Even a regular office eraser can handle sticky stains.
Things to remember when removing tape
- To remove sticky stains, use soft cloths, microfiber cloths, cotton pads or swabs. Hard brushes, sponges, knives and blades can leave scratches or even chips on most surfaces.
- Solvents, alcohol and acetone should be used with caution on plastic, linoleum, nickel, natural and artificial leather, varnished and painted surfaces. To make sure the method is safe, apply a little product to an inconspicuous area of the material and watch the reaction. If the product begins to change color or shape, quickly wipe the surface with a damp cloth and use another method to remove the tape.
- Some products can be harsh on the skin, so wear rubber gloves before cleaning. And when using solvents, acetone and other substances with a strong odor, you need to protect your eyes with goggles and your respiratory organs with a respirator. After cleaning, do not forget to ventilate the room.
- The same products are suitable for removing regular stationery, double-sided, packaging and masking tape. If the chosen method does not help to remove adhesive marks the first time, repeat the procedure or use another option.
How and with what to wipe off tape
1. Vegetable oil
The product is suitable for cleaning almost all surfaces, except untreated wood – grease can penetrate deep into the structure of the material. The oil softens and dissolves the sticky layer of tape and allows you to remove it without much effort. You can use sunflower, olive or anything else you have in the kitchen.
Soak a cotton pad or piece of cloth in vegetable oil, apply to the sticky stain for a couple of minutes, then wipe off the dirt. If necessary, change the material to clean one. After the procedure, remove any remaining oil with a cloth and soapy water or glass cleaner.
2. Alcohol
70% ethyl alcohol quickly and easily removes adhesive traces of tape. However, the product should be used with caution when cleaning plastic and painted surfaces.
Apply alcohol to a cotton pad or soft cloth and wipe the tape off the surface. When soiled, replace the material with new one. When the sticky layer disappears, wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth.
3. Table vinegar
A universal cleaner for cleaning most surfaces, with the exception of granite, marble and stone.
Soak a cotton pad or cloth in table vinegar (9%) and apply to the sticky spot for 1 minute. Then wipe off any remaining tape and go over the area with a clean, damp cloth.
4. Glass cleaner
Household chemicals will help remove sticky marks from any surface.
Spray the glass cleaner liberally onto the remaining tape and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to loosen the adhesive. After this, clean the dirt with a sponge or microfiber cloth and wipe the surface dry.
5. Solvent
To remove tape, for example, white spirit is suitable. But this product can damage plastic, linoleum, nickel-plated metals, as well as varnished and painted objects.
Apply the solvent to a cotton pad or piece of cotton cloth and work on the sticky stain. After 5-10 minutes, remove any remaining tape with a dry cloth. Wash the surface with soapy water and wipe dry.
6. Nail polish remover
This product should also be used with caution for cleaning plastic, linoleum, painted and varnished products, especially if the liquid contains acetone.
Apply some nail polish remover to a cotton pad and remove the sticky stain. If necessary, change the cotton wool to a new one. After the procedure, wash off any remaining product with a clean, damp cloth.
7. Hot air
It perfectly softens even tightly dried traces of glue. Suitable for cleaning various surfaces, except linoleum and non-heat-resistant plastic, which can be deformed when exposed to high temperatures.
Take a hair dryer and direct a stream of hot air at the glue stain. Wait for it to soften and remove the tape with a sponge, plastic spatula or unnecessary discount card. Try to act quickly so that the composition does not harden. Wash off any remaining stains with soapy water using a microfiber cloth.
8. Eraser
A regular pencil eraser can be used on any surface without fear of ruining anything. Unless for light-colored materials, choose a white elastic band so that there are no colored streaks left.
Simply run an eraser over the adhesive from the tape, and then pick up the rubber pellets from the cleaned surface.