How to wipe tape off plastic and quickly remove traces (glue)

How to remove tape from plastic

Are there any pieces of transparent tape that have become ingrained in the surface on the plastic wall panels of the office after sticking up a lot of advertisements? Did children glue their own cut out snowflakes to the plastic frames of windows and doors before the New Year holidays? Did the remains of adhesive tape stick to the parts after furniture renovation - situations when you need to clean the plastic from the adhesive tape firmly stuck to it.

Methods for removing this type of contaminant are mechanical and chemical. Often they need to be combined: for example, first heat up old dirt, and only then wash it off.

When using any aggressive substances, including alcohol-containing mixtures, first test their effect on the plastic in some inconspicuous place.

Heating with a hairdryer

The simplest method to remove any type of tape is to heat it with hot air from a regular hairdryer. After the glue on the tape softens from the high temperature, carefully lift the tip and remove it from the surface of the plastic.

Instead of a hairdryer, you can use a household steam generator or even a boiled kettle, directing a stream of steam from the spout onto the stuck tape.

Heating with a hairdryer or steam is the safest way to clean plastic, as long as you don’t burn your hands.

Alcohol and alcohol-based cleaners

Ethyl pharmaceutical alcohol 95%, quickly dissolving, allows you to remove adhesive from tape:

• Having generously moistened a piece of cotton wool with alcohol, apply it to the dried piece of tape for about thirty seconds (you should not use cloth, alcohol is quickly absorbed into it and evaporates);
• the alcohol will dissolve the glue at least under the edges of the tape. After prying them open, remove the adhesive tape;
• If you didn’t succeed in completely removing the tape from the plastic the first time, repeat the procedure.

Any alcohol-based solvents (white spirit, isopropanol and others) will also work. The method is not the fastest, but simple and affordable.

Using vodka as an alcohol-containing solvent may be ineffective, since the percentage of alcohol in it is insufficient.

Rubber attachment for drill

Residue of double-sided tape from plastic is the most difficult to remove. Even its oldest “remnants” can be erased using a radical mechanical method - using a rubber polishing attachment on a drill. They are sold in hardware or construction supply stores and are inexpensive.

Instead of a rubber attachment, use a bicycle nipple, inserting its metal part into a drill or screwdriver.

Scotch

Try removing small pieces of tape that are not yet old, but firmly stuck to the plastic, by gluing larger pieces on top: press the fresh tape tightly to the old one and tear it off sharply.

This cleaning method is more effective for single-sided clear tape.

Label and sticker removers

To facilitate the removal of any adhesive tapes and labels, special chemical agents have been developed, such as UHU (Germany), ABRO SR-200 (Russia), Akfix A104 (China), Tableau Sticky Label Remover (USA) and others. The use of these drugs is the most effective and easiest option for removing adhesive tape that is strongly stuck to plastic, but also the most expensive.

ABRO

Akfix

Tableau Sticky

UHU

The products are available in the form of aerosols, liquids, and pencils. Specify the time of exposure to the adhesive tape in the instructions for the specific drug, but the general rules of use are as follows:

• Apply the liquid using the brush included in the kit onto the surface of the adhesive tape and leave for 5-15 minutes (the longer it acts, the easier it is to remove the tape);
• for very old tape remnants, repeat the process again;
• if the product is in an aerosol, spray it onto the surface and edges of the tape, holding the can vertically so that the spray goes in the direction opposite to you;
• Immediately wipe off any excess or drips from the plastic with a paper or cloth napkin;
• leave for a few minutes;
• pick up the edge of the tape with a toothpick or plastic spatula and lift it up, while gradually continuing to spray the product under it.

It is more convenient to use liquid preparations for cleaning horizontal plastic surfaces (PVC window sills), sprayers, pencils - for any kind.

Before use, test the effect of any product on the plastic to be cleaned. The lower the quality of the plastic, the greater the likelihood of it being damaged by any of the industrial drugs.

