After hanging stockings and temporary seasonal items, you may find you’ve got double-sided foam tape stuck on your wall. So, now it’s January or the birthday party is over and you need to know how to remove double-sided foam tape.
To remove double-sided foam tape, apply heat or a solvent and use a scraper depending on the surface. The key is getting the adhesive to loosen or melt so that you don’t damage the surface underneath.
Whether it’s 3M foam tape or a broken Command Strip, knowing different methods of removal will protect any surface.
Removing double-sided foam tape doesn’t have to be hard. Find a method below that will protect your walls and electronics from the damage of peeling away the strong tape.
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How to remove double-sided foam tape
To remove double-sided foam tape, apply heat and peel off using a solvent to remove any sticky residue. Tools like a scraper or putty knife can also help with removing foam tape from a hard surface.
When removing double-sided foam tape it’s important to consider the surface it’s stuck to. For hard surfaces, chemicals like rubbing alcohol can be buffed into the area to remove sticky residue left behind.
Let’s go over some different options and how to remove the adhesive without damaging the surface below.
How to remove double-sided foam tape from paper
Removing foam tape from paper may be the most difficult material to work with because paper is delicate and easily rips. Before you toss the paper out, try gently heating the paper and tape to loosen the adhesive.
Once the material is hot enough you may be able to slowly peel the foam away from the paper. Be careful not to overheat and burn the paper. If you peel too fast the paper will rip.
You can use a similar tactic to remove tape from plastic, but apply the heat to the tape, so that you don’t melt the plastic.
How to remove double-sided foam tape from fabric
To remove double-sided foam tape from fabric, try to peel the foam tape away intact. Then use alcohol to wipe away any adhesive that is left behind.
If you break the tape, use an oil or a tape remover like “Tape-B-Gone” (made of coconut oil and citrus) to clean the adhesive away. For fleece or cotton use alcohol and rub until you remove each piece.
Be careful that you don’t discolor the fabric when using any kind of remover on your fabric.
How to remove double-sided foam tape from glass
To remove tape from glass, gently scrape it off with a razor blade. Place the razor at an angle underneath the tape and slowly peel away.
Be careful not to move too quickly or be too rough or you will scratch the glass. You can use acetone or even WD-40 to remove adhesive, and then wash the window of the remaining residue.
How to remove double-sided foam tape from tiles
Use a scraper to remove double-sided foam tape from tiles. Try to get a scraper or razor blade between the tape and the tile, then lift and peel it away. If it leaves behind any sticky residue clean with “Goo Gone” to smooth the tile out again.
How to remove double-sided foam tape from painted walls
To remove double-sided foam tape from painted walls without damaging the paint use heat. Using a blow dryer will loosen the tape enough for you to gently peel the tape away.
Be careful not to peel the paint off the wall along with the tape. Oil-based solvents may damage paint and drywall, so be careful what you use to clean the adhesive. Once the tape is off try using soap and water to clean the wall first.
If that doesn’t work, test an area using eyeglass cleaner or an alcohol-based cleaner and a gentle scrubber. Go slowly because not all paint can handle the combination.
How to remove double-sided foam tape from wood floors
To remove double-sided tape from wood floors, use oil or heat to peel the tape. The floor will need to be scrubbed of any sticky residue left behind.
Wood floors can get a bit of a shine from using oil, so using Goo Gone, WD40, or baby oil will work well. Let the remover sit for a moment before peeling off the tape. To remove the last of the residue from the tape use a gentle cloth to preserve the floors. After you’ve removed the tape and adhesive it’s best to mop the floor to clear away anything left behind.
Does WD-40 Remove double-sided tape?
Double-sided tape can be removed using WD-40. In fact, WD-40 can be used in unique ways. The oil breaks down the adhesive without damaging hard surfaces. Simply wash the surface away with soap and water after you are done using it.
Keep in mind that soft or porous surfaces can be damaged by adding WD-40 or other kinds of oil. In those cases, it’s best to use an alcohol-based cleaner or acetone to remove the sticky residue left behind.
Can Goo Gone remove 3M tape?
Goo Gone can remove the sticky residue left behind after removing foam tape. However, it’s best to remove the foam tape first.
Goo Gone can work on foam tape on most surfaces, even some fabric, but be sure to test the area first. It can cause discoloration, or leave behind a stain. According to Goo Gone, “Do not use on silk, leather, suede, rubber, faux stainless steel, drywall, unfinished wood surfaces, unsealed stone.”
When using Goo Gone, remove the tape to the best of your ability first. Then allow it to soak for a few minutes and wipe away sticky residue left behind.
Summary: How to remove double-sided foam tape
To choose the best way to remove double-sided foam tape consider the surface the tape is stuck on. Using heat, solvents, and tools will help you peel away the tape no matter where it is.
Instead of peeling away with your hand give razor blades and scrappers a try, being gentle when you do. After you remove the tape you may have to take an extra step and remove the sticky adhesive left behind.
Get creative with your solvents and use acetone, alcohol, WD-40, or Goo Gone to finish the job. Cleaning porous surfaces is best with alcohol and acetone, while hard surfaces will work best with oily WD-40 or Goo Gone.
No matter the solvent you use, you’ll need to wash the surface with soap and water. Once you do you’ll have a surface that is clean, new, and ready for the next piece of tape.