How to Remove Any Kind of Tape
Tape of any kind is very helpful, and all is good until we want to remove it completely from the surfaces it’s stuck to. Sometimes we might not be able to remove the sticky residue off of the surfaces successfully, and other times it’s frustrating not to be able to get rid of it without damaging the surface.
5-Minute Crafts has gathered some hacks for you to successfully get rid of tape residue on your surfaces.
1. Removing stickers or tape from plastic or metal surfaces
Method 1: With the help of a utility knife or putty knife, lift the corner at the edge. As soon as you lift the tape, use your fingernail to reach under and pull it all back. Peel the tape back at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees. You have 2 options: to pull slowly or pull quickly. Once the tape is removed, use a piece of the same duct tape for the residue left behind, apply the tape over the residue, and quickly pull it away.
Method 2: Another solution to consider is to apply heat with the help of a hair dryer to soften things. Then you can get rid of the stickers.
Method 3: Use vegetable or olive oil. You can apply the oil directly to the residue and soak it in. Then, after wiping it with a soft cloth, rinse with clean water. Finally, dry off the plastic with a soft, dry cloth.
2. Removing tape from walls or unfinished wood
Use a heat gun on a low setting (or a hair dryer on a medium to high heat setting), and work in sections. As time goes by, heat softens the glue in the residue. You can pull the tape off or scrape the adhesive with a putty knife. Use a heat gun on a lower setting if you don’t have a hair dryer. Scrape and sand down the tape stuck to the wall.
Note: Use this method if you don’t have any other option, as it ruins the wall finish and paint.
3. Removing tape from wood, vinyl, or hardwood floors
Although there are commercial cleaning options available on the market, you may choose to opt for a homemade method.
Method 1: Try vegetable or olive oil and scrub on the adhesive with a rag. Test your residue remover in an unnoticeable area first. Make sure there will be no damage to the surface.
Method 2: If the tape residue is minimal or not too stubborn, just scrape it off with a putty knife or a butter knife. Starting from one end of the affected area and with small repetitive scrapes, slowly move to the other side. Hold the blade nearly parallel to the surface so as not to cut into it. Be patient and careful while working with wood and vinyl surfaces.
4. Removing tape from carpet
You can apply the freezing or hardening method. Ice cubes, as well as a dull putty knife, work well to get rid of the tape residue from your carpet. To do so, simply insert the ice on the adhesive and wait till the spot hardens. Then you can gently scrape it off. For big or long patches of residue, work in sections with plenty of ice cubes.
5. Removing tape from countertops
To get rid of the tape or its residue from a water-resistant and durable counter, you can use a dampened soft cloth with warm water. Then press onto sections where the tape or the residue is stuck. To avoid damaging your surfaces, you can peel the dampened adhesive away with your finger.
6. Acrylic, plaster, enamel, or marble with a high-gloss finish
Plain warm water is effective on surfaces with a high-gloss finish because it softens the tape (the glue’s structure) with heat. You can then remove it with a sponge or microfiber cloth, scrubbing it with back-and-forth strokes.
Try adding a drop or 2 of hand soap or dishwashing liquid to further break down the bond if the plain water method fails. Cover or soak the item in warm soapy water for about 10 to 20 minutes. Then wipe dry to see the result.
7. Removing tape from hard rocks and concrete
You can get rid of stubborn construction adhesives from hard surfaces. To do so, apply high-powered water pressure or sandblasting. However, keep in mind that this method may leave some marks on any rock, brick, or other hard material.
8. Removing tape from bluestone, granite, or masonry
You can make use of a paste made out of a mixture of laundry detergent or baking soda and a little water. You can gently spread the paste over the area. Make sure to brush it off with a soft brush until it is removed. Then you can rinse with clear warm water. A toothbrush also works well for small areas.
Note: Don’t use soap on stone surfaces, as it’ll leave some hard-to-remove scum.
9. Removing the duct tape residue off of scissors
Apply the WD-40 commercial adhesive to scissors, then wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth. After applying warm soapy water, you can rinse with clean water. Finally, make sure to dry the scissors with a towel or cloth.
10. Removing duct tape residue from a car
To remove the tape residue from the exterior of a car, spray the residue directly with WD-40. You can also spray it onto a soft cloth and rub the area gently. Make sure you don’t scratch the finish or paint. Then wipe it off with a soft, dry cloth. You may want to wax it for a touch-up once it’s done.
Note: You can use WD-40 to remove duct tape residue from the interior of your car. You can do a spot test first, just to make sure it doesn’t harm the interior’s finishes.
11. Removing duct tape residue from leather
You can prepare warm soapy water. Then apply it to the area a few times. After drying it with a soft cloth, you can go ahead and clean it with fresh water. Once it’s completely dry, you may want to apply a leather conditioner.
12. Removing duct tape from fabric
Method 1: The simple method of scraping away glue from the duct tape is done with your fingernails. If this doesn’t work, try hand sanitizer on clothing or other fabrics until it soaks in. Then gently rub the area with a dry soft cloth to rid the loosened glue. After spraying the area with laundry stain remover to get rid of any residue or leftovers, then toss it into the washer. If nothing works, use WD-40 or Goo Gone. Make sure to work in small sections and scrub out the glue.
Method 2: Another possible solution is using vinegar. To do so, heat the undiluted distilled white vinegar in the microwave till it’s warm. Then dip a sponge in the warm vinegar and squeeze it over the sticky area. Once the adhesive loosens, you can lift it with a dull knife or spatula. After rinsing the area with cool water, apply prewash stain remover or a bit of heavy-duty liquid detergent for about 15 minutes, then launder it. Repeat the treatment if the residue is still there.