How to Remove Shelf Paper Adhesive From Shelves

Shelf paper is a good way to protect shelves from dirt, grease and scratches. When the shelf paper is stained or tearing and you want to remove it, the paper's adhesive often proves difficult to remove. Hot water and soap dissolves the adhesive to an extent, but using soap and water alone will take a long time and a lot of scrubbing. Inexpensive products can make the job go much faster and you won't have to work as hard.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber gloves
• Adhesive remover (Goo Gone, 3M Adhesive remover or similar product)
• Putty knife
• Bucket
• Water
• Dish detergent
• Sponge
• Towels

1. Ventilate the area (open windows and turn on a fan) you will be in. Adhesive removal products usually require this (some are also flammable--don't use these around open flames such as pilot lights or gas burners). Pull off any remaining pieces of loose shelf paper.

2. Put on rubber gloves. Apply adhesive remover to the shelf, covering the whole area of adhesive. Some removers spray on, others are applied with a brush. Leave it on the shelf for at least 15 minutes to soften the glue.

3. Use a putty knife to scrape off the glue. If the shelves are wood, be careful not to gouge it with the putty knife by keeping the blade at an angle. If adhesive doesn't come off easily, apply some more of the remover and wait five more minutes.

4. Fill a bucket with warm water and a mild soap or detergent. Wet a kitchen sponge in this and scrub remaining residue off the shelves.

5. Wet a cloth under clean running water and wipe it over the shelves to remove soap residue. Wipe the shelves down with a towel. When the shelves are dry, touch them to test for stickiness. If they still feel a little sticky, some adhesive residue probably remains. If this is the case, apply more remover and wipe it off with a wet cloth in five to fifteen minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• If shelves are vinyl/plastic, do not use commercial adhesive removers (some may damage plastic). Try WD-40 instead to loosen adhesive. Scrape gently with the putty knife and rinse with plenty of water.
• Adhesive removers will often damage the finish on wood shelves. Avoid getting the product on other areas of these shelves.

References

• Removing Adhesive