If you have glue left over from labels or other adhesives on glass surfaces, learn how to remove glue from glass here. We’ll explain how to do it and which materials to use.
There are many types of glues and adhesives on the market, so when it comes to removing glue from glass, you might have to try several approaches. Of course, it’s much easier to remove before it’s dried, so try take care of the problem immediately. If the glue’s already dry, follow the suggestions below.
Some glues are water based and will wipe off the glass with a soft cloth and water. Continue rotating the cloth so that you’re wiping with a clean section until all the glue is gone.
If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to try a solvent such as alcohol, vinegar, acetone (nail polish remover), mineral spirits, or spray lubricant. It’s likely that one or more of these will soften the glue and make it easier to remove. Once it’s softened, you can carefully remove the adhesive from the glass with a razor blade. Lay the blade flat to avoid scratching and be careful not to dig either edge of the razor into the glass.
Another method to try is heat or ice. Some adhesives will soften from the heat of a hair dryer or heat gun. They can then be scraped away with a razor or putty knife. Be careful not to use so much heat (especially with a heat gun) that you damage the object.
Alternatively, holding an ice cube on the glue for a time may make it brittle enough scrapes off easily. If the item is small enough, you could put it in the freezer for a few minutes before removing the glue.
Getting glue off glass can involve some trial an error, but with a little patience, you’ll find a method that works well for just about any type of glue.
Another method to remove glue from glass: a bath in water with soap
The residue left over from labels or stickers can be particularly stubborn. To get sticker residue off glass, you’ll need a solvent.
First, try acetone or paint thinner (mineral spirits). They tend to be particularly effective and most sticker residue can be removed with one of these solvents. If that doesn’t work, try a commercial degreaser (like those used to clean motor oil and grease off your hands). Just be careful as some of these contain grit which could scratch the glass.
If you need to attach something to glass, you should use an adhesive that’s made just for that purpose. Try Loctite Super Glue Glass. It bonds glass to glass and metal to glass in seconds, and it dries crystal clear for invisible repairs. The formula is water and dishwasher resistant and can be used on most common types of glass: crystal, tinted glass, blown glass, and more.