Question from Bluebird
Do you have any idea how to remove tape residue which is hardened onto glass or plastic? The masking tape and other tape has been sitting for a few years and it seems welded to the plastic and glass. I tried alcohol but that is only partially effective. Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
Good question!
I actually had that problem once on a window and removed it by scraping it off with a razor blade
Not sure what to do with plastic.
There are various cleaners that will melt it, however the cleaner would need to be nontoxic.
Readers, any experience with this?
Yes, any cooking oil will work, like others recommend. And if you don’t want to use a razor to scrape on plastic perhaps try using 1/2 of a wooden cloths pin…I break it in half, (the clothespin style with the little metal holding 2 sides together) The bottom edge of the wooden stick is at a good angle to to be used for scraping.
Smear peanut butter over the residue and let sit for a couple hours and wipe off.If any remains,just repeat.Works really well and won’t damage surface.(used on high gloss black fridge) Smooth peanut butter would probably be best, and I used a micro fibre cloth to remove it.
Olive oil or any kind of cooking oil or orange oil. Follow instructions as the above post.
Colleen
Lemon essential oil is a natural solvent, just apply a couple of drops onto the plastic and let it sit a few minutes. Repeat as needed, the lemon oil will dissolve the plastic completely or enough to scrape it off with a razor. Good luck!
I’ve used vinegar with good results on plastic and on glass surfaces. Just soak a cloth or paper towel with vinegar and lay it on the area with the residue. Check periodically and gently rub the residue off as it loosens. No damage to the surfaces and no toxins in the air or on your hands!
I’ve found that a steam mop with small plastic scaper attachment works the best, tried all the different concoctions, the steam works 10 times faster. I used a little eucalytus oil on a cloth for a final wipe over.
Coconut oil works great. I used some on an old plastic bottle with sticky paper residue this morning and it came right off.