How to Remove Dried Masking Tape Glue

Masking tape can leave sticky residue on a range of objects and can sometimes be tricky to remove.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Masking tape
• Soft, clean lint-free cloth
• Vegetable or mineral oil
• Rubbing alcohol

1. Use more tape. Surprisingly, sometimes this is the answer. If the residue is on a relatively nonporous surface, you can lay a fresh piece of masking tape over the residue, burnish by rubbing with your fingernail to ensure a bond and then gently pull off the fresh tape, which should lift the old residue with it.

2. Roll off the glue with pressure from a warm fingertip, repeatedly pushing in one direction down and across the residue. If the masking tape residue is recent and not dried to a hard crispy state, it can sometimes be removed in this way.

3. Rub a little vegetable oil or mineral oil into the residue and allow to sit and soften for up to 24 hours. Then, roll off with your finger or gently scrub with a warm, soapy, wet cloth.

4. Daub residue with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or pad to loosen or dissolve the glue and gently wipe away residue with a clean, damp cloth.