Phone and dashcam holders on an adhesive pad hold firmly, but once removed they leave a sticky patch on the windscreen. Dust soon collects on it, and a smudge in your line of sight is irritating every day.
The aim is to remove the glue without scratching the glass and without leaving oily smears that reduce visibility at night and in the rain.
Why not put it off? On a windscreen the glue heats up in the sun every day and cools at night, and in winter it also goes through swings from the demister. The longer it stays, the harder and more brittle it gets. A fresh mark left after removing a holder comes off in minutes, while an old one may need several rounds. And a sticky patch in your line of sight catches dust and glare, so it is worth clearing as soon as possible.
What you will need
Important: After treatment the glass must be thoroughly degreased with glass cleaner: any film on the windscreen causes glare from oncoming headlights. Do not use metal blades near the rain sensor, cameras or heating elements.
Step 1
Prepare the interior
Lay a cloth over the dashboard below the work area. It catches drips of product and bits of glue, keeping the plastic and air vents clean.
Step 2
Remove the holder
Separate the holder from the glass carefully. Slide the edge of a plastic scraper or strong thread under the adhesive pad and work it slowly along the glass. Do not yank the holder towards you. In cold weather, warm the cabin with the heater first, as warm adhesive lets go more gently.
Step 3
Apply WD-40 to the glue
Spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto the adhesive residue. WD-40 Smart Straw is more precise: the thin straw directs the product onto the spot only. Wait a few minutes for it to soften the glue.
Step 4
Lift the softened glue
Ease the glue off with a plastic scraper held at a low angle and collect the rest with a cloth. If the glue is thick, apply again and wait a little longer.
Step 5
Clean the glass thoroughly
Wash the area with glass cleaner and a clean cloth, then polish with a dry one. Check the glass against the light: there should be no greasy patches or streaks. Repeat the clean if needed.
Tip: If you move your holder around often, choose a suction-cup or air-vent model: it leaves no glue on the glass.
What next
The same method works for dashcam pads, radar detector mounts and stickers on glass. Keep WD-40 Multi-Use in the car: it is also useful for door locks and hinges in winter.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».