Without a doubt, packing tape is one of the best inventions made by man. Whether at home or for use in business, a packing tape is handy for just about anything—sealing our packages and envelopes, even casserole lids to prevent food from spilling and for entrepreneurs, a unique marketing collateral, thanks to customized packing tapes.
While using a packing tape is definitely a no brainer, removing it from surfaces is another story. Removing packing tape can be quite a challenge, especially if you don’t want any evidence of it. Once you stick it on the surface, the adhesive of the tape seeps into the porous cells of the surface thus making it hard to remove.
Got a sticky packing tape situation? Don’t fret. Here a few handy tips on how to remove unwanted packing tape from surfaces.
1. You can use low heat to “soften” the hold of the packing tape to wherever it is glued on to. Using heat lessens the possible damage on the surface. You can use your blow dryer but make sure it is set on low. The key here is to warm and peel the adhesive gently and simultaneously. You can either use a putty knife or a flat-edged scraper to scrape off the tape.
2. For packing tape stuck on wood, first try to peel off as much as you can. Soak a paper towel in white vinegar and put it on top of the packing tape. Let it sit for five minutes. Afterwards, remove the paper towel and start rubbing the surface. The remainder of the tape should be peeling away by now. Use the same paper towel to rub the wood’s surface if there is still any residue. Get another paper towel and slightly moisten it with water, this time to remove the vinegar residue.
3. If your heavy duty packing tape has left an unsightly residue on a glass or ceramic surface, using a little bit of alcohol or nail polish remover will help clean out what’s left of it. Afterwards, do not forget to wipe the same surface area with a paper towel or cotton ball soaked in a little bit of water.
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