How To Remove Window Tint: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Remove Window Tints » How To Remove Window Tint: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove Window Tint PDF download Download Article Get rid of almost any window tint with ordinary household items Co-authored by Chad Zani and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: December 4, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Using a Steamer
    • |
  • Applying Ammonia
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Chad Zani and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,640,855 times.

If your window tint is too dark or is scratched, discolored, or bubbly, you can easily remove it without spending a lot of money, whether you’re working with vehicle or home windows. You don’t even need to spend hours scraping away the tint with a razor and scrubbing off the adhesive! Using a steamer is the easiest and least damaging method, so that’s your best option. Alternatively, you can spray the windows with ammonia, cover them with garbage bags, and let the combination of sun and ammonia dissolve the adhesive before peeling the tint away.

This article is partially based on an interview with Chad Zani, an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Using a Steamer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Roll your vehicle window down 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm). 1 Roll your vehicle window down 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm). Open your vehicle door so you can access the inside of the tinted window. Crack your window just a little so that you are able to reach the very top and see the edge of the tint.[1]
    • Do the windows in the doors first and save the rear window for last, especially if it has defrost capabilities. This will give you a chance to practice your technique so you can remove the tint more easily while making sure not to mess up the defrost lines.
    • If you’re doing windows in your home, you can skip this step.
  2. Step 2 Steam... 2 Steam both the outside and the inside of the windows. Any handheld clothing or upholstery steamer will work for this project. Hold the steamer 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) away from the window and steam the entire outside of the window first. Then, apply steam to the inside of the window. Work in long, sweeping motions from the top to the bottom and try to heat the pane of glass evenly.[2]
    • Steaming the outside helps heat up the window enough for the adhesive to dissolve. You don’t need to do this for the rear window of your vehicle or if the windows in your home are on the second level and you can’t access them easily, though.

    Variation: If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a hairdryer or heat gun to loosen the adhesive instead. However, this takes longer, isn’t as effective, and will probably leave behind a lot of glue that you’ll need to clean off. Just be sure not to heat the glass so much that it breaks!

    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Use a straight... 3 Use a straight razor to lift up the edge of the tint. Carefully place a straight razor underneath the tint at one corner of the inside of the top of the window. Using a razor to loosen the edge of the tint will make it easier to peel off.[3]
    • If you can’t get the corner of the tint to come up, apply more steam and try again.
    EXPERT TIP Chad Zani

    Chad Zani

    Auto Detailing Expert Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. Chad Zani Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert

    Our Expert Agrees: Glass is difficult to scratch, so you can run a razor blade across the glass with a lubricant to remove the tint. You can also use a razor blade to remove the sticky residue that is left behind after the tint is gone. Another option to remove the sticky residue is using a citrus-based cleaner.

  4. Step 4 Peel the tint off slowly while continuing to apply steam. 4 Peel the tint off slowly while continuing to apply steam. Work slowly and pull the tint down from the top of the window toward the bottom of the window. Keep applying steam, paying special attention to any particularly stubborn spots.[4]
    • If you try to pull the tint too quickly, it will tear and make the job that much harder. If that happens, use the razor to lift the edge of the tint again and continue peeling it off.

    Warning: The steam is incredibly hot so be very careful not to burn yourself as you remove the tint!

  5. Step 5 Remove any remaining adhesive with a commercial cleaner. 5 Remove any remaining adhesive with a commercial cleaner. Mix 1 part commercial cleaner, like 409, and 1 part water in a spray bottle so you can easily apply it to the window.[5] Spray it on and scrub the glue spots with a non-scratch pad, then dry the glass with a paper towel.
    • Wipe the door panels or window frame with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any water from the steaming process.[6]
  6. Step 6 Repeat the process on each tinted window. 6 Repeat the process on each tinted window. You can use the same technique to remove the tint from each of the windows in your vehicle or home. Go slow and take your time so that you can remove all of the tint from each window in a single piece.
  7. Step 7 Steam the back window of your vehicle for 7 minutes before peeling the tint away. 7 Steam the back window of your vehicle for 7 minutes before peeling the tint away. If you’re working on a vehicle, position the steamer right up against the interior glass of the back window. Tie something around the trigger to keep it going and prop up the steamer so it stays in place. Close the doors to your vehicle and let the steamer run for 7 or more minutes.[7]
    • Then, loosen the edge of one of the top corners and slowly peel the tint away from the glass. Be super careful not to damage the defrost lines.[8]
    • Lower or remove the rear seats, or at least the headrests, if possible, to give yourself better access to the rear window.[9]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Applying Ammonia

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Mask the door panels of your vehicle or the window frame in your home. 1 Mask the door panels of your vehicle or the window frame in your home. To protect them from the ammonia, cover the interior door panels or window frame with tarps or plastic sheeting and tape it in place. Don’t use newspaper or another absorbent material as the ammonia will soak through it.
    • Be sure to cover all of the electrical components in your vehicle well, such as switches and speakers.

