Scotch tape has excellent adhesive properties, but leaves a persistent sticky residue. Fortunately, there are ways you can easily get rid of them. An effective method for cleaning most surfaces is rubbing with rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil, followed by washing with warm water and detergent. To remove stubborn dirt, you can heat the surface to be treated with a hairdryer before cleaning, and it will soon return to normal.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning with rubbing alcohol
Step 1. Use a dull blade to scrape off any remaining adhesive from the tape
A table knife is ideal, but you can also use a spatula or razor with a protective pad. Press the blade against the surface and slowly scrape off any residue.
Be careful not to scratch the surface. Skip this step if you want to avoid scratching
Step 2. Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub the surface
You can buy rubbing alcohol at a pharmacy or hardware store. The fabric should be soft and clean so as not to damage the surface to be treated. Move in a forward motion across the surface to remove all traces of the tape. Friction combined with rubbing alcohol will ensure effective adhesive removal.
You can also use acetone or nail polish remover, but in this case there is a risk of damage to the painted surfaces
Step 3. Rub the surface with a solution of warm water and detergent
Dissolve a tablespoon of liquid dish soap in two glasses of water and stir until bubbles appear. Then dampen a soft cloth with soapy water and gently wipe off any tape marks. Continue until the surface to be treated stops slipping or sticking.
Any non-aggressive cleaning agent can be used. Avoid using products that are designed to remove grease or other stubborn dirt
Step 4. Dry the surface with a cloth
Wipe the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any moisture. When touching the surface, there should be no roughness or stickiness.
Method 2 of 3: Treating traces with vegetable oil
Step 1. Saturate a paper towel with oil and apply to the tape
You can use any type of vegetable oil that is on hand. Apply a paper towel to the surface to be treated and let sit for a few minutes. Then, for maximum effect, the scotch tape can be rubbed or scraped.
- Other oil based products such as baby, peanut butter, or mayonnaise can be used.
- Be careful when handling moisture-absorbent materials such as carpets or clothing, as oil leaves a residue. When in doubt, replace the oil with a baking soda paste.
Step 2. Mix some coconut oil and baking soda
In a small bowl, combine both ingredients in equal amounts. Stir until pasty.
If you don't have coconut oil on hand, mix baking soda or vinegar with warm water
Step 3. Apply the paste and let it sit for 30 minutes
Dip something soft in the paste, such as a piece of cloth or an old toothbrush. Transfer it to the surface to be treated and spread the tape stains over the surface. Leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour and finish cleaning.
Step 4. Rinse off the paste with warm water
Take a clean cloth and dampen it in warm water. The mark should disappear after you rub it with a damp cloth.
Step 5. Dry the surface
Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry the surface and check for a trace. You can use a knife or putty knife to remove any glue residue.
Method 3 of 3: Removing stubborn dirt
Step 1. For a quick result, heat up the tape with a hairdryer
Point the hair dryer at the surface to loosen the glue. After a minute, it will warm up enough. Gently scrape off the adhesive with a knife or other tool. If it was not possible to completely get rid of the traces, apply a different treatment method.
Step 2. Spray WD-40 on metal surfaces
You can buy it at most department stores and home improvement stores. Spray WD-40 directly onto the surface or, if the area is small, dampen a terry cloth with the product and treat the surface. Leave it on for one minute and then wash off the remaining tape with soapy water.
- WD-40 is ideal for cleaning vehicle surfaces. Check the warnings on the packaging to avoid using on surfaces for which it was not intended.
- In the absence of WD-40, you can use petroleum jelly or car wax.
Step 3. For more effective cleaning, use a stain remover available from department stores
There are several products that are designed to remove adhesive tape marks on a commercial scale. By following the instructions on the label, you can effectively use it at home as well.
Step 4. For cleaning stone and concrete, spray the surface with water under pressure or use sandblasting equipment
This method is only suitable for durable building materials such as stone, brick and concrete. Aim the pressurized water supply or sandblaster at the material. Switch on and off, working at short intervals, until the trail disappears completely.
Proceed with caution during this procedure. Such devices, if used ineptly, can leave marks on surfaces
Advice
- First, test any of the selected cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area to avoid damaging the surface.
- Use Goo Gone Cleaner (available online) to remove tape marks. Leave the product on for a few minutes and then scrape off or wipe it off.