Sticky tape saves the day in hundreds of household situations: holding, sealing, joining things temporarily. The trouble starts when you peel it off. A tacky mark stays on the window, cupboard door or appliance, dust sticks to it and the surface instantly looks untidy.
Fresh adhesive often comes off with warm water, while old glue baked on by the sun needs a product that softens it from within. Start with the gentlest method and only move to a stronger one if you need to.
What you will need
Important: Test the product on a hidden spot first, especially on varnished furniture, painted walls and fabrics. Strong solvents such as white spirit or paraffin can damage finishes and leave stains, so use them only as a last resort, with gloves and good ventilation.
Step 1
Peel the tape and soften the glue with heat
Peel the tape off slowly at a sharp angle. If it tears, warm it with a hairdryer on a moderate setting for 20-30 seconds so the adhesive lets go more easily.
Wet the remaining glue with warm water or cover it with a damp microfibre cloth for a few minutes. The softened layer lifts easily with a plastic scraper, and a damp cloth takes care of the rest.
Step 2
Apply WD-40 to stubborn adhesive
If water is not enough, lightly spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto the sticky patch. For narrow strips left by masking tape, WD-40 Smart Straw with its thin straw is handy. Wait a few minutes while the product separates the glue from the surface.
Step 3
Wipe the area dry
Wipe the spot with microfibre until dry. The glue collects on the cloth instead of smearing across the surface. On glass, plastic and metal a thin protective film remains, which helps keep dust off for a while.
Step 4
Treat old adhesive with a cleaner
Glue from reinforced or double-sided tape that has hung in the sun for years can harden. In that case spray on WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, wait a few seconds and lift the softened layer with a scraper. It evaporates quickly and leaves no greasy smears.
Step 5
Wash and dry the surface
Finally, wipe the area with warm water and liquid soap to remove any product, then dry it. On fabrics and carpets, follow up with a normal wash or clean.
Tip: For temporary fixing on windows and painted walls, use masking tape instead of household tape and remove it within a few days: the longer tape stays in the sun, the harder the adhesive bonds.
What next
Keep a can of WD-40 Multi-Use with your tools: after decorating it removes tape marks from frames, tiles and fittings, and protects metal parts from moisture at the same time.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».