    Tip: This method works best on hot, sunny days as the heat from the sun helps the ammonia break down the adhesive holding the tint to the glass.

  2. Step 2 Cut black garbage bags to the size of your windows. 2 Cut black garbage bags to the size of your windows. Place a black garbage bag over one of the windows and use a metallic marker to trace the outline. Cut it out and separate the bag so you have 2 pieces: 1 for the inside of the window and 1 for the outside. Repeat for each window.
    • You only need to cover the inside of the windows with garbage bags if you’re working on windows in your home and can’t easily reach the exterior.
  3. Step 3 Apply soapy water to the outside of the windows and put the garbage bags on top. 3 Apply soapy water to the outside of the windows and put the garbage bags on top. Fill a spray bottle three-quarters full of water and add a squirt of dish soap. Shake up the bottle and spray the outside of each window. Then, place a garbage bag to the glass so it covers it completely.
    • The soapy water helps the garbage bag stick to the window.
    • Skip this step if you can’t access the outside of the windows in your home.
  4. Step 4 Spray ammonia on the inside of the windows and cover them with the garbage bags. 4 Spray ammonia on the inside of the windows and cover them with the garbage bags. Fill another spray bottle with ammonia. Spritz the inside of a window so it’s fully saturated then press the garbage bag into place so it covers the glass. The liquid should hold the plastic in place all on its own, but you could use masking tape to secure the bags if necessary. Repeat for each window.
    • If you don’t want to use ammonia or don’t have any on hand, you can use a mixture of water and soap or baby shampoo on the inside of the windows, instead.[10]

    Warning: Wear gloves and a mask or respirator when working with ammonia to protect your skin and lungs.

  5. Step 5 Let the ammonia soak in for 1-2 hours. 5 Let the ammonia soak in for 1-2 hours. Give the sun time to heat up the glass, which will help the ammonia dissolve the adhesive holding the tint to the windows. This is best to do in the middle of summer on a really hot, sunny day.[11]
  6. Step 6 Remove the bags and peel the tint away. 6 Remove the bags and peel the tint away. Take off the garbage bags, then use a razor to peel 1 corner of the tint away from the window so you can grip it. Slowly and carefully pull the tint away from the glass from one edge of the window to the other.
    • Work slowly so the tint doesn’t rip! If it does, slide the razor underneath the edge of the tint so you can lift it up and continue removing it.
  7. Step 7 Use ammonia and steel wool to remove any glue stuck to the windows. 7 Use ammonia and steel wool to remove any glue stuck to the windows. Once you’ve gotten all of the tint off, spray the window with ammonia again. Scrub any stuck-on adhesive with fine steel wool. Then, wipe away the debris and liquid with newspaper.
    • If the adhesive doesn’t come off easily, use a razor to scrape it away, being careful not to damage the window.[12]
    • A large razor scraper will make the process easier, especially if you’re working on windows in your home.[13]
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I remove window tint from the inside of a car? Community Answer Community Answer Using a steamer is an effective method, as it helps remove both the tint film and adhesive. Alternatively, you can peel the film off, leaving the adhesive behind, which can be removed with 91% isopropyl alcohol or 70% rubbing alcohol. Spray the alcohol and use a narrow plastic paint scraper to remove the adhesive, and then clean any small areas with alcohol on a rag, followed by a streak-free window cleaner. Avoid inhaling the vapors during the process. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 69
  • Question Is the tint on the inside or outside of the front windows? Community Answer Community Answer The tint is virtually always on the inside for protection from the elements. If it's on the outside, it's probably because whoever installed it did not read the instructions before installation. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
  • Question If I peeled off the cooling film without heating or applying any liquid, but the glue residue remains, how do I remove it? Community Answer Community Answer Use wet soapy water with a razor blade and clean the entire window. Afterwards, use automotive glass cleaner to give it the final clean. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 48
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Reader Videos

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • Never scrape across defroster lines with a razor blade as this can damage them. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 3
  • Be careful not to burn yourself when working with a steamer or heat gun. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Using a Steamer

  • Steamer
  • Straight razor
  • Commercial cleaner
  • Non-scratch pad
  • Paper towels
  • Microfiber cloth

Applying Ammonia

  • Tarp or plastic sheets
  • Masking tape
  • Black trash bags
  • Scissors
  • Soapy water
  • Ammonia
  • Spray bottles
  • Razor blade
  • Very fine steel wool
  • Newspaper

