Removing Adhesive Tape Residue from Carpet

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated December 17, 2018)

2

While adhesive tapes, such as duct tape, can be helpful in a lot of ways, they can also create some unique problems as well. One of the trickier problems arises when you remove adhesive tape from your carpeting. Namely, that you often find some residue left behind. Luckily, removing adhesive tape residue from carpet doesn't have to be all that impossible or even difficult a task. All you need to do is follow these simple directions.

  1. Test the carpet. The first step in removing adhesive tape residue from carpet is to test the carpet itself. Meaning you will need to test whether or not the carpet will be damaged or destroyed, or even if the color will be ruined by employing the methods listed here. In an inconspicuous location, or using a small sample of the same type of carpet, spray a little bit of WD-40. Allow the sprayed carpeting to sit for about 30 minutes. If the carpet's color fades or it appears to be damaged in anyway, you will need to use a different method for this task.
  2. Use a knife. When you are sure that your carpet can withstand the WD-40, you can begin removing the adhesive tape residue. Do this by scraping a plastic knife or paint scraper along the area that has the residue. Be as gentle, yet firm, as possible while you are doing this so you don't accidentally damage or pull any of the carpet fibers out. Continue to do this until you have removed as much of the residue as possible.
  3. Apply some solvent. Spray the afflicted area with some WD-40, and allow it to sit there for about 15 minutes. Once that time has passed, you can then proceed to the next step.
  4. Scrape the area again. While the carpet is still wet from the WD-40, take your plastic knife or paint scraper and begin scraping the area once again. This should help you to remove any remaining bits and pieces of tape residue that you were unable to remove earlier.
  5. Use some cleanser. Once you have finished removing as much of the residue as you can see, it is time to do a bit of clean up. Grab your favorite type of carpet cleaning agent, such as Goo-Gone or De-Solv, and read the instructions. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer carefully, and begin cleaning the area.
  6. Allow to dry, then inspect. Allow the area that you just cleaned to dry, and then take a close look at it. If you find that there are any remaining bits of tape residue on the carpet, you will need to repeat steps two through six until it has been removed. Just make sure that you are careful as you do this that you don't damage the carpet.

Keep in mind that the method described here for removing adhesive tape residue from carpet works best for carpeting that is colorfast. If your carpet isn't very colorfast, or the WD-40 happens to damage the carpet in some way, you still have options. The simplest option would be to use the same method listed above, with a slight difference: use rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning solvent instead of the WD-40. After applying the rubbing alcohol, all you need to do is blot the area clean.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Recognizing a Load-Bearing Wall

Recognizing a load-bearing wall isn't all that difficult, though it can save you a huge amount of money, and time. All ...

Discover More

Choosing Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

It is becoming more and more popular to make the home as energy efficient as possible. One of the more common methods ...

Discover More

Quickly Catching Dogs

If there is one thing that almost all dog owners can agree on it is that their canine companions love to run. When faced ...

Discover More

Tough Tools for Tough Cleaning Jobs O-Cel-O sponges and Scotch Brite scrubbers are truly a fashion-meets-function success story. The highly absorbent and durable sponges in this handy six-pack make quick work of tough cleaning problems in any kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Check out Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges today!

More Cleaning Tips

Vomit Stains

Vomit stains can be particularly difficult to remove from your home. It seems like these types of stains are particularly ...

Discover More

Area Rug Cleaning

Area rugs can get stained and dirty over time. Make sure you are careful when cleaning them and leave the big jobs to a ...

Discover More

Carpet Cleaning Equipment

There's a lot to consider when deciding to clean your carpet. Hopefully, this article will make things much clearer.

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 2?

2020-11-27 08:19:07

Cheryl

I could honestly cry ,a brand new carpet and a brand new rug , all sticky with carpet tape to stop my rug from constantly moving , so I have tried sticky stuff remover and it is now sticky but softer, I am about to try white distilled vinegar. Have you any other ideas ,we are going to smell like a chippy!!


2018-12-26 14:38:33

DavieFarris

I bought this tape at Lowe’s to cover my carpet while we had construction going in the house to keep the carpet from getting ruined now the floor is sticky . Can anyone tell me what to do ?


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.