How to Remove Adhesive Tape on a Shower Door

New shower doors offen have tape or stickers attached.

The surface of a shower door is not always flat. Therefore, using a straight edge to remove stubborn tape from the rough surface makes it easier to nick or scratch the door. Sometimes removing tape is as quick as pulling off the tape with your fingers and using a cleaner to break down the adhesive. If ignored, tape can stubbornly adhere to the surface and you must forcibly remove the outer tape before tackling the adhesive. There are products on the market designed specifically to break down adhesive. Yet, it is possible to complete the task with vinegar.

Things You'll Need

• Cup
• White distilled vinegar
• Sponge
• Rag

Instructions

1. Fill a microwave-safe cup with white distilled vinegar.

2. Heat the vinegar for about 15 seconds in the microwave oven. It should be hot yet not boiling.

3. Sponge the edges of the tape with the hot vinegar. Allow it to set for about 30 minutes. Re-soak the edges during the 30 minutes.

4. Pull off the tape and apply more vinegar to the glue residue. Sponge with more vinegar and allow it to set for about 15 to 30 minutes.

5. Scrub the area with a vinegar-soaked rag to remove the glue residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Take care not to burn your skin with the hot vinegar when cleaning the shower door.

References

• “The Complete Idiot's Guide to Household Solutions”; Melodie Moore; 1998
• “Working Windows: A Guide to the Repair and Restoration of Wood Windows”; Terry Meany; 2008