Ways to Remove a Bumper Sticker from a Car

Although many people gravitate toward using razor blades or nail polish remover to peel a sticker off their vehicle’s windows, this can damage your car if the sticker happens to be attached to the paint. The last thing you want to do is remove paint from your vehicle, which is why we recommend a few other ways to take care of this process.

Grab a Can of Oil

Whether it’s WD-40 or another brand of penetrating oil product, this is a low-cost way to effectively tackle your sticker dilemma. Here’s how to remove a sticker using this method:

• Grab a can of lubricant and pair of safety goggles.
• Spray all four edges of the bumper sticker and wait five minutes.
• Use your fingers, a credit card or something else that won’t scuff the paint to lift a corner and slowly peel off the decal.
• Is one area of the sticker stuck? Spray a small amount more on it.
• Wipe away any remaining residue with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

The Blow Dryer Method

If you have a blow dryer handy, treating an unwanted sticker with heat is an easy way to take care of this process. This is how you can remove a bumper sticker using a blow dryer:

• Grab a blow dryer and set it to its lowest heat setting.
• Aim the nozzle about six inches from the sticker (be careful, as getting too close can damage the paint).
• Use the blow dryer for about a minute, applying the heat evenly. You should notice the sticker loosen considerably.
• Use a credit card or rubber spatula to slowly remove the sticker.
• Dealing with a stubborn sticker? Use one hand to blast the heat and the other to peel it off.
• Once complete, wipe away residue with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

Vinegar to the Rescue

If you’re rummaging around the house, there’s a good chance you’ll find white vinegar in one of the cabinets. Given its properties, white vinegar is a cheap and easy solution this problem. Just follow these simple steps:

• Saturate a clean paper towel in a small bowl of white vinegar.
• Place the towel over the sticker for three to five minutes.
• The white vinegar will soak into the sticker, loosening it in the process.
• Lift one corner with your fingers, a credit card or rubber spatula.
• Peel it off completely.
• Clean the residue with a cloth towel dampened with rubbing alcohol or more white vinegar.