How to Effectively Remove Adhesive Tape Stains from Your Levi's Jeans
Sticky tape can leave behind stubborn stains on your beloved jeans. Here's how you can remove them safely.
Updated 20 Jun 2023
By Luke Smith
Whether it’s from a particularly creative package opening, sporting a fashion statement on your jeans, or somehow you just ended up with adhesive residue on your Levi's, you’ll want to know how to remove it without ruining the fabric. Luckily, removing adhesive from your Levi’s doesn’t have to be difficult. We love Levi’s for their durability, but adhesive removal requires special care. When faced with adhesive residue, the first step is to assess damage. If it’s a minor stain, you may be able to simply pick off the tape residue and move on with your life. Just remember to use light pressure and be careful of the denim fabric. If the adhesive is more stubborn, then there are several proven methods to remove remainder. The safest bet is to use a specialized adhesive remover. These products are specifically designed to safely dissolve adhesive while leaving the fabric intact. Once you have the adhesive remover, thoroughly saturate the area with it and begin rubbing the material away with a damp cloth. Be sure to use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge as too much scrubbing will damage the fabric. If you don’t have access to an adhesive remover, there are a few other strategies you can try. WD-40 is a great way to get rid of sticky residue, as long as you’re careful not to let the oil soak in to the fabric and cause discoloration. You can also try using hand sanitizer to break down any remaining adhesive. It’s also important to think about type of adhesive. If you’re dealing with duct tape, simply leave it out in the sun until it starts to peel off. Always start with the least aggressive approach and move to stronger solutions if needed. No matter which strategy you choose, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. First, always be gentle and be careful not to rub too hard. This will help protect the fabric from damage. Second, do a spot test before using any product or solution to make sure it won’t discolor your jeans. And lastly, give the area ample time to dry after the adhesive has been removed.