I've been on this site for quite awhile and have never seen a posting on this. I bought my car last year and there is sticky "goo" along the rubber surround of the sunroof. I thought by now it would just wash away, but it's still there and smears onto the car when I wash it.

I think it's some leftover glue from the protective covering when the car is shipped. Has anyone had this on their car, and if so, how did you get it off? I was thinking of using kerosene, but I hate to screw something up.

 

It is from the protective covering for transport. I used some orange goo remover from the hardware store and it came right off.
Also, I had it on the roof paint, just above the back windshield. I quickly and gently wiped the orange cleaner over it... then immediately washed the car. VOILA

EDIT: Kerosene is too corrosive for your rubber molding!

 

I had the same problem but it was all over my car, not just the sunroof. I used Goo Gone on the rubbery bits but I think I shouldnt have as there is a very very slight discoloration on the rubber now where the adhesive was. The stuff on the paint came right off with a claybar application.

 

i used soap and it rubs out by scrubbing it hard. for the longest time i thought it was falling apart and getting holes..

 

The orange cleaner sounds like a good idea, I'll try it since I have some. Thanks Meowloud.

 

Avoid using solvents and silicone (ie Armorall) on flexible rubber seals. Use 303. It will clean the rubber, leaves a nice flat black finish, causes no harm and in fact provides sunscreen protection and lubrication for the rubber. Excellent stuff. I have saved a ton of money with 303 restoring expensive O-rings and seals on pool pumps, jacuzzis etc. Also use on all the interior.