Getting Rid of Stubborn Adhesive Tape Stains from Polyester Fabrics
Adhesive tape is a blessing, and a curse. It can come in handy for quick repairs, and holding objects in place. But when you have to remove it, it often leaves behind a sticky residue. Trying to clean adhesive tape stains from polyester fabrics can feel like a lost cause but there are steps you can take to get these stubborn stains out.
Updated 20 Jun 2023
By Noemi Denker
Removing Adhesive Tape Stains
- Start by blotting the stain with a cloth or paper towel to remove as much of the adhesive as possible. Don't rub the stain as this can cause the residue to spread.
- Mix one teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent and one teaspoon of white distilled vinegar with two cups of warm water. Soak a cloth in the solution and blot the stained area. Be careful not to scrub the fabric as this could damage the polyester.
- Rinse the fabric off with cool water and repeat the process if necessary.
- Once the residue has been removed, launder the fabric as you normally would using your regular detergent.
Other Ideas for Removing Adhesive Tape Stains
- If stain is on something that's dry-clean only, take it to the dry cleaner as soon as possible and point out the stain to professional.
- Rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab can also sometimes be used to remove adhesive tape stains.
- If all else fails, use an adhesive remover product such as Goo Gone to remove the residue. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.