How to Remove Old Velcro
Whether you’re trying to remove adhesive from a window frame after a panel failure or cleaning up Velcro left behind from a previous window covering, dealing with sticky residue can be a frustrating chore. Leftover glue not only looks messy—it also prevents new adhesive from sticking properly when it’s time to reinstall your AC panel.
In some cases, we’ve seen this happen after the Velcro adhesive on an AC window panel melted due to excess heat—a problem we’ve outlined in our guide: Why Velcro Can Melt on Your AC Window Panel (and How to Prevent It). When airflow is blocked or the window is left closed, the AC can overheat to internal temperatures of 140–150°F, causing the adhesive to liquefy and separate from the panel or window frame.
In this article, we’ll show you how to safely and effectively remove Velcro, glue, or sticky residue from your window frame—without causing damage. These techniques work for vinyl, aluminum, wood, and painted frames, and are especially useful if you’re preparing for a new Aircon Rescue AC Panel installation.
By the end, you’ll have a clean, smooth surface that’s ready for reinstallation—no mess, no damage.
How to Remove Adhesive from Window Frames
Before installing a new AC window panel, it’s important to fully clean off any leftover Velcro or adhesive from your frame. Whether you’re dealing with residue from an old fabric-style window kit or melted glue from an overheating issue, follow these steps to get your frame smooth and clean.
Depending on the severity of the adhesive and the size of the window, this process typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Supplies You’ll Need
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- Plastic scraper or putty knife – Safe for use on vinyl frames. (We can provide a plastic scraper during your measurement appointment if you’re ordering one of our panels.)
- Goo Gone Pro-Power adhesive remover – Breaks down sticky residue without damaging most surfaces.
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- Acetone (nail polish remover) – Useful for removing hardened glue and cleaning off Goo Gone residue.
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- Paper towels or lint-free rags – For wiping away adhesive and cleaning surfaces.
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- Gloves (optional) – Protect your hands while handling solvents.
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- Small trash bag or container – For collecting removed adhesive and used materials.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Velcro and Adhesive
1. Peel away loose Velcro or dried glue
Use your fingers or a plastic scraper to gently lift any loose Velcro strips or dried glue. Take care not to scratch the surface of the frame.
2. Apply Goo Gone adhesive remover
Generously apply Goo Gone to the remaining adhesive. Let it soak in for 3–5 minutes to break down the glue and soften the bond.
3. Scrape with adequate pressure
Use your plastic scraper to lift and remove the softened adhesive.
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- The first pass will remove the bulk of the residue.
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- Reapply Goo Gone for 2–3 additional passes as needed until the area is clear.
4. Apply acetone to remove residue
Once the adhesive is removed, use a small amount of acetone (or nail polish remover) to eliminate any remaining sticky spots or oily residue from the Goo Gone.
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- Apply sparingly and avoid excess use on painted or delicate frames.
5. Wipe clean
Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe away any solvent residue and prepare the surface for drying.
6. Let the surface dry completely
Ensure the window frame is fully dry before applying any new adhesive or installing your replacement Velcro strips or panel.
Pro Tips
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- If the adhesive melted due to overheating (see our Velcro failure guide), the removal process may need to be repeated.
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- Avoid using metal scrapers, as they can scratch or damage vinyl, wood, and painted surfaces.
Test solvents on a small, hidden area before using them on the full frame to ensure compatibility.
