Removing Tape after Holiday Decorations

Once the holidays are over, it’s time to start the sad task of taking down all the holiday decorations that were put up; which includes the yearly battle of removing tape that was used to hang the decorations.  Sometimes the tape will come off nice and easy with the decoration, and other times it decides that it has become very attached to where it has rested all these weeks.

When the tape has taken the stubborn route, especially on your windows, it’s time to arm yourself with some basic tools to win the battle.

What You Will Need To Remove Tape

1. A scraper (this can be your fingernail, a plastic pancake turner, or even a plastic cake slicer)
2. Glass cleaner
3. Cleaning rag

Time to Remove Tape

Any leftover tape will need to be scraped off the window with your fingernail, or with any of the other suggested plastic items. Anything with a tapered edge will work, but it is best to use something that will not scratch the glass while you are trying to take of the tape.  So only use items that are made of metal, like a butter knife, as a very last resort.

If there is anything left after getting the tape to come off, like the sticky residue, then spray it with the glass cleaner and let the cleaner soak the sticky part for a bit.  Once you are ready, take the cleaning rag and wipe the cleaner and sticky residue off of the window.  Because of the stickiness of the residue, don’t try to wipe it up with a paper towel.  The residue will just stick to the paper towel and it will tear the paper towel apart before it gets the residue off the window.

For tape residue that is extremely stubborn, take rubbing alcohol and pour it on a rag or sponge. Hold the wet part of the sponge on the residue for 20 seconds, and then rub the residue spot in a circular motion until it has all been removed.

As a last resort, you can also try olive oil or cooking oil in your quest of removing tape from your windows after the holidays. The oils should neutralize the stickiness in the tape, but you will have to wash the windows afterwards if you end up using either of them.

Source: SFGate.com