When using label removers indoors, make sure there is sufficient ventilation as they have an unpleasant odor that is harmful to children and people with allergies.

How can you remove adhesive from tape from plastic?

New plastic windows are protected with a special film: it must be removed immediately after installation. If you did not have time to peel off the film or forgot, then over time the tape will dry out and removing it will be problematic. There are several ways to remove sticky old residue from tape or glue:

1. Rub the surface with force with a hard cloth soaked in a hot solution consisting of water and soap: it is better to use laundry detergent.
2. Apply medical or technical alcohol (denatured alcohol) to the stuck tape using a sponge, wait a while, and then wipe vigorously. Plastic comes in different qualities, so first you need to test this method on an inconspicuous area of ​​the glass unit and see how alcohol acts on the surface of the metal-plastic.
3. To remove old and dried glue, you can wipe the surface with White Spirit solvent: first apply the solvent to a hidden area of ​​the frame and check for color changes and surface damage.
4. Vegetable or any other oil can be quite effective and safe for plastic. To do this you need:

• soak a foam sponge in oil;
• treat the problem area;
• after 10-15 minutes, when the glue has softened, remove the stains;
• then rinse with water and wipe with a dry cloth.

Stationery tape

For office needs, tape of medium adhesive power is used; traces of it are also difficult to remove. You can deal with such stains using the following solutions:

1. A simple solution with any soap.
2. A solution of 95% medical alcohol and water, proportion: 1 part alcohol to 1 part water.
3. A solution of ammonia or ammonia: for 1 tbsp. water 3 tablespoons of ammonia or ammonia. Apply the liquid to the dried tape, after a while, thoroughly wipe off traces of glue, rinse and dry.

Double sided tape

Adhesive tape with a polypropylene layer and double-sided adhesive coating is used to connect individual parts, so the adhesive properties are especially strong. Such persistent stains will have to be removed using aggressive means after peeling off the double-sided tape:

• denatured alcohol (technical alcohol);
• ammonia;
• petrol;
• medical alcohol.

To do this, you need to generously soak a cloth, a piece of cotton wool or a cotton pad with one of the listed chemicals. Rub until traces of glue disappear: first wipe with a damp cloth, then with a dry cloth. It is important that the impact of chemicals on plastic is minimal in time. Before use, it is necessary to test the effect of cleaning agents on the plastic surface in a hidden area.

Paper masking tape

Painting self-adhesive paper tape with a layer of adhesive with a low degree of adhesion (sticking), designed to protect surfaces from unwanted painting and create clear boundaries when painting walls, ceilings, panels, used in plastering and molar work. The tape is removed practically without a trace, but if the tape is left on the plastic for a long time, then you just need to wash the stained surface with water or soapy water.

How to remove fresh traces of tape from plastic

The sooner you start removing the remaining adhesive from the tape from the plastic, the easier the task will be. Fresh traces of glue can be removed using any of the above methods (although polishing with a rubber nozzle is unlikely to be useful). In addition to them, the adhesive substance is removed using the following home remedies.

Various oils

Regular sunflower oil is found in every kitchen. Although not only this is suitable, but also any other - olive and any of the essential ones:

• Apply a little oil to a cotton pad and moisten the glue-contaminated surface with it;
• after 2–3 hours (you can apply the oil overnight), wipe everything off with a clean disc;
• To remove greasy marks, wipe the plastic with dishwashing detergent or alcohol.

Choose transparent essential oils so that the paint does not transfer to the plastic.

Soda

Baking soda will also help in the fight against glue:

• add water to the soda to make a mushy mixture;
• Apply it with a sponge to the remaining glue on the plastic;
• After a minute, wipe off the soda along with the adhesive mass.

Dry baking soda acts as an abrasive, so don't overdo it on the smooth plastic surface.

Vinegar

This is a fairly gentle product, but it can easily wash away traces of tape recently glued to plastic. Wipe them with a cloth soaked in vinegar. This method is not effective for old stains.

