Easily remove the residue from duct tape using a few household items

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
·2 min read

Duct tape might be one of the most versatile items on the planet.

The ultra-sticky adhesive works on all kinds of surfaces and can be used to cover holes or act as a seal. It can also be used in more unconventional ways, like removing a stripped screw, getting pet hair off clothes or even making a dress.

The problem arises when you remove the tape, as it often leaves a sticky residue behind. But fear not, that gunk is easily removed. All you need is a cloth, WD-40 or isopropyl alcohol and a little bit of elbow grease.

Watch this video to see how to easily remove duct tape residue from different surfaces.

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How to remove duct tape residue

If you're cleaning a surface like plastic or metal, reach for the WD-40.

  1. Spray WD-40 onto a rag.

  2. Scrub the duct tape residue.

  3. Once the mess is gone, wipe off any WD-40 remaining on the surface with a clean part of the rag.

For the surfaces you don't want to use WD-40 on, use isopropyl alcohol.

  1. Soak a section of rag in the alcohol.

  2. Scrub the residue away.

  3. Give the surface a final wipe-down with alcohol. Now it's clean and disinfected!

Some tape remnants might require you to dab some alcohol onto the residue, and let it soak before scrubbing.

Removing the goo might take some elbow grease, but it shouldn't require too much effort. An old gift card or putty knife can also help scrape it off.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to remove duct tape residue: 2 easy ways to get that surface clean