How to Remove Tape Residue on a Car Door

Remove tape from a car door using this technique.

There are many reasons to put tape on a car door; the most common is to mask areas you do not want to paint. However, once you remove the tape, a sticky residue is left on your car door. There are many types of cleaners that will remove the remaining adhesive, and all simply break down the glues inside the residue so it washes off cleanly. It is only a ten minute project and something anyone will master.

Things You'll Need

• WD 40
• Car degreaser
• Microfiber cloth
• Flour
• Scraper
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Spray the tape with WD-40 or a car degreaser and let sit for about five minutes or until the WD-40 loosens the adhesive material.

2. Scrub the tape residue with a dry towel or microfiber cloth.

3. Apply a dry material like flour to the tape residue and then scrape it off using a plastic bondo scraper or a dry paper towel. The dry material will adhere to the residue and pull it off.

4. Thoroughly rinse the affected area with clean water. Dry with a clean microfiber towel or paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

• This method also works on other metal surfaces such as appliances.

• Avoid using metal scrubbing pads or abrasives on your door panels as they may scratch your paint.

References

• Thriftyfun: Removing Glue Residue From New Stainless Steel Pot
• WD-40: 2000+ Uses