You can safely remove the tint from your car windows by using a heat gun or hair dryer, a steam cleaner, or a combination of ammonia, soap, and water.

Car window tint has many benefits. It can provide you with privacy, protect you from glare and UV rays on a sunny day, and even add a personalized aesthetic flare to your vehicle. However, there may come a time when you want to remove your old window tint, like if it’s bubbling, discolored, or too dark.

Fortunately, there are several DIY methods for removing your car tints.

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How to remove window tint from a car

Are you ready to get rid of your old window tint? Whether you use heat, steam, or soapy water, window tint removal can be done at home! All you need are a few basic tools and the proper know-how. Read on to discover the three safest ways to go about the removal process.

Using a heat gun or hair dryer

Heat is an excellent way to loosen tint film. Starting in the corner of the window, hold the hair dryer or heat gun about two inches away from the window surface. Run the hair dryer on high until the glue melts enough to pry the edge of the tint up with your fingernail. (You can carefully use a razor blade to lift the corner of the film, if you prefer.)

Then, angle the heat source so it hits where the window film touches the glass, slowly peeling as the tint glue softens. If there’s any tint remaining on the glass, carefully scrape it away with a razor blade. (If you’re patient with the heat, however, you generally won’t need to use your scraper very much.)

Once the tint film is completely removed, you may need to use an adhesive remover (such as Goo Gone, isopropyl alcohol, or even soap and water) to remove any remaining glue residue. Then, wash the glass with a microfiber cloth and window cleaner.

This method works great on stickers as well.

MORE: How to tint car windows

Using a steam cleaner

You can also remove window tints using a fabric steamer. Simply turn on your steamer and aim it at your vehicle’s windows for several minutes. Work on small areas of the window, allowing the glue to melt until the tint easily peels off.

Remove the remaining adhesive with an appropriate remover and

clean your glass with Windex

Using ammonia, soap, and water

Is it a hot, sunny day? You may be able to use that to your advantage! Simply gather the following tools:

Black garbage bags

A tarp or old sheet/blanket

A spray bottle filled with water and dish soap

A spray bottle filled with ammonia

A non-metal scraper

Paper towels

Glass cleaner

Once you have your supplies ready, follow these steps:

Cut your trash bags into the shape(s) of your windows. You’ll need two sheets per window (one for the inside of the glass and one for the outside).

Spray the outside of the window with soapy water and cover with one black plastic sheet, smoothing it out until it’s completely flat.

Open the door and cover your car’s interior surfaces with a tarp, sheet, or blanket to protect them.

Spray ammonia on the inside of the window. (Be sure to wear a protective face mask so you don’t inhale the fumes!) Before the ammonia can dry, cover it with the other black plastic sheet, smoothing it out so it’s flat.

Allow the covered windows to “bake” in the sunlight for at least 20 minutes each.

Remove the black garbage bags and lift up a corner of the film, gently peeling the tint away. Spray with ammonia as needed to keep it moist.

Use a non-metallic scraper to remove any chunks of tint or adhesive residue. Do not scrape your window with steel wool or other abrasive materials.

Once all of the tint is removed, use an adhesive remover to clear off any glue residue. Then, clean your window with paper towels and a glass cleaner, as usual.

MORE:

Types of window tint

Why would you want to remove a car window tint?

There are two major reasons to remove your window tints: 1) you received a ticket and are legally required to, or 2) for aesthetic purposes.

Removing tints that are in pristine condition can be frustrating—whether you’re required to by law or you just decided you’d prefer clearer windows—because the glue is likely at its strongest. Fortunately, heat methods are generally quite effective—as long as you exercise a bit of patience.

You may be even more inclined to remove your tints (and perhaps invest in new tints) if they’re looking extra shabby. Over time, two aesthetic flaws commonly happen to automotive tints.

Bubbling

Improper installation and/or prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause your window tints to bubble. Not only does this look horrible—but there’s really no way to fix it. You have to completely remove your tints and start over.

If your tints are bubbling, you may be tempted to begin your removal process near the bubbles. Resist this urge! Your tint will only come off in small chunks, leaving behind lots of remaining tint and glue residue.

Begin in the corner, as always, and rest assured that removing bubbling tint is actually much simpler than removing new tint, as the glue is already softened.

Discoloration

Over time, your window tints will turn from blackish to purplish. This is due to the breakdown of non-metallic dyes and, unfortunately, cannot be reversed or repaired.

Not only is this aesthetically displeasing, but it reduces the tints’ ability to block harmful UV rays. You’ll want to remove and replace these tints as soon as possible, to protect your skin and your vehicle’s interior.

MORE:

Carbon vs. ceramic window tinting

How to find insurance for your car (tinted windows or not!)

Window tints are a great way to protect your vehicle’s interior on sunny days (afterall, strong UV rays can fade your upholstery—and you can even get a sunburn from inside the car). However, they’re just a thin layer of protection from all of the threats that exist out on the road.

For top-notch protection, you’ll want to invest in a reliable car insurance policy—a metaphorical suit of armor that keeps you and your vehicle safe, no matter what life throws at you.

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FAQs

What’s the easiest way to remove window tint?

Using heat is generally the best and safest way to remove a window tint. Whether you rely on a hair dryer, a heat gun, a fabric steamer, or the heat of the sun all depends on what tools you have accessible to you.

How do you remove window tint glue?

Scrape off most of your window tint glue using heat (from a hair dryer, heat gun, or fabric steamer) and non-metal scraper. Never use metal, abrasive materials such as razor blades or steel wool, as you risk scratching the glass.

Any remaining glue residue can be removed with an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone, nail polish remover, isopropyl alcohol, or even just soap and water.

Finish the job by cleaning your window with Windex or your favorite glass cleaner and paper towels or a microfiber cloth.

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