How To Remove Adhesive Residues in Less Than 5 Minutes

Are you having trouble relocating your carpet, area rugs, and other home furniture because of messy and stubborn residues? 

Most contractors and homeowners like using adhesives because they can stick to almost anything and anywhere, but this very reason is also why everyone hates the idea of removing them. So, what's the best practice on how to remove adhesive residue?

Here, you'll learn different tried and tested ideas in removing these stubborn and very sticky residues from adhesives. You'll also have to consider that the tape will not damage the surface of your expensive furniture or hardwood floor when you finally remove it.

Tips on how to remove adhesive and not damage any surface

• TEST THE ADHESIVE ON THE SURFACE FIRST. Before anything else, you have to remember that all materials used on the surface or the furniture are different. This difference means that the reaction to each adhesive may vary. To prevent headaches when you remove adhesive, always test it on a small area before the whole application.

• PARTIALLY MELTING THE ADHESIVE. It is proven that melting the adhesive using the warm air exhaust of a hairdryer works in removing sticky residues of adhesive. It radically weakens the bonding strength of the adhesive and makes the surface easy to wipe clean. 

• USE WARM WATER WITH SOAP AND A CLEANING VINEGAR SOLUTION. This is another useful tip to remove adhesive residue. Make sure to use cleaning vinegar because it has a higher acidity level that makes it 20 percent stronger than other cleaning agents. You can also use this solution on hardwood floors and laminated flooring that makes it safe for all surfaces.

• APPLY GOO GONE SOLUTION. Goo Gone solution is useful for any stubborn adhesive residues. Remove them by soaking the area in this light fluid. It will soften and melt the residue, making it easier to wipe them off after. 

• TRY IRON PLUS PAPER TOWEL. Plug your iron near the surface and set it to the highest steam setting. Use a paper towel on top of the surface with adhesive residue. Place a cloth on the paper towel and iron over the fabric for 10 to 15 seconds. By this time, the sticky residue should have been transferred to the paper towel. Make sure to try this method first on a small area before doing it to the whole surface. Also, don't forget the fabric as it helps prevent carpet burn.

• USE TOOLS TO SCRAPE THE ADHESIVE. Different tools can scarp many adhesive residues like a razor blade, box cutter, paint scraper, etc. You can try the Retractable Box Cutter with Safety Scraper as a tool to successfully scrape residues on surfaces. They are compact and lightweight and can be configured into a scraper for scraping windows, tiles, boxes, concrete, and walls from stickers or paint residue.

As you can see, removing sticky residues is not a child play. This is why it's always best to test adhesives first before using them in your whole area. It is also better to know everything about the surface you'll be sticking the tape. It can save you from a lot of trouble and money spent on repairs. 

How to prevent tape residue like a Pro

Consulting a professional on what type of tape you should use on your project is sometimes tiring and may cause you discomfort. But, there's nothing wrong with consulting someone who knows how to help you. This is also the first step in preventing tape residues. 

Knowing if you can use duct tape on the floor or molding tape to affix your things on the wall will save you from experiencing the awful experience of removing sticky residues. If you are uncomfortable seeking professional help, you can also research more about a product before adding it to your cart.

The rule of thumb in installing an adhesive is to ensure that the area is clean and dry. Sometimes, lint, grease, wet paint, plaster, and other dirt can increase extra adhesion that leaves leftover residues. Aside from that, it can also cause the tape to fail.

You also have to know that time is crucial in preventing tape residues. Consider general cleaning and updating your tape every month at least. You can remove the old tape, profoundly clean the surface, then apply the new set of adhesives. This routine prevents an adhesive build-up on the area of application.

There are different types of adhesive for every project you can decide to do. And one thing is for sure, whatever you need XFasten brand has it! Check out the XFasten product catalog here.

How to store adhesive tape

Factors like applied stress or radiation, electrical or any other form of pressure, liquids or solids that come in contact with the tape, and temperature can affect the degradation of an adhesive. These factors can quickly weaken the bonding strength of the tapes. So how do you store these tapes and maintain their bonding power?

1. Avoid direct light. Do not store any adhesives near a door and window. Ultraviolet light can seep the tape packaging in time.
2. Store the tape in a cool place, preferably 60°F/15°C or cooler. To maintain the bonding power of adhesives, it is better to find a cool place in your house where you can store them. 
3. Make sure to keep the adhesive dry. Change in temperature and the presence of moisture can affect the dryness of the tape. You can change location two days before using the tape so it can adjust to room temperature. 
4. Use a cycling system when using adhesives. It is proven that time changes the quality of the tape, so make sure to have a strategy when storing them. Move the oldest tapes to the entrance of your storage so you can use them first before the new ones. With this plan, you can minimize your wastage of them. 
5. Store them lying flat on their side. You can avoid misshaping if you store these tapes lying flat. 
6. If you have a toolkit on the go, also follow the above guidelines to prevent weak adhesive adhesion or to make it gummy. 

Storage is an essential factor in prolonging tape's bonding strength, so the next time you plan purchasing in bulk, make sure to talk to the supplier and get their care instructions. 

Familiarizing yourself with the different adhesive types you can use on specific projects will give you many advantages. You'll know how to install, how to remove, how to store, and how to make it stronger.

For inquiries about the XFasten tapes, do not hesitate to send us an email at customerservice@apipema.com.