Use table vinegar rather than essence, which can damage the glossy plastic surface.

Gel detergents

The effectiveness of preparations for washing dishes, liquid soap, and other non-aggressive household chemicals is low, but for fresh stains that have not had time to become covered with a crust of dirt and dust, it may be sufficient. Their advantage is that they are always on hand at home and are absolutely safe for any type of plastic.

Wipe the stain with a sponge and gel until it disappears, and then rinse the area with clean water.

You can quickly remove adhesive from tape using concentrated rather than diluted detergents.

Window and mirror cleaner

This composition, despite the fact that it is intended for washing glass and mirrors, does a good job of removing adhesive traces from plastic. They are convenient for cleaning plastic windows from tape, while simultaneously removing dust and dirt from the glass. If the glue has not had time to harden and become covered with dust, just moisten the dirt and wipe it off.

Use special wipes to clean the tape from a plastic window - they remove dirt well without harming the surfaces.

Toothpaste

This is one of the most original options for removing tape marks from plastic. It is especially convenient to use toothpaste on window frames and slopes. Thanks to its thick consistency, it adheres to vertical surfaces.

Apply toothpaste to the adhesive stain, leave for 10-15 minutes, then wipe the area with soapy water.

Use white toothpaste without dyes.

Nail polish remover

It contains acetone, which dissolves the sticky adhesive of the tape. Advantages of use: the pungent smell of the drug quickly disappears, and almost every woman has the product itself. Apply a little onto a cotton pad and wipe the area with traces of glue, then wash off with soap and water.

You should not wipe plastic with pure acetone; you can ruin the smooth surface of a low-quality material or erase the paint from it.

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How to remove traces of tape from plastic - household chemicals

Chemical solvents will effectively help remove traces of tape. You need to work with them wearing gloves, protect your eyes and respiratory organs, and ventilate the room well.

Window cleaning products

Such chemistry will allow you to wash away traces of adhesive tape only if it contains alcohol or acetone. Products that, according to advertising, “take care of handles, but are excellent at cleaning windows” will not help here, since they are intended only to remove dirt and grease from glass, and the adhesive base sticks too tightly to the plastic.

Anti-scotch agent

Office supply stores sell a special product that can be used to remove marks from various plastic surfaces during office work. Why not use it at home and in the car.

In hardware stores, you can buy the composition in cans or bottles for removing stickers.

Antistatic

We are talking about antistatic agents for LCD matrices and computer equipment, but not for clothing. These are alcohol wipes or aerosols. The effect of each specific drug is first tested on an inconspicuous place. Still alcohol.

Sticker Remover

Available in the form of pencils, liquid, and aerosol can. For adhesive tape, the second and third options are preferable. In the first case, the glue may partially remain on the pencil or solid particles will scratch the plastic.

We recommend reading: A detailed guide to cleaning an acrylic bathtub

Kiehl Tablefit

An expensive product, but it delivers in volume and low consumption. Effective against many stubborn stains. The adhesive trace is wiped off with a cotton swab moistened with liquid.

Taygeta S-405

Allows you to remove remaining tape in a minute. The product is bottled with a sprayer. Spray on the marks, wipe off with a dry cloth after 20-30 seconds.

Cosmofen

Cosmofen 10 or Cosmofen 20 is a special plastic-non-dissolving cleaner for rigid PVC profiles. The number is an index of concentration. For domestic purposes, 10 is suitable. This is the “stinker” that builders use when installing plastic windows. Excellent for removing any traces from plastic, including tape. Sold in construction stores and hardware stores. The only downside is the disgusting smell.

Important! Glossy plastic surfaces cannot be treated with strong solvents; it is better to use oil.

How to Remove Old Tape Marks

Such stains - with a dried adhesive crust covered with a layer of dust and dirt - will be easier to clean from plastic if you do some preliminary work with them:

• heat with hot air;
• moisten with any of the cleansers for a while.

