How Long Does the Smell Last After Removing Car Film?
2 Answers
The smell after removing car film usually disappears in about three days. The lingering odor after film removal and adhesive cleanup is mainly caused by the following reasons: 1. Incomplete adhesive removal: The adhesive exposed to the air can continue to emit unpleasant odors. For example, the rear windshield is not flat and has fragile heating wires, making it difficult to completely remove the adhesive, which can lead to residue. 2. Incorrect adhesive removal method and inadequate protective measures: Residue from the adhesive can seep into other areas of the car. If the film is of poor quality and you attempt to remove it yourself, this situation is more likely to occur. 3. Low-quality car film: Poor-quality adhesive in the car film contains volatile gases such as formaldehyde and benzene. Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes these gases to "have nowhere to hide," leading to film bubbling and continuous emission of unpleasant odors inside the car. Once the film is removed, formaldehyde and other gases are released all at once, not only being extremely foul-smelling but also irritating, enough to make one's eyes water. Therefore, some professionals wear masks when removing film to protect themselves.
The time it takes for that glue smell to disappear after removing car window film really depends. Generally speaking, with good ventilation, the smell will significantly fade within three to seven days. Like when I last changed my film - right after removal, the smell was so strong it gave me a headache. I parked my car outdoors with all windows rolled down, and only then did it feel bearable with the wind blowing through. For the first couple days, I had to drive with windows open or it felt suffocating. After about a week, the smell was basically gone, but in hot summer weather it evaporates faster; in cold winter, it might linger for two weeks. If low-quality adhesive was used during installation, the smell lasts even longer. After removal, I recommend using neutral cleaner to wipe off residue - don't try masking it with air fresheners, that backfires. Until the smell fully dissipates, avoid sitting in a closed car for too long - bad for your lungs. Sharing these hard-earned tips to help you avoid pitfalls.
