Sticky scotch tape residue that won't budge? Find out how to remove it easily

A banner, a poster of some film or event, photos, pictures and more: there are many reasons why we put up these items using scotch tape. Using scotch tape, in fact, is the easiest and fastest method, and maybe occasionally, we might also use colored tape (washi tape) to create decorations.

The downside, however, is that this tape leaves an adhesive, sticky residue on the surfaces . And sometimes, this residue is very difficult to remove. However, this does not mean that we have to resign ourselves to leaving these annoying stains showing: in fact, there are simple methods to eliminate sticky tape residue.

Creativo

• Olive oil - or some other vegetable oil:
  Take some paper towels, or an old clean rag, and wet it thoroughly with oil, rubbing it over the adhesive. Leave on for 3 hours or less. Afterwards, rub the adhesive vigorously, trying to remove as much as possible. It may become necessary to help yourself with a little denatured alcohol, always using a clean rag or better still, some cotton. Wet a soft cloth in water with a drop of dish soap (or Marseille soap) and pass it over the area to be cleaned. Dry with a dry cloth. There are also those who use baby body oil, mayonnaise or even peanut butter instead of vegetable oil.
• If you want to remove the residue immediately after removing the tape, and when the glue is still fresh, you can so this by heating the area with a hair dryer. Then gently scrape the residue off with a credit card or a squeegee. But be careful with wood: some types are delicate and can be damaged by heat.
• Denatured alcohol: this is a slightly more aggressive remedy and can also ruin the finish (especially on lacquered or laminated wooden furniture). So use it only if the stain is small and in an inconspicuous place. All you need to do is soak a little cotton wool with alcohol and rub. Then with a credit card, scrap off the adhesive.
• In a similar way, you can use acetone, which you should leave to act on the residue for a few minutes before removing it with a damp cloth.

Have you ever tried these methods to remove sticky tape residue from furniture?