You Might Also Like

Tint Car WindowsHow toTint Car Windows Clean Tinted Car WindowsHow toClean Tinted Car Windows Fix a Bad Window Tinting Job on Your CarHow toFix a Bad Window Tinting Job on Your Car Get Wrinkles Out of Window TintHow toGet Wrinkles Out of Window Tint Clean Glue from WindowsHow toClean Glue from Windows Get Glue off a CarHow toGet Glue off a Car Remove Paint from WindowsThe 9 Best Ways to Get Paint off of Window Glass Remove Stickers From Your CarHow to Remove Bumper Stickers & Window Stickers From Your Car Clean Inside of WindshieldThe Best Ways to Clean the Inside of Your Windshield Remove a Wrap from a CarHow toRemove a Wrap from a Car Get Tape off of GlassHow toGet Tape off of Glass Remove Double Sided TapeHow to Remove Double-Sided Tape, According to Pro Cleaners Install Window Insulation FilmHow toInstall Window Insulation Film Clean WindowsHow toClean Windows Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/how-to-apply-car-window-tint.htm
  2. ↑ https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/how-to-apply-car-window-tint.htm
  3. ↑ https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/how-to-apply-car-window-tint.htm
  4. ↑ https://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/how-to-apply-car-window-tint.htm
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/6J8CIzHHUnE?t=162
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/6J8CIzHHUnE?t=1019
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/6J8CIzHHUnE?t=828
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/6J8CIzHHUnE?t=891
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/6J8CIzHHUnE?t=777
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ce9R01ovyoM?t=113
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ce9R01ovyoM?t=148
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ce9R01ovyoM?t=276
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Ce9R01ovyoM?t=29

About This Article

Chad Zani Co-authored by: Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert This article was co-authored by Chad Zani and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. This article has been viewed 2,640,855 times. 44 votes - 88% Co-authors: 48 Updated: December 4, 2025 Views: 2,640,855 Categories: Featured Articles | Car Window Repairs Article SummaryX

To remove window tint, try using a razor blade and soapy water. First, use the razor blade to make a cut in the corner of the window tint so you can peel up the film. Then, grasp the cut corner and peel the film off of your window. If it doesn’t come off in one piece, repeat the process with the rest of the film until it’s all off. Fill a spray bottle with water and dish soap, and spray the soapy water onto your window. Carefully scrape off the adhesive left from the window tint with the razor blade, applying more soapy water as you go. Finally, clean your window with a glass cleaner and paper towels once you’ve removed all of the adhesive. You can also remove window tint using a hairdryer. First, turn the hairdryer on high and hold it 2 inches (5 cm) away from one of the corners on the window tint for 30 seconds. Then, use your fingernail or a razor blade to peel up the corner of the film. Continue to heat sections of the film for 30 seconds at a time, slowly peeling it up as you go. Once the film is all off, rub off any remaining adhesive with a towel. For tips on removing any leftover tint adhesive from the glass, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Portuguese German Russian Chinese Indonesian French Arabic Dutch Turkish Korean Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,640,855 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Kevin Bradsaw

    Kevin Bradsaw

    Jul 29, 2016

    "I used a heat gun to heat it up a bit at a time, and peeled it off with no worries. The glass did get hot, but I..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Chad Zani Co-authored by: Chad Zani Auto Detailing Expert Co-authors: 48 Updated: December 4, 2025 Views: 2,640,855 88% of readers found this article helpful. 44 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote Kevin Bradsaw

Kevin Bradsaw

Jul 29, 2016

"I used a heat gun to heat it up a bit at a time, and peeled it off with no worries. The glass did get hot, but I..." more Sherry Turner

Sherry Turner

Dec 2, 2016

"All steps were well thought out. The instructions even gave you alternatives if you were not achieving desired..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 22, 2017

"Just bought a used car with really ugly tinted windows. I had to roll the windows down just to see at night. I used..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

May 21, 2018

"I love that there are multiple solution suggestions for a single problem because sometimes you may not have all of..." more Jos Shaw

Jos Shaw

Jan 6, 2019

"Method 2 works a treat! Start where there's a scratch or gap in the film. You can remove large sections of..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Why Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizBumper Sticker GeneratorBumper Sticker GeneratorGenerateWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Tint Car WindowsHow toTint Car WindowsClean Tinted Car WindowsHow toClean Tinted Car WindowsFix a Bad Window Tinting Job on Your CarHow toFix a Bad Window Tinting Job on Your CarGet Wrinkles Out of Window TintHow toGet Wrinkles Out of Window Tint

Featured Articles

200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog Quiz

Featured Articles

15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss QuizWhen Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute

Featured Articles

Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile Data Get a Nice BodyHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestIce Cream Personality TestDress for WinterHow toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever Ideas Give Someone a Great GiftHow to Give Someone a Great Gift

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizImpossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Cars & Other Vehicles
  • Cars
  • Car Maintenance and Repair
  • Car Window Repairs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --746

Tag » How To Remove Window Tints