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trudymom_gw

Getting Sticker Off Vinyl Windows?

17 years ago

Any suggestions on how to get the stickers off the vinyl part of the windows--it's not on the glass, but the vinyl part. I don't want to scratch it.

Thank you!

Comments (11)

  • 17 years ago

    lacquer paint thinner and a rag.

  • 17 years ago

    Oh, and organic/non-toxic.

    Thank you!

  • 17 years ago

    LOL,good luck with that.

  • 17 years ago

    Works fairly often (and no harm done if it doesn't): With fingers, lift and peel off the paper or plastic top layer. Depending on the adhesive, you may be able to just rub it into balls and off with your fingertips. If the adhesive is stickier, use a piece of an ancient t-shirt dipped in oil (I prefer 3-in-1, but I've been told plain ol' cooking oil is okay) and rub gently. Work the oil in, and then use a clean cloth to remove the gummy stuff. Wash with a soapy sponge and rinse a couple times.

    Not organic but highly effective, "scrubbing bubbles" shower foam (green spray can) is superb at lifting the so-called removeable adhesives without damaging the plastic underneath. Spray on, count to three, wipe off with a paper towel. I use it to remove price stickers from paperback books, and it's never damaged the cover.

  • 17 years ago

    Can I hijack just a little here? :) I am thinking the scrubbing bubbles cleaner would be perfect for a sticky residue on a tub shower we have...but what about excess window caulk on the vinyl part of the window. The guy caulking the windows got pretty sloppy on a few and this is a special 'wet flash' stuff that is sort of gummy. Any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks!

  • 17 years ago

    re: caulks ~ ask the manufacturer. There's usually an 800-number on the package, and this is not a dumb question. If no 800-number, see if you can find their website; there's usually a contact of some sort -- in fact, some have FAQs which might provide the answer.

    OP ~ forgot to mention that alcohol and fingernail polish remover are two more options. In both cases, try in a hidden spot first, because some will remove the vinyl's shine. Also, and maybe worth trying first -- aim a hair dryer at the residue, and wipe off with a damp cloth.

  • 17 years ago

    Any vegetable oil should do it. Let it soak and try to remove the top layer first if it has a plastic coating.

  • 17 years ago

    Thanks meldy!

  • 17 years ago

    My Mom used to remove stickers by coating them with vinegar or dish soap and then placing saran wrap over top and waiting for a couple of hours. I never tried it myself but she swore it worked like a charm. I think she said it came from a Martha Stewart show or article.

  • 17 years ago

    "Removable" stickers use pressure sensitive adhesives rather than solvent based adhesives and are difficult to remove with many common solvents especially if the solvents evaporate rapidly.

    It is troubling to realize how many solvents are sold for home use and how trusting people are about having these products stored in their homes in enclosed unventilated spaces near rags and other combustible materials much less using them without skin and eye protection. We have apparently become a nation of people who can't believe a potentially harmful substance would be sold in a grocery store and/or advertised for home use and therefore we don't read the caution labels.

    Goo Gone is made of petroleum naphthas and citrus oil and is highly flammable as well as being a skin, eye and respiratory irritant.

    Scrubbing Bubbles is made of a combination of solvents: n-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, n-Alkyl ethylbenzil ammonimum chloride, Diethylene glycol butyl ether and Isobutane (Isobutane is used in cigarette lighters and camp stoves). It is flammable and a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. It is intended for unattended use in a residential shower, just push the button and leave it. What does the term "corneal injury" do for you?

    If you Google "sticker remove vegetable oil" you will find that it (and baby oil, etc.) works as well as anything else and is not a danger to anyone and doesn't require special storage or clean up precautions. I grant you it's not interesting enough to make the Martha Stewart show.

  • 17 years ago

    Once again, M.A.'s wealth of knowledge never ceases to amaze. I've cursed upc stickers especially on finish items where instead of putting the sticker on the back side or a side where it wont show upon install, it almost inherently is placed out front. I'll give veggie oil a go next time. Thanks!