Sticking things to the wood floor is nothing new. Whether it’s masking tape, gaffer tape, sellotape, double-sided tape, or any other type of tape, they can hold almost anything down to the wood floor. It’s common to use carpet tape on the wood floor because it is a fast and effective solution. But the trouble is – the removal. Not everyone knows the best ways to remove carpet tape from wood floors.
The longer you put it off, the worse the residue ordeal will be. If you purchased an old home in an off-market sale or renovated your existing residence, you may find tape residues on the wooden floor. To relieve you from this dilemma here are some effective home remedies to remove the carpet tape from the wood floor.
Table of Contents
DIY Methods for Removing Carpet Tape
1. Peel The Tape with Hairdryer
By peeling tape as much as you can, you should be able to remove it to a great extent. You can soften the adhesive by warming the tape with a hairdryer, but be careful because this technique can also make the glue stickier — it’s advisable to test first.
Once the tape has been removed, use a blunt implement to scrape off any remaining residue, careful not to damage the floor. If you’re unsure, chemically remove the residue, but keep in mind that the floor’s finish will be altered, making it mushy and vulnerable to harm.
If your wood floor is in horrible shape and you’ve considered replacing it or sanding and restoring it, it’s worth stopping here to consider this option first.
2. Use Oil-Based Solvent
Using an oil-based solvent on natural wood floors not only eliminates the sticky crud but also adds moisture and luster to the wood. Vegetable oil or eucalyptus oil are examples of oil or oil-based things found in the house. To wet the glue stain, apply the oil to a clean rag and wash the surface frequently.
Drizzle the oil over the adhesive residue and let it sit overnight for tough stains. Allowing oil to sit on a laminate wood floor can cause the moisture seal to weaken and the floorboard to swell, resulting in additional damage. This procedure should only be used on solid wood-soaked flooring.
3. Use Mild Cleaning Solvents
Cleaning solvents aid in disintegrating the adhesive and destroying the bond between it and the wood floor. Remove sticky glue residue with nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, kerosene, or paint thinner.
Pour a small amount of the solvent onto a clean rag and place it over the glue adhesive, allowing it to absorb for a few minutes. You can remove the glue in minutes. Solvents, including oils, should not be left on laminate floors for extended periods because they can saturate the laminate, causing swelling and damage.
4. Use a Flame Torch or Heat Gun
Carpet tape residue is impervious to oil or solvent treatment. Use a scraper in this scenario, along with one of the oil or solvent-based softening techniques. If it doesn’t work, use heat to soften the glue even further. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to apply heat.
Heat the glue adhesive for a minute with a dryer a few inches away from the surface. Remove the glue with a cloth or scraper after it has been heated. If everything else fails, sand the area to remove any remaining adhesive. Some glue residue is impervious to oils and solvents. Wipe the glue away with a cloth or scraper once it has been heated.
5. Use Mineral Spirits
Using chemicals, such as adhesive remover or mineral spirits, is a third technique for getting rid of carpet tape residue from wood floors. On Amazon, the Goo Gone Adhesive Remover Spray Gel appears to be the most well-liked product. When handling chemicals, use caution and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as they can be hazardous and combustible. Before scraping or wiping away the adhesive residue, apply the chemical and let it sit for the required period of time.
How to Remove Double-Sided Carpet Tape from Wood Floor
Removing a double-sided tape is a dilemma because it is designed to last longer than any other tape. It is a perfect fit for a carpet on the wood floor. It may seem hard to remove double-sided carpet tape from a wooden floor.
So here’s what you need to do.
- Take a plastic putty knife to scrape the top layers of carpet tape off the wood floor. Keep in mind, that the residue on the bottom side of the double tape will remain on the floor.
- Use a water-displacing spray such as WD-40 and spray a healthy amount onto the leftover tape residue. It will saturate the adhesive and penetrate through the layer allowing the lubricant to soften the residue.
- Now place a paper towel or a cloth over the tape residue. It will not allow the liquid to evaporate quickly but rather steep through the tape residue and the hardwood plank. Keep the paper tower covering the residue for a good 15 minutes.
- To remove the now softened residue use a lint-free cloth in a circular motion. Rub the area carefully but smoothly. The double-sided tape will come off. You can repeat the process unless the tape comes off.
- Remember to test the area before applying the spray and to work in 3-foot sections depending on the size of the wood floor.
Final Thoughts
No matter what method you choose to remove the carpet tape from the wood floor, make sure to test it on the small area before considering the whole area. In this way, you can also cover the entire area effortlessly and without any stress.
Otherwise, you are the only one responsible for all kinds of floor damage. Moreover, you can also get help from professional cleaners and contractors if you want to perform the removal process yourself. However, it all depends on your needs and requirements.
