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The tape was double-sided mesh carpet tape. It has been under a runner in an entryway for about 20 years and is now just a dried mesh and whatever residue is left from the glue that was on the tape. Can anyone suggest a method of removing the tape without doing damage to the floor? Thanks!

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    isopropanol (not rubbing alcohol, because that contains oil) ..... orange cleaner (made from oranges) ..... test on small area of floor first
    – jsotola
    Commented May 27, 2018 at 17:57
  • @jsotola Sounds like an answer I would vote for.
    – bib
    Commented May 27, 2018 at 18:59
  • can you add a photo so we can teeter on the "it's dry and crusty" "or gooey and messy" side of "old"
    – noybman
    Commented May 28, 2018 at 1:21
  • I will do that as soon as I get home this evening.
    – Mitch
    Commented May 30, 2018 at 13:54

5 Answers 5

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A heat gun warm up the yape it will get sticky again and pull it off then the stick stuff from the tape 90 per cent alcohol will take it off and your floor is not damaged

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A plastic putty knife can often remove residue if it isn't too sticky. In a pinch, an old plastic credit card can also work. If the surface finish is weak, it may lift with the residue.

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Soaking the tape in WD-40 may be able to dissolve the glue and make it easier to remove. You may have to leave it for a few hours to soak in considering the age of the material.

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  • Thanks Karl. In the end I used a heat gun to remove most of the tape, worked like a charm, then a cloth with alcohol to tidy up.
    – Mitch
    Commented Jan 14, 2019 at 18:04
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Olive oil or canola oil on a paper towel and rub the area firmly and the glue easily comes off in a few minutes. You can then choose to clean the oil off the floor. Easy peasy.

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  • Thanks Chris, I'll note this for the next time.
    – Mitch
    Commented May 1 at 15:17
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Use a carburetor cleaner like Chemtool; spray, let sit for a minute, pull off.

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    I don't know enough about carb cleaner to know - are you sure this won't destroy the finish on a hardwood floor?
    – FreeMan
    Commented Jul 25, 2023 at 17:14
  • Carb cleaner is basically acetone.
    – spuck
    Commented Jul 25, 2023 at 17:19
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    In that case, yes, it will dissolve some finishes.
    – keshlam
    Commented Jul 25, 2023 at 17:33
  • I did not vote to delete because I am not sure. Its not a good one, but it is an answer. Perhaps downvote is the correct action for it.
    – Rohit Gupta
    Commented Jul 25, 2023 at 20:58
  • @RohitGupta Agree. Where's your d/v?
    – gnicko
    Commented Aug 1, 2023 at 20:20

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