Regular adhesive tape or its masking analogue is often used when carrying out household and construction work.
It is a narrow or wide film tape (paper, fabric - in the case of masking tape) on which an adhesive composition is applied on one or both sides.
Depending on the thickness and characteristics of the glue, the tape can be weakly or strongly fixing , as well as instantly sticking or requiring time to set to the surface.
Unfortunately, this useful working material has a significant drawback - traces after its use are difficult to remove from some surfaces. One of these surfaces is plastic, and therefore the problem of cleaning plastic windows from traces of adhesive tape is quite relevant today.
Removing glue residues from plastic frames is complicated by another circumstance - the aesthetics of the structure and changing its color should not be allowed under any circumstances. Proven methods available to every owner help to successfully cope with the task.
Method No. 1
If the tape has recently been removed from the plastic surface and the remaining glue has not yet hardened, then glue new tape , press it down firmly, and then quickly tear it off. To completely remove traces, the procedure will have to be repeated several times - but this method is guaranteed not to damage the surface of the plastic. In case of failure, you can use a regular stationery eraser to erase pencils and remove the glue from the tape with its help, simply erasing it.
What substances can damage plastic?
Plastic can be damaged by active solvents or formulations containing solid particles:
- acetone
- solvent 645, 646, 647 (must be taken into account - the lower the numbers, the more active the liquid)
- concentrated acids and alkalis
- compositions with abrasive components
If solvents are used to clean glass, it is necessary to first cover the plastic profiles and window sill with protective materials (for example, polyethylene). Particular attention should be paid to the line of contact between the glass and the frame and protect the rubber seal. Otherwise, you will have to change it, or face the problem of sweating or freezing windows.
Method number 2
A cleaning agent that is safe for plastic windows can be prepared from available household products. You need to take regular baking soda and dilute it with water to the consistency of thick sour cream. This composition is applied to the frame and left for 2-3 minutes, and then removed with a cloth soaked in water. If the remaining adhesive tape is not cleared the first time, then the mixture is applied again. Just like the first method, this procedure allows you to effectively remove unsightly traces of glue without worrying about the loss of aesthetics of the structure.
Method number 3
If you have to decide how to clean plastic windows from tape that was removed a long time ago, and the dried glue has already become firmly embedded in the surface, then a neutral alcohol-containing composition : vodka, alcohol solution, colorless lotion. Soak a sponge or lint-free cloth with them and gently wipe the contaminated area. Before starting work, it is recommended to test the solution on a small area hidden from view - not all types of plastic can withstand the effects of alcohol (it may change color or deform the surface).
Why does tape stick to surfaces and leave marks?
Scotch tape is a tape with a layer of adhesive applied to it. Synthetic or fabric backing is available in various widths and thicknesses. For household tape, cheaper acrylic-based glue is used. Special types of adhesives, for example, for electrical insulation, include rubber and other components. When removing the tape, part of the sticky layer may remain on the surface.
This mainly applies to inexpensive brands. With high-quality adhesive tape, the adhesive strip adheres well to the base and does not separate from it.
Sometimes the glue literally fuses with the surface as a result of chemical interaction. Then it is especially difficult to clean it. Since glue marks collect dirt, they need to be removed as quickly as possible. Take into account the composition of the adhesive and the quality of the surface.
Method number 4
Household products without aggressive components will also help to get rid of glue residue on a plastic window . It is better to choose formulations in the form of a fine powder, gel or solution, since substances with large crystals can leave scratches. A sponge or washcloth is moistened with the mixture and wiped over the frame, increasing pressure in areas with glue residues.
Suitable for cleaning windows and dish gel, as well as glass cleaning spray. The spray should be sprayed onto the adhesive stain and begin wiping off after 5-10 minutes. After using the spray, the frame should be rinsed with clean water.
What can't you do?
Under no circumstances should you clean surfaces using metal sponges to remove burnt food from cast iron pans. It will be possible to get rid of the dirt, but in return you will get a scratched stain that can no longer be removed.
For the same reason, you should not try to clean the window with sandpaper or another similar tool (for example, a wire brush or sanding wheel attached to an electric drill).
Do not take a table knife or utility blade and use it as a scraper. In general, a scraper is a very problematic tool - even the most careful user can relax or get distracted and cause scratches or streaks. The maximum is a brush or a brush made of stiff bristles; surfaces should be treated without excessive zeal.
