How to Remove Glue from Car Roof?
4 Answers
Clean the area with soap and water. It's important to ensure that no dirt or debris is scraped into the car's paint while removing the glue. Therefore, the area around the glue needs to be cleaned before starting. Use a large bucket of car wash soap and a bowl of warm water to wash the area. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the area with clean water. If desired, you can use a towel to dry the area more quickly. Heat the glue with a hairdryer. Set the hairdryer to the hottest setting until the glue becomes soft and sticky.
I also had glue stains on my car's headliner before, and tried several household methods that worked quite well. Medical alcohol is effective—just soak a cotton ball and gently wipe, the glue will slowly dissolve. White vinegar also works; pour some on a cloth, place it on the glue stain for a few minutes, then wipe. Remember to use a soft cloth, not a rough one, or it may fray the headliner fabric. For large glue stains, first gently scrape the surface with a plastic scraper, but never use metal tools. Finally, be sure to blot the area dry with a towel, otherwise the headliner may develop mold. When handling this, I wear gloves and open the windows for ventilation, as these liquids can have strong odors. It’s good to keep some alcohol wipes in the car—small issues like this can be handled yourself, saving both money and hassle.
As someone who frequently maintains my own car, I highly recommend specialized automotive adhesive removers. Products like Turtle Wax's adhesive remover spray work well—just test it on an inconspicuous area first to check for color fading. Spray it on a soft-bristle brush and dab it onto the adhesive stains, wait two minutes for penetration, then gently wipe in circular motions with a microfiber cloth, using light pressure similar to cleaning a phone screen. Headliner fabric is particularly delicate; excessive force can cause pilling. Immediately after cleaning, use a dry towel to absorb any residue, and finish by vacuuming up fallen debris. I always follow up with an interior protectant spray to prevent aging. While professional products may cost more, they’re far gentler on the headliner than DIY methods—after all, replacing a headliner can cost thousands.
Last time there was double-sided tape residue from the dashcam, here's how I DIY cleaned it: First, use a hairdryer on low heat to blow the adhesive for 30 seconds to soften the glue, then slowly rub it off with an eraser. Medical cotton swabs dipped in essential balm work wonders when dabbed on - let it sit for a few minutes and it wipes right off. Key tools to prepare: hairdryer for softening, eraser for bulk residue removal, and alcohol swabs for final traces. When operating, press down on the surrounding headliner fabric with your left hand to prevent wrinkling. Remember to wear anti-slip gloves throughout, otherwise swabs might puncture the headliner. After cleaning, ventilate by opening windows for half a day to dissipate odors. I've tested this method on 5cm-sized adhesive stains with complete success, costing less than ten yuan.
