If you are a DIY construction person or crafter, or you live with DIY people in your home, you may find tape on the carpet. Tape left on carpet causes a sticky residue, which eventually causes permanent damage and lead to a need for professional carpet cleaning. Removing tape and residue can be challenging, but it isn't impossible. Here are some methods to remove tape and the residue from carpet.
Prepare to Remove the Residue
To clean the tape, you need:
If the tape has dried, scrape as much tape a possible from the carpet with a butter knife; working in small sections at a time. To remove fresh tape, blot the adhesive gently with a damp paper towel or cloth, then vacuum.
To remove tough tape, like masking tape, dab some isopropyl alcohol in a hidden area to test reaction, and do this with any cleaner you use. If the carpet shows no adverse reaction, pour some alcohol on the tape, and let it stand several minutes.
Blot the stain, then pull the tape off slowly by hand, similar to how you would pull off a bandage. Blot again with a clean cloth or paper towel to dry. Repeat the procedure again, if needed.
Remove Residue with Vinegar
Remove the residue with white distilled vinegar. Mix a quarter cup of water with a quarter cup of vinegar in a spray bottle.
Dab cloth or paper towel in vinegar, and rub a small section of the stain for about a minute. Let the vinegar stand on the residue fifteen minutes. Moisten a paper towel with clean water, dab the spot, then allow the area to dry completely.
Try Heat
Apply heat as an alternative to vinegar. Run a vacuum over the carpet to remove dirt. Heat steam iron on the lowest setting and spread a paper towel on the area.
Lay a cloth over the paper towel, and keep the iron on it for ten seconds, but don't press too hard. The heat should cause the adhesive to transfer to the paper towel. If you notice a greasy substance after doing this, pour some baking soda over it, and vacuum.
Apply Acetone
Open a window to vent when you work with acetone. Dab some acetone on the spot with a cotton ball, and let it stand several seconds. Use the butter knife to scrape up the pieces, rinse the acetone with detergent and water, then vacuum.
Share28 July 2017
After struggling for months to deal with a personal injury, my home was left in shambles. It seemed like no matter what I did I just couldn't keep things clean enough, so I started looking for a way to get a helping hand. I was able to find an excellent cleaning service that really took their job seriously, and they worked hard to make sure that I had everything I needed. Within a few appointments, my home was like new, and I knew that I owed it all to them. This blog is here to help anyone who might be wondering about cleaning services to take care of what they need to.