Do-it-yourself

By GENE AUSTIN
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Q. Some of our windows are covered with a sun-reflecting film that has become bubbled and ugly. How can we remove the film?
A. Here is a removal method recommended by Gila, a leading maker of window films:
*Make a solution of 8 ounces of water, 4 ounces of ammonia, and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Put the solution in a spray bottle.
*Spray it on the window film and keep the film saturated for about 20 minutes. Use a razor blade to lift a corner of the film and peel it off diagonally. Spray more solution between the film and glass as you strip the film.
*When the film is removed, spray more solution on the adhesive residue and rub it in with the fingers (wear rubber or plastic gloves). When the adhesive becomes gummy, it can be scraped off with a razor blade. Clean the window with a good glass cleaner.
Caution: Do not scrape rear automobile windows containing defogger grids. Instead, use a plastic kitchen scrubbing pad.