Safely remove adhesive residues from window frames

Adhesive residues on the window frame are not uncommon. Regardless of whether it is from adhesive films or brackets for curtain rods, this article will introduce you to some methods and aids against the stains.

Safely remove adhesive residues: utensils

If you want to safely remove adhesive residue, you need the right utensils beforehand. Since adhesive leaves a film on the surface, the connection must be loosened to remove the adhesive residue. A combination of mechanical removal and the use of special agents that additionally soften the mixture is used for this. Since the majority of the window frames used are made of either wood or plastic, you need to be extra careful when approaching this. The materials are easily damaged, especially when using aggressive cleaning agents such as denatured alcohol. The following list gives you an overview of the suitable utensils:

• Ceran field scraper or spatula
• lint-free cloth
• Cotton swabs or pads
• Solvents or home remedies
• Cleaning cloth
• optional: cleaning gloves

These utensils are sufficient for the materials mentioned. It can be used to remove conventional adhesives through to superglues. The following sections describe the individual measures.

Tip: It is often advisable to heat adhesive residues with a hair dryer and then remove them mechanically. It is essential that you refrain from this measure with plastic and wooden frames, as the materials can be damaged by the heat.

Remove mechanically

In order to remove adhesive residues from a window frame, the mechanical procedure is recommended at the beginning. Since you do not need to use any special means at this point, you can use this method immediately and without preparation. Only use a scraper or spatula for this, as other utensils such as a knife are too sharp for the window frame. You can even use a bank card or something similar on plastic frames, as long as it is rigid enough and doesn't bend. The method is carried out in the following way:

• work from the outside in
• carefully push the tool under the edge
• lift up
• peel off towards the end

At this point, nothing more is necessary. Perform the movement evenly and not jerkily to avoid scratches. At the end, wipe with a damp cloth so that the material returns to its original shine.

Note: For an adhesive with little tack, it is sometimes sufficient to rub the surface with your hand. As a result of the contact, the adhesive begins to form into small deposits, which you can then wipe away with a cloth and a little water.

solvent

A solvent or special cleaning agent is the best way to remove adhesive residues from wooden window frames. Since wood is very sensitive, you should also refrain from using substances that are too strong. To maintain the quality of the frame, you should use nail polish remover containing acetone. In this, the amount of acetone is significantly lower, which does not really attack the paint. You could use pure acetone, but you have to paint the frame afterwards. You can also consider using a wooden soap if the window frame is not painted.
Use the following instructions to loosen the adhesive residue:

• Wipe the stain dry
• Put nail polish remover on a cotton swab or cloth
• dab the leftovers well
• Repeated dabbing will make the residues disappear
• finally clean

Depending on the strength of the adhesive, the procedure may take a while. The concentration of acetone in the nail polish remover also affects the duration of its effect.

Note: The window should remain closed during the entire procedure so that the draft does not dry out the funds too quickly. It is also advisable to switch the radiator off or down briefly directly under the window.

Vegetable oil

Home remedies can also be used to remove adhesive residue from the window frame. It is particularly suitable here Vegetable oilthat you should use to remove glue residue on plastic. While acetone or other solvents degrade plastic, vegetable oil does no harm. If the adhesive residue cannot be removed mechanically from the plastic frame, a colorless vegetable oil is recommended. Alternatively, you can also use vinegar essence or a classic moisturizer, but the vegetable oil will give the best results. It is applied as follows:

• Dip cotton swabs in oil
• optional: apply to a lint-free cloth
• Rub in glue residue
• repeat if necessary
• wipe off after a while
• clean with water and washing-up liquid
• dry

Due to the simple use, the method can be applied quickly and effectively. If you are unsure whether the oil will leave a stain on the material, you should apply it to an area that is not visible. If you notice any discoloration, you should switch to vinegar essence or the cream. Problems rarely arise.

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