Do adhesive tape stains have you stuck in a mess? Here's how to get unstuck by using the following spot and stain removal tips and techniques.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Acetate, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Fiberglass,
Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool

Scrape (the method of using a scraping tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) gummy matter from the material very gently. Use either Afta Cleaning Fluid or K2r Spot Lifter. If stain persists, apply a dry spotter to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the spotter. Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed, keeping both the stain and pad moist. Sponge (the method of using light strokes with a dampened pad working outward from the center of the stain) the area with a dry-cleaning solvent. Allow surface to dry completely.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Burlap, Nylon, Olefin
Polyester, Spandex

Gently scrape the excess. Very carefully, apply Afta Cleaning Fluid to the stain. If any remains, apply a wet spotter, with a few drops of ammonia added, to the stain. Tamp (the method of bringing a brush down with light strokes on stained durable fabrics and materials) and blot occasionally with an absorbent pad. Flush with water and dry thoroughly.

How To Make Wet And Dry Spotters
Dry spotter:
To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may
be flammable.

Wet spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Asphalt, Chromium
Copper Enamel, Glass Linoleum, Marble, Pewter
Platinum, Plexiglas, Vinyl Clothing
Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering

Scrape to remove any excess. Do not use an abrasive product. Dip a clean sponge or cloth into warm sudsy water and rub the gummy matter. The warm water will soften the tape so it can be removed with the sponge or cloth. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Aluminum, lron, Stainless Steel

Pick off as much tape as possible with your fingertips or tweezers. If possible, soak the stain in warm to hot sudsy water. This should loosen the sticky substance enough that it can be wiped off. Should any remain, gently rub the area in one direction only with a soft scouring pad to remove any traces.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Bamboo, Cane, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Polyurethane

Rub the gummy area with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm, mild soapy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added. Rinse with clear water. Dry thoroughly.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone
Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile
Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo

Mix a solution of washing soda or laundry detergent and warm water. Do not use soap; it will leave a hard-to-remove scum. With a soft brush (a toothbrush is good for small areas) gently spread the solution over the gummy portion until it is removed. Rinse with clear warm water.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Brass, Bronze, Ivory, Jade, Porcelain, Tin, Zinc

Remove any excess matter with your fingertips or tweezers. Mix a solution of hot water and a mild soap. With a soft cloth dipped in the solution, rub until the gummy substance is softened and removed. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Cork

Scrape to remove excess, taking care not to gouge the soft surface. Gently rub any remaining gummy matter with a piece of fine steel wool dipped in liquid or paste polishing wax. Wipe away soiled wax as you work.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Cotton, Linen

Scrape to remove excess. Place face down on an absorbent pad and sponge area with Afta Cleaning Fluid. Allow fluid to dry thoroughly; launder soon to remove all traces of fluid.

Remove Adhesive Tape Stains From:
Felt

Remove excess carefully to avoid shredding the fiber. Freeze to harden remainder and gently brush with a sponge or fine-bristled brush. This should remove any remaining adhesive. In extreme cases, rub the surface carefully, using a razor blade with the direction of the nap; however, this removes some felt fiber.

Learn how to remove adhesive tape stains from fur, leather, and suede in the next section.