Packaging tape, or packing tape, does an outstanding job sealing cardboard boxes and helping to protect their contents in transit.
However, this sturdy tape has a downside.
How often have you found adhesive tape residue stuck to an item that you have unpacked?
It has certainly happened to all of us at one time or another, and the sticky tape residue can be difficult to remove, especially from fragile items.
Read on for some tips on how to get packing tape residue off safely.
Adhesive tape residue is the sticky layer of glue that can be left behind on surfaces when packaging tape is removed.
Pressure-sensitive tape adhesive sometimes does its job too well, creating a stronger bond with the surface than with the tape itself. When the tape is removed, the sticky residue remains.
Warm soapy water and a touch of elbow grease are the go-to method for removing tape residue. Warm water will soften the glue while the detergent in the soap will help to release the sticky bond.
Warmth accelerates the removal process, and using a hair dryer means less rubbing will be required on a fragile surface. You should be able to gently scrape off the adhesive with something like a credit card as it softens. Warming with a hair dryer is an excellent way to remove packing tape residue from glass.
Alcohol applied on a soft cloth is another way to soften the adhesive and remove sticky residue.
The acid content of white vinegar is useful for a variety of household cleaning tasks, and it is an excellent way to dissolve adhesive. Apply the vinegar with a damp cloth, leave for a few minutes for the acid to do its work, then wipe away.
Baking soda is another non-toxic stalwart of the cleaning cupboard and, like vinegar, baking soda can be used to remove sticky tape residue. Make a paste with the baking soda and a few teaspoons of warm water. Apply liberally to the sticky residue and leave for a few minutes. Rub gently, and you will find that the gently abrasive baking soda breaks down the adhesive without damaging delicate surfaces.
Apply olive oil to the residue and this time leave it for a few hours. The oil will soften the adhesive and make it easier to remove with gentle rubbing. Coconut oil or another cooking oil can also be used in the same way, but this method is not suitable for textiles as the oils may leave a stain.
You may find some sticky stuff remover with titles like ‘Goo Gone’. These commercial products are specifically designed to remove tape residue and other sticky stuff. They contain harsh chemicals, so you should check that they are safe to use on sensitive surfaces by doing a patch test in an inconspicuous area.
Gentle friction from a pencil rubber will warm up the sticky area of hard surfaces like plastic, metal, or wood and rub away the adhesive tape residue.
Acetone in the form of nail polish remover will remove sticky tape residue easily. However, acetone should be used with caution as it can discolour plastic surfaces and remove the dye from fabrics.
Wood makes a good surface for packing tape to stick to, and the risk of sticky residue remaining is high.
If the wood is painted, you can use warm water and a mild detergent, then scrape it very gently to avoid permanent damage to the painted surfaces.
Oil-based removers are effective on unfinished wood, which may simply absorb water-based cleaning solutions.
If the sticky residue is in an unobtrusive place, you may choose to leave it to avoid the risk of damaging a fragile item. However, be aware that over time the adhesive tape residue will trap dust and dirt and may turn a more obvious brown or yellow colour as the adhesive oxidises.
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