The spots left behind by duct tape quickly attract dust, turning into unkempt black marks. To effectively deal with the problem, it’s important to consider the type of material left behind adhesiveas the wrong product may damage the coating.
Proven ways to remove adhesive
To combat sticky residue, you can use both specialized chemicals and improvised means that can be found in every home.
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Vegetable oil. Suitable for plastic, glass and metal. Fats break down the structure of the adhesive, after which it can be easily removed with a soft cloth.
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Ethyl alcohol. An excellent solution for most hard surfaces. It dissolves quickly adhesive layerwithout leaving streaks or damaging the paint.
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A regular eraser. If the stain is fresh and small, you can simply “erase” it. The lint from the eraser will absorb the glue particles and you only need to wipe the spot with a damp cloth.
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Hair dryer. Old, dried-up duct tape is better able to be cleaned after heat exposure. Hot air softens polymer backingallowing the tape to be carefully removed.
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Specialty cleaners. Stores sell aerosols labeled “Antigum” or “Label Remover” that are designed specifically for removing labels and tape.
Working with different materials
When choosing a method, it is always worth remembering the safety of the material. For plastic it is not recommended to use aggressive solvents like acetone, as they may cause clouding or dissolution of the top layer. On wooden surfaces with a lacquer coating, it is better to avoid strong heat to avoid cracking.
For cleaning glasses or mirrors, alcohol-based products or regular window cleaner are ideal. If the adhesive is too strong, you can carefully use a stationery blade, holding it at a sharp angle to the surface to avoid leaving scratches.
After the procedure is complete, the cleaned area should be rinsed with a soapy water solution to completely remove any residual cleaning agent and dissolved adhesive. Timely removal of contaminants allows you to preserve the original appearance of furniture, household appliances and window frames for a long time.
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