Duct tape is a strong adhesive, but it can leave a sticky glue residue that can be difficult to clean. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to get rid of most of the glue residue easily. Rubbing alcohol and cooking oil can be effective methods, which can be followed by using warm water and soap to clean almost any surface. For stubborn stains, heat the area to be cleaned with a hairdryer or apply another cleaning product and the surface will return to its normal condition.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol
Step 1. Scrape off the glue residue with a dull knife
A butter knife is perfect for this purpose, but you can also use a putty knife or razor with a guard. Position the knife flat on the surface and slide it gently over the area to scrape off any glue residue.
Do it slowly so as not to scratch the surface. If you're worried about scratching the surface, skip this step
Step 2. Dip a soft cloth in rubbing alcohol, then rub the area gently
Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or drug store. Make sure you use a clean, soft cloth so as not to damage the surface to be handled. Then, gently rub the cloth in a back and forth motion over the problem area until the glue residue is removed. The combination of rubbing alcohol and rubbing as you scrub will remove most of the residue.
Acetone or nail polish remover can be used as a substitute, but these products are likely to damage the painted surface
Step 3. Scrub the area with a mixture of dish soap and warm water
Add about a tablespoon of dish soap to two cups of water and stir until it foams. Dip a soft cloth in the soap solution and use it to gently scrub away the residue. Continue scrubbing the area until it doesn't feel slippery or sticky to the touch.
You can choose to use a mild soap or a medium strength soap. Avoid soaps formulated to remove grease or other stubborn stains
Step 4. Dry the surface with a cloth
Scrub the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the water. After that, the surface will not feel rough or sticky anymore due to the glue residue.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Glue Residue with Cooking Oil
Step 1. Dip a paper napkin in cooking oil and stick it over the glue residue
Dip a paper towel in whatever vegetable oil you have in your kitchen. Stick a paper napkin over the residue, then remove it after a few minutes. After that, you can scrub or scrape the surface to remove most of the residue.
- Other products that contain oil, such as baby oil, peanut butter, or mayonnaise, are also effective.
- Pay attention to surrounding materials that are absorbent, such as clothing and carpets. Oil can cause stains. If you're worried, try baking soda paste instead.
Step 2. Mix coconut oil and baking soda
Take a small bowl, pour the oil and baking soda in equal proportions. Mix the two ingredients to form a paste.
If you don't have coconut oil, you can mix baking soda or vinegar with warm water
Step 3. Apply the paste and let it sit for 30 minutes
Dip a soft cloth or old toothbrush in the paste. Apply to the surface to be cleaned and smooth over the glue residue. Wait for 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete the cleaning process.
Step 4. Clean the paste with warm water
Take a clean cloth and wet it with warm water. The glue residue left behind will come off when you rub it with a damp cloth.
Step 5. Dry the surface with a cloth
Use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry the water and check for any residue. You can also use a knife or paint scraper to remove any remaining residue.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Stubborn Residue
Step 1. Heat the glue residue with a hairdryer to remove it quickly
Point the hair dryer at the residue to soften it. After a minute, the residue will be hot enough to be removed. Scrape off the residue carefully with a knife or other tool. If the residue doesn't come off completely, use another method.
Step 2. Use WD-40 to work on metal surfaces
WD-40 is available at most home improvement stores. You can spray it directly on a surface with a lot of residue or dampen a towel to treat areas with small residues. Leave it for a minute, then wash it off with soap and water.
- WD-40 is perfect for surfaces like cars. Read the instructions on the package so you don't use it on a surface where it will stain.
- Vaseline or car wax can serve as an alternative to WD-40.
Step 3. Apply a commercially available residue removing product for a more intensive treatment
You can also buy them at convenience stores. There are several brands that are designed to remove the residue left by duct tape. Follow the instructions on the label to use the product at home effectively.
Step 4. Use water jets or sandblasting to clean the stone and concrete
This method can only be done on strong construction materials such as stone, brick, and concrete. Aim the system with high pressure water or a sandblasting machine on the surface. Alternately turn it on and off until the residue is gone.
Be careful when applying this method. This machine can leave marks on most surfaces
Tips
- Test the product on a hidden area first to avoid the risk of damaging the surface.
- Use Goo Gone products to help remove glue residue. Let the product work for a few minutes before scraping off or scrubbing off the residue.
