How to Remove Residual Adhesive Tape
Duct tape works wonders , but often leaves a sticky reminder of your glue, no matter where you use it. Most people try unsuccessfully to remove the remaining adhesive tape, which can cause irritation during removal, especially if you try to clean the surface with a tool.
There are several ways to remove any remaining adhesive tape, in addition to the standard ways to scratch the adhesive like wild animals.
Scrape off the residue with a suitable tool.
Start with a dull blade like a butter knife, or you can try a spatula as wikiHow recommends . (Anything jagged can be a bit of a gamble.) Fortunately, any ruler that is thin and sturdy enough can handle this task. If you have old credit cards or expired IDs, these can be enough, as well as a spatula.
Just make sure you scratch it gently. Even if you do a clean clean, you can still scratch the surface in question.
Dispose of residues with warm water.
Wetting the surface with warm water can weaken the adhesion of dirt on any amount of materials. As Bob Villa explains : “The heat softens the structure of the adhesive and the viscosity helps push it away. Apply regular water with a sponge or microfiber cloth, wiping gently back and forth. “
You can also add some soap to the water and scrub vigorously with a sponge. Or, try covering the sticky crust with a warm, damp cloth for 10 to 20 minutes to see if it looses it. Make sure your soap is milder, however, as a durable product designed for thick stains can be too slippery.
Heat up the duct tape
If you are concerned about mixing soapy water with permanent glue, you can also use a hair dryer. Another option is to reheat the remaining glue using a portable device; A hairdryer is probably the safer option, but you can also opt for a heat gun if you have one in your garage. Heat may be the safest method in some ways, given that it is likely to leave you a lot less clutter than other methods.
Once the glue is hot enough and has fallen apart, scrape it off with an expired credit card in your trash bin.
Use a lubricant to get rid of any remaining duct tape if all else fails.
If soap and heat don’t work, try making the glue residue as slippery as possible. Bob Villa recommends spraying WD-40 on any “glass, linoleum, vinyl, or finished wood,” but any vegetable oil in your pantry in your kitchen can also be effective. For the chemical, wear protective rubber gloves, spray on the lubricant, and then wait a few minutes before scrubbing off the residue with your finger or tool.
For any type of homemade cooking oil, the procedure is the same as for warm water – dampen the glue with the oil and place the damp cloth on the surface for about ten minutes. Then start rubbing.
While one of these options may not work initially, it is possible that their combination will lead you to the promised land of clean surfaces, free from yesterday’s duct tape.