 2018

      Thanks for responding. Never thought about the razor blades. I have bad rotary cuffs in my shoulders and the blades will help me with less scrubbing.

  • Diane Diane on May 18, 2018

    You can try Goo B Gone or Armour All tire shine.

  • Dfm Dfm on May 18, 2018

    Have you tried chruchy peanut butter? Get a cheap off brand, apply a teaspoon at a tIme. Rub and scrub with it. The peanut oil should loosen the adhesive the peanut particles act as scrubbers. I’ve used it on glass jars to get labels off.

  • Brenda Brandt Deason Brenda Brandt Deason on May 18, 2018

    You could try rubbing alcohol.

  • Meg Stewart Meg Stewart on May 18, 2018

    I've heard rubbing Alcohol will work. Also a bit messy but veg oil and salt . Though U should call a place that does this and talk to them >>Good Luck ..

  • Gretchen Williams Arrant Gretchen Williams Arrant on May 18, 2018

    Have you tried Goo Gone?

  • Kelli Kelli on May 23, 2018

    When I first moved into my home, the previous owners left that on my windows as well and I hated it. I tore it off and used glass cleaner and a razor blade with a ton of paper towel. It was a long process, but it worked.

  • Jay Jay on Nov 30, 2020

    Old thread but for those seeking the same advice. Warm water in a spray bottle mixed with a little dish soap. Use a paint scraper type razor blade. They key is to keep it very wet as you use the blade. Alcohol, goof off, and goo gone mostly just smears it and is very difficult. Ammonia based window cleaner is a close second but the ammonia does react with the adhesive and can have a tendency to smear a little.

  • Pat v. Pat v. on Dec 15, 2021

    found at dollar tree store.orange cleaner in a spray bottle. spray let it sit a bit, then wipe off with a rag, squeege or sponge. try small areas to start. found this great on bottle label removal. you may try project while window is warm/ not hot from sun.


  • Baseline Baseline on Feb 08, 2022

    I first Tried alcohol, ammonia, and dishwashing liquid and it did not work well at all. I then tried Goop Off Adhesive Gunk Remover from Home Depot. It still required several applications to remove all the adhesive but it did work.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Mar 27, 2024

    I would call a business that does kind of work and ask them what they use.

  • I would try Cerama Bryte. It works great on glass and some sets come with a safety scraper to remove any stubborn residue.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Apr 01, 2024

    First, take an equal amount of vinegar and water and mix them together in a spray bottle. White distilled vinegar will work best for this. Then, spray the solution on your windows and let it sit for around two to three minutes. Lastly, use a gentle cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution and avoid any streaks.