Carpet versus double sided tape

[DD716TED]

We have a carpeted space with a power recliner on it. To cover the power cord we secured a rubber cord cover to the carpet with EXTRA STICKY double sided tape. All was well until we removed the aire cover.
Now the carpet has a super stick residue left behind by the tape. What can I use to remove tape residue without discoloring the carpet?

[floorman]

Yes, you can usually remove it without damaging the carpet, but start with the gentlest method and test anything you use in an inconspicuous spot first. The carpet fiber matters. Mylon/polyester are generally forgiving but wool, olefin, and solution-dyed fibers can react differently.

I’d try this sequence, in order:

1. Remove as much adhesive mechanically as possible first. Put a few ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag and hold it against the residue for several minutes. Once the adhesive firms up, gently scrape/pick it away with a plastic spoon, old credit card, or dull plastic scraper. Don’t pull aggressively on the carpet fibers.
2. Try a mild dish-soap solution. Mix about ¼ teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with 1 cup of warm water. Dampen a clean white cloth — don’t pour it directly onto the carpet — and blot the sticky area. Work from the outside toward the center. Then blot with a second cloth dampened with plain water and dry with towels.
3. If it is still very sticky, use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. This is what I would try next for stubborn double-sided-tape adhesive. First test 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol somewhere hidden. If there's no color transfer or change after it dries, put a little alcohol on a white cloth, then dab/blot the adhesive. Don't saturate the carpet. You want to dissolve adhesive at the tips of the fibers without soaking through to the carpet backing.
4. As the adhesive softens, transfer it onto clean portions of the white cloth rather than rubbing it around. You may need several repetitions. Finish by blotting with the mild soap solution, then plain water, and blotting thoroughly dry.

Things I'd avoid:

I would not start with Goo Gone, WD-40, acetone/nail-polish remover, paint thinner, mineral spirits, gasoline, or citrus/oil-based adhesive removers. Some can discolor carpet, leave an oily spot that attracts dirt, or attack the carpet backing/latex adhesive underneath. Also avoid scrubbing hard, because that can fuzz or distort the pile even if the color survives.
One particularly important point: don't pour any solvent directly onto the carpet. Apply it to the white cloth. That gives you much more control and greatly reduces the chance of damaging the backing.


If you can tell me what the carpet is made of (nylon, polyester, polypropylene/olefin, wool, etc.), or give me the brand/model of the carpet, I can tell you which adhesive remover is safest for that specific carpet.

[AshRae]

Sounds like you won the battle but lost the war!!! Good luck, let us know how it goes.

We have a carpeted space with a power recliner on it. To cover the power cord we secured a rubber cord cover to the carpet with EXTRA STICKY double sided tape. All was well until we removed the aire cover.
Now the carpet has a super stick residue left behind by the tape. What can I use to remove tape residue without discoloring the carpet?

[Beth Thornton]

How’d it go? Would love to see some pictures!