The above-mentioned white spirit and commercially available special preparations remain effective means of cleaning them.

Petrol

If you have a car, use regular gasoline; if not, use refined gasoline for lighters or Galosh. The unpleasant odor of the substance can remain on the item for a long time, so after cleaning you need to remove any remaining gasoline from the plastic with any detergent.

Remember that gasoline is highly flammable.

Eraser

One of the simplest means at hand for removing dried traces of adhesive tape from plastic, but also the most labor-intensive. It is not difficult for them to remove small stains, but for “large-scale” stains this method is too tedious.

Choose a soft and colorless eraser: hard ones can ruin the glossy plastic surface. Rub it over the stains and brush away any debris. The smooth surface of white plastic windows and slopes may lose their shine from the eraser itself. It will shine again if you wipe it with alcohol or window cleaner.

By moistening the eraser with water, you can quickly remove the remaining tape on the plastic window.

Car cleaner for removing traces of bitumen

It is often used by motorists to remove scraps and traces of adhesive tape from plastic parts of doors and front panels. It is also suitable for removing tape from plastic windows. Apply the product to dirt for 5 minutes and then wipe it off with a cloth.

From a range of similar preparations, choose a liquid that is safe for paint surfaces.

Anti-corrosion agent WD-40 (USA)

A universal technical aerosol, in addition to many other properties, allows you to quickly and efficiently remove traces of adhesive tape from plastic, including old ones. This is not surprising, since it contains white spirit, mineral oils and other potent ingredients. Spray onto the sticky residue, leave for an hour and then wipe off.

WD-40 is not only highly effective, but also does not have such a strong odor as most other solvents, sticker removers, and gasoline.

Special means for removing traces of adhesive tape

Preparations such as Tanex Power (Germany), Prosept Duty (Russia), ASTROhim (Russia) and others, designed to remove complex stains, including traces of tape on plastic, quickly dissolve the adhesive mass:

• test the product in an inconspicuous place;
• apply it to the stain;
• leave for a while;
• rub with a clean cloth or paper napkin;
• wipe the plastic dry.

When working with such drugs, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

How to remove tape marks

A low-quality adhesive strip does not adhere well, and good adhesive tape is difficult to remove from various surfaces after a while. Most people at least once in their lives have been faced with the question of how to remove adhesive tape from plastic so as not to spoil the appearance of the item. The choice of cleaning method depends on whether you have an available home, chemical or professional product at hand, as well as on the structure of the polymer material from the surface of which you want to remove sticky stains from the tape.

Available means

Wipe traces of adhesive tape off plastic using vegetable oil, not necessarily sunflower oil; olive, linseed, sesame or other will do. This product is the safest for polymer surfaces. It is impossible to damage, scratch or discolor plastic with vegetable fat. Under the influence of oil, the glue is saturated and increases in volume; after 15–20 minutes, all that remains is to remove the contamination with a piece of cloth or a paper napkin.

To wash off adhesive traces from tape, alcohol-containing products are suitable. If alcoholic drinks (vodka) are used, they should not contain sugars or dyes. The higher the strength, the easier it is to wipe off the glue, so medical alcohol is the most effective. A cotton swab is generously moistened with it, the area of ​​contamination is treated, wait 3-5 minutes and wipe with a rag. Alcohol has a bleaching effect on polymer products; for this reason, it is strictly forbidden to use it on colored plastic surfaces.

Baking soda can easily and quickly remove traces of tape from plastic. To prepare the mixture, a teaspoon or tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate powder is diluted with water to a mushy consistency. Dip a sponge into the prepared solution and rub the area of ​​contamination with it. After it has been possible to clean off the remaining tape from furniture, windows or other interior items, the area is wiped first with a damp and then a dry rag.

