Does Anyone know how to remove carpet tape from hardwood floors?

[ellacott]

I recently bought a house where the previous owner removed all the carpet. The hardwood floors are good condition except one hallway where all the carpet tape didn't come off. I've tried scubbing it and using different cleaners but nothing has worked.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could remove the tape?

[Stinky The Clown]

1. The answer may partly depend on what finish the floors have

The easiest way is to use a solvent that will cut the tape goo but leave the finish alone.

If the finish is polyurethane, you can use something mild. Believe it or not, even WD40 will cut the tape.

Talk, too, to your local paint store. As what kind of solvents they have that will cut the tape.

Then test the solvent on the floor in an inconspicuous place (maybe inside a closet at the back wall). Wipe the solvent up and then let the spot sit for a few hours and see of the poly has softened.

[Kolesar]

2. A heat gun or a hair dryer? I must admit I don't have a strong feeling of what to do...eom

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. Have you tried Goo Gone?

Sometimes several applications of Goo gone can break it down as you get it removed.

[NMDemDist2]

4. that's good stuff! also "goof off" works well on some surfaces n/t

[Whoa_Nelly]

5. But, the differences between Goo Gone and Goof Off are pretty big

Goo Gone is citrus based. It also comes in a gel spray.

From the site:
Goo Gone has minimal impact on our environment and is safe to use on virtually any surface, including: carpets · upholstery · clothing · tile · glass · grills · appliances · vinyl · wood · draperies · autos · boats · fiberglass

Goo Gone FAQs
http://www.magicamerican.com/faq.aspx

All Goo Gone products
http://www.magicamerican.com/products_gg.aspx

Goo Gone Product Info
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=13009010&query=goo+gone&searchas=TblBrands&prodcat=all


Goof Off is flammable, and is more for paint clean up

Goof Off Products page
http://www.valsparglobal.com/val/resident/images/pdf/GoofOffCatalog.pdf

Goof Off Info page
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=7015003

<snip>
Warning from
Product Label: Flammable. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Vapor harmful. Eye and skin irritant. Contains Xylene. Keep away from heat, sparks, flame and static electricity. Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures above 120 degrees F. Avoid frequent or prolonged skin contact or breathing of vapor. Do not get in eyes. If swallowed, contact physician immediately. Do not induce vomiting. In case of eye contact, flush with water for 15 minutes, seek medical attention immediately. USE ONLY WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. Vapor is harmful and eye irritant. Stop use immediately and leave the area if strong odor is noticed or if you experience dizziness, headaches, nausea or eye watering. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling contents may be harmful or fatal.
Acute Health Effects: From MSDS
Inhalation: Excessive inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, asphyxiation.
Eye Contact: Eye contact can cause eye irritation, redness, tearing, and blurred vision.
Skin Contact: Skin contact may cause irritation, redness, dermatitis and defatting with prolonged or repeated exposure.
Ingestion: Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Aspiration of material into lungs may cause chemical pneumonitis, which can be fatal.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: None listed
Chronic Health Effects: MSDS: CHRONIC
Repeated or prolonged skin exposure may cause dermatitis and defatting. Prolonged or repeated occupational overexposure to solvents may cause permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberate concentration and inhalation of contents may be harmful or fatal.
Carcinogenicity: MSDS: CARCINOGENICITY
No information provided.

[ellacott]

6. Thank you all so much

I feel a little dumb. I never thought of an oil based product. I was using 409 and other products like that. I don't know the finish, I think it's polyurethene. I do have some wD40. I will try that tonight. If that doesn't work I'm going to buy some Goo Gone and also use a blow dryer to help loosen it up.

Thank you all again. :)

[Suich]

7. Nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.

Works sometimes. Be sure to test on a small spot.

[ellacott]

8. I tried the nail polish remover and it worked

Thank you so much. I soaked a cotton ball on it and let it sit for a couple of minutes. I pleasantly suprised to see how well it worked. :)