Did you tape something on your window? Did the duct tape leave behind residue that just won’t go away? Well, you’ve come to the right place because we have the best solutions to your problem.
Whether you want some decor on your window or an easy fix for the cool air coming in– duct tape gets the job done thanks to its tensile strength. However, using duct tape on windows is not always the smartest choice. That’s because it leaves behind a residue that is difficult to clean.
The good news is that duct tape residue is not impossible to remove. All you need is to use the correct methods. Keep reading to find out how to get duct tape residue off the window in five easy ways.
How To Get Duct Tape Residue Off Window
Step one is pulling off the tape (easy), and step two is removing the sticky residue (tricky). However, once you know the correct methods, it gets simple.
Depending on the amount of residue and stickiness, you can choose from these options:
Method One: Scrape The Adhesive Off The Window
For this method, you will need a putty knife or a butter knife, but it only works if the residue is less sticky and docile.
Make sure the blade is parallel to the window’s surface, and slowly advance from one end of the affected area to the other in small, repetitive strokes. Be gentle and careful while scraping to avoid a gouge or scratches on the glass.
Method Two: Use Warm Water
Water, when warm, is highly effective in removing duct tape residue from windows and surfaces with a high-gloss finish. That’s because heat softens the glue, and the water helps push it away.
For this one, you need to use a sponge or a microfiber cloth. Dampen either of these in warm water, and scrub the affected area in small to-and-fro strokes.
Alternatively, add one to two drops of hand soap or dishwashing liquid to the water to break the bond further. But if the adhesive is still stubborn, cover the spot with a warm, wet, and soapy cleaning rag for about twenty minutes. When you wipe it dry, the residue will be gone!
Another substitute is to make a soap and vinegar solution. For this, you will need a small bowl with warm water and some drops of dish soap. You should ensure the soap is not too strong or too mild.
Then, pour one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar. Then, stir it and dip the sponge into the mixture. After that, rub it over the tape residue in small and circular movements. Lastly, spray glass cleaner over it and wipe it off.
Method 3: Dissolve The Residue
With this method, you can dissolve the residue altogether! Please note that this method is not suitable for painted surfaces. To be on the safe side, run a patch test first.
For the patch test, soak a rag in isopropyl alcohol, which you can probably find in the medicine cabinet. Next, dab it firmly over a small area of your surface. If your surface gets damaged, that’s a red light; don’t proceed with this method. But if it appears undamaged, you can proceed with this method.
Once again, you should work in small sections and be patient. After the liquid has evaporated, wipe away the rest of the residue. You can apply the alcohol either directly onto the window or on a sponge that you will rub over the window.
Method 4: Use Oil, Glass Cleaner, Or Other Lubricants
Water-displacing lubricants are very effective in removing duct tape residue. For optimal results, you should use WD-40.
First, wear gloves and spray the entire window surface, then smoothen the duct tape residue with your finger. Wash the rest away with warm soapy water.
If you can’t find it or don’t want to bother buying one, you can also use vegetable or olive oil. Grab a sponge or paper towel, then spread the oil in a coat over the affected area.
Next, use a nonabrasive scouring pad to remove the residue. Dampen the surface with soapy water or glass cleaner and let it sit for about ten minutes before wiping it away.
Method 5: Heat & Scrape
On number five, we have the age-old heat-it-up method. It requires more effort than any of the ones listed above, but it is also one of the safest ones. That is so because it doesn’t include liquids or substances that can discolor and damage surfaces.
When it comes to duct tape adhesive, hot air works like magic. Heat weakens the adhesive glue, so you can conveniently remove it from almost any surface.
All you need is a hair dryer for this last method. With care, position the appliance a few inches away from the affected spot and turn it on to the highest setting. After a minute, turn off the hair dryer and scrape the adhesive, as mentioned in method one.
Repeat the process until you have removed all traces of the residue. Also, remember to work in small sections for the best results.
FAQS
Is Goo Gone safe on glass windows?
Yes! Goo Gone Original happens to be surface safe, which means you can use it for any surface. These include glass, clothing, metal, wood, plastic, vinyl, ceramic, carpets and upholstery, flooring, etc.
Does vinegar leave a residue on windows?
Yes, if the mixture consists of only water and vinegar, it will leave streaky windows. You can avoid this by adding any detergent of your choice.
Last Words
All in all, there are five ways to get rid of duct tape residue. These include:
- Scrape off the residue
- Dampen with warm water and scrub with a sponge
- Dissolve with rubbing alcohol
- Use WD-40, oil, or glass cleaner
- Heat the affected area with a hairdryer, then scrape
Once you’re done, your window will be good as new! If one of these methods doesn’t work, try another one. You can also start chronologically if the adhesive residue is too stubborn.