An eraser can delicately remove sticky traces of adhesive tape from objects made of polymer material. Use an eraser to rub the stained area until any remaining glue disappears. At the end of the process, wipe off specks from the cleaned polymer surface. It is easy to erase stains from adhesive tape with an eraser if their area is small. Large areas of dirt take a long time and are difficult to wipe off with an eraser.

Chemical methods

White spirit, which is purified gasoline, has the properties of a mild solvent. This liquid is practically safe for a plastic surface, but it is better to check the reaction of the coating on an inconspicuous area. Do not use white spirit on painted or polished surfaces of interior items made of polymer material. Apply the stain with a swab generously soaked in gasoline until the stain is completely removed.

Acetone is an aggressive method for cleaning plastic surfaces. The colorless liquid can easily remove sticky tape marks, but can ruin the finish of furniture or other household items. Dull spots may remain on the plastic after treatment with acetone. But this organic substance, like nail polish remover, is safe for windows; it is simple and convenient to clean large areas of glazing that are dirty.

A window cleaner based on ammonia will easily remove traces of tape from plastic surfaces. To eliminate residue from adhesive tape, spray the product onto the stained area and wipe it off with a sponge. After the sticky traces have dissolved, the treated area is wiped with paper napkins. Car enthusiasts can use a special product for car windows to deal with tape residues on glass, metal paintwork, or inside the car.

Vinegar is present in every home; it is often used not only for cooking, but also for cleaning space. It is also effective for removing sticky marks from tape. To remove dirt from a plastic surface, it is better not to dilute vinegar with water; in concentrated form it will act faster. Rub the sticky stain with a sponge soaked in vinegar until it disappears completely. At the end of the procedure, wipe the treated area with a damp cloth or napkin.

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By heating

The glue eats deeply into the plastic surface, especially when the stain is old. In addition to acrylic, the adhesive base may contain rubber and other foam materials, such as double-sided tape. In such circumstances, before attempting to remove traces of adhesive tape from plastic using various means, the stains must first be softened.

A steam generator, household or hair dryer will help with this. The main thing is not to overdo it, especially when using professional heating equipment, so as not to deform the surface under the influence of high temperature. Hold the hairdryer or steam generator at a distance of 15 to 20 cm for about 3 minutes, periodically checking how much the dirt has softened.

Special means

The professional cleaner of adhesive tape residues “Anti-Scotch” can quickly deal with contamination. To use it, shake the can for a few seconds and then apply it to the problem area. Wait 2-3 minutes, and then pry up the edge of the adhesive tape and, lifting it, additionally spray an aerosol under the tape. To remove excess glue from the plastic, you can use a rubber or plastic spatula. The advantage of this product is that it is safe even for painted surfaces.

Mellerud Adhesive Remover Spray is great at removing even double-sided tape residue. A special cleaning product effectively removes glue stains from all surfaces, including polymer ones. To wipe off the remaining adhesive tape, moisten a rag generously with the product and moisten the stained area. Leave the solvent for 5-7 minutes and then clean off any remaining glue. After completing the procedure, wipe the treated area with a damp and then dry cloth.

Cleaner Scotch-Weld is a citrus-scented all-purpose aerosol cleaner designed specifically for removing any type of adhesive. A clear liquid mixture of petroleum distillates that is highly effective in removing adhesive tape residue on plastic. Before use, shake the canister, moisten a cloth with liquid and wipe the contaminated area. In the case of old stubborn stains from adhesive tape, the procedure is repeated several times.

What not to use

The plastic surface, including frames, window sills, and slopes of PVC windows will be damaged if you try to wipe off traces of adhesive tape:

• abrasive cleaning agents like Pemoxol;
• concentrated acids and alkalis;
• acetone, chlorine, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, dibutyl phthalate;
• organic solvents.

Do not use hard brushes or steel wool.

There are many proven ways to remove old residues of tape and its traces from plastic. This allows you to apply the most suitable one. The main thing is to remember to test the effect of the selected product in an inconspicuous place, especially if you need to clean a glossy or colored surface.