Method number 5
To remove stuck tape, you can use special chemicals sold in hardware or construction stores. As a rule, they are produced in the form of aerosols and are convenient for use, but they are quite expensive. After spraying the substance over the surface with tape, a reaction occurs that dissolves the glue, and the tape is removed without any difficulties. Remains of dried glue also quickly dissolve and to remove them you just need to wipe the plastic with a regular cloth.
Manufacturers promise that their products are safe for window plastic, but still recommend checking for no reaction in small areas before work.
How not to remove tape from plastic windows
No matter how much adhesive tape sticks to the surface of plastic window frames, to remove it you cannot use substances that can change the color and structure of the material or disrupt its integrity. Dangerous compounds include:
- Solid powder products with hard and large grains that can scratch the sensitive surface of the product.
- Chemicals containing acid or aggressive chemical compounds - plastic easily reacts with chemicals, losing its color, deforming and breaking down.
Method number 6
White spirit and gasoline without impurities are considered to be fairly effective means for removing adhesive from tape . They quickly dissolve the adhesive base and clean the plastic, but can also damage its surface. Not all types of frames can withstand such contact. In order to check whether such solvents can be used in your case, wipe an inconspicuous part of a small area of the window with them and watch the reaction. If after 5-10 minutes the surface has not changed color or shape, then the product can be applied to the entire window.
Causes of pollution
Masking tape is applied after installing new PVC windows so as not to stain the plastic frames when the slopes are sealed. Sometimes double-sided tape is used to glue various parts.
Its main advantage is its sticky layer, which adheres well to different surfaces. But the downside is that when the tape needs to be removed, the adhesive base often remains on the plastic. Dust sticks to it, the window becomes dirty and unkempt, which greatly spoils the appearance. It is especially difficult to remove the remnants of double-sided tape: the foam base seems to blur, absorbing even more dirt. The longer the tape is on the plastic, the more difficult it is to clean.
Method number 7
Tape and its traces can be removed from windows made of heat-resistant material by heating the frame with a hairdryer or household steamer . It is not necessary to warm up the entire window, since by pulling the loose end you can remove most of the adhesive tape. The marks left after removal are heated just a little and washed off with a sponge or damp cloth.
Blitz survey: Do you lubricate the fittings of your plastic window? From our previous article you can find out how and with what plastic windows are lubricated.
For non-heat-resistant plastic, there is a more gentle version of this procedure: apply a cloth soaked in hot water to the stuck tape. The material is rolled up in several layers and wrung out well. To obtain the desired effect, the “compress” will have to be applied to the stuck area 2-3 times. If this effect is not enough, then use a rubber spatula or scraper.
Another piece of tape
Or several segments, if the area of contamination is large. Just stick the new adhesive tape over the old one and peel it off with a sharp movement. Some of the old adhesive will remain on the new adhesive tape.
Repeat until the tape removes at least some dirt. You may need to replace a piece of duct tape during the cleaning process if most of the adhesive layer becomes covered in glue or dust.
We recommend starting with this particular method, and only then moving on to the next ones.
Method number 8
In order to clean a plastic window from adhesive tape, ordinary liquid oil : sunflower, linseed, olive, etc. Apply a generous layer of oil to the surface along with the tape, and after 10-15 minutes, remove the tape or its traces with a rag or sponge. Remaining oil is washed off the frame with soapy water. If you use aroma oil instead of edible oils, the room will smell pleasant for a long time without any fresheners or deodorants.
The method is absolutely safe for any type of plastic.
What not to do
In addition to the use of aggressive means, some acceptable methods also require caution. When choosing chemicals, ensure good ventilation of the room.
Working with a hairdryer requires caution; hot air can crack the glass.
When choosing chemicals, ensure good ventilation of the room.
You can deal with tape marks using a variety of methods, many of which you always have on hand. The main thing is to work carefully so as not to damage the fragile glass surface. The sooner this issue is addressed, the easier it will be to remove them.
Method number 9
The traditional mechanical method of removing complex stains from plastic windows has not been canceled, especially if they have existed for a long time and are strongly ingrained into the surface.
One option for mechanical cleaning is to gradually remove the remaining tape by hand, but this work will take a lot of time and will not rid the material of traces of glue.
Another option involves using a sponge with a cleaning layer, a rubber scraper and laundry soap. A rough layer of a damp sponge is soaped and the frame is wiped with it. The surface should be completely wetted with a soap solution, which is left for a short period of time (5-6 minutes). Using the sharp part of the scraper, you need to pick up the tape and gradually separate it from the window. Wetting with a soap solution is repeated as necessary.
After wiping off the tape, any remaining glue is removed by wiping the frame with the hard side of a soapy sponge. For complete cleaning you will have