Doesn’t it get annoying when you do not know how to take off tape residue? People come across situations where the sticky tape leaves a gooey scum after it’s removed. This leaves a very nasty look and people look for ways to remove it.
We have 8 methods that can work on different surfaces so you can get the scum removed and make the surface good as new. Whether it’s on a hard and brittle surface or a soft one, there is at least one method that will help you. Read this blog to discover all 8 methods and an alternative to annoying tape.
Remove Tape Adhesive from Any Surface
Before moving to the methods that people have been using across the globe; it’s important to know what type of surfaces will they work on. Tape adhesives can be left on any surface and different methods can be used.
You had a party and used the tape to put balloons on the wall. Or maybe you are sending packages to customers with tape all around the boxes. Whatever the surface may be, these methods mentioned below can help you get that gooey material off.
Use a Good Scarper
The first thing to use to take off tape residue is by using a scraper. It’s one of the simplest and easiest methods that does work on most surfaces. Wait for the residue to dry and thicken before using a plastic scraper on the surface.
Most people use credit cards to scrape the scum away but it’s never a wise choice. If the residue is on the wall, you can try using a knife but apply pressure gently to avoid any damage. Move on to other methods if you think using a scraper is not working very well.
Choose Rubbing Alcohol
Most people choose alcohol to remove the residue from surfaces because it is a non-solvent for adhesives (pressure sensitive). Rubbing alcohol is the best option to apply on the stickiness to get rid of any deposits on surfaces such as mirrors and tables.
One important thing to remember is that alcohol can damage painted surfaces. So, if you have to remove the residue from any painted surface it’s better to use other methods. This way you can ensure that the colors of the surface remain intact and they don’t fade.
Go for Mineral Oil
Oils in general can help to take off tape residue but most oils can leave a pungent smell behind. This is why it is a great option to go for mineral oil as it will not leave any stinky smell behind. You can use peanut oil or vegetable oil to apply on the surface. The oil residue removal method is perfect for boxes like tin boxes that won’t get damaged by oil.
Leave the oil on the residue for a few hours to let the oil loosen the adhesiveness. Use a cotton ball or a clean cloth to wipe the gooey material away. If you are out of cooking oil, you can try using baby oil on the residue as it will also help in getting rid of all the scum and gooey matter.
Pick Soapy Warm Water
This method works wonders as people have been using it to wipe things clean for years. It’s like everyone’s personalized home weapon against stains and scum. Soapy warm water helps remove the adhesive residue from surfaces and clean them like new.
This option works best if the residue is on softer surfaces such as a sofa or a sheet. Gently scrub the surface after applying warm soapy water to remove the residue from the surface. Repeat the process a few times to completely remove the scum and make the surface non-sticky again.
Try Using a Hairdryer
Hairdryers are best to use on sensitive surfaces to take off tape residue as they will not harm the surface at all. If you have a rigid box and want to remove tape residue from it, you should consider using the hairdryer approach.
Start by applying low heat to see if it works. Heat helps in loosening the adhesiveness and you can scrape off the scum easily.
Gradually increase the heat if you think the low heat is not working. But remember that you need to be careful so that you don’t hurt your fingers or the surface during the process. The best idea is to use another alternative if the residue is on ceilings or walls.
Give Ice Cubes a Shot
It may sound surprising but ice cubes can actually help in removing the scum left from the tapes. Most people don’t use this method as it can get messy but there are ways to tackle that as well. All that you need is some ice in small pieces and a cloth or plastic to wrap around it.
Start rubbing the covered ice cubes on the soft surface until you see the adhesive getting hardened. The cold makes the residue brittle and after some time it can eventually be scraped off. Make sure the water doesn’t ruin the fabric or any other surface where the residue is.
Opt for Pencil Erasers
We all are familiar with the heating sensation we used to get by touching our pencil erasers after applying them to the pages. This is how pencil erasers can help you to take off tape residue. This strategy won’t work on larger spots but the small spaces where tiny residue is left. You can use this approach to remove tape residue from boxes like kraft boxes that can easily get damaged if residue is removed forcefully.
Start by rubbing the pencil eraser on the sticky residue back and forth. The friction between the two can create heat, which in turn will help you to scrape off the scum. You will start to see that the residue is coming off gradually. Repeat the process a few more times to get the surface cleaned. Use a piece of cloth to remove the eraser from the surface afterward.
Select Commercial Adhesive Removers
Most people usually don’t need this method for removing adhesive tape but if you cannot get the scum off of the surfaces use an adhesive remover. There are different adhesive removers available in the market that can easily wipe off the residue from the surfaces.
It is important to check whether the adhesive remover is compatible with the surface you want it to be used on or not. These commercial removers can help you remove stubborn and sticky residues from different surfaces. Read the instructions manual before you apply the remover so you don’t damage the surface and use the amount that is asked to be used to remove the adhesive.
It’s Time to Get to Work- Remove that Annoying Residue Today!
Now that you know how to remove tape glue residue, it’s time to get back to work. Look at the place where the tape residue is and then start with less harsh ways. Looking at the residue left off of the adhesive tapes is really annoying.
But there is a safer and more creative alternative for that; custom stickers. You can switch to custom stickers such as vinyl to leave little to no residue on the surface. And it can be customized! How fun would that be? Contact The Customize Boxes today, and place a custom order for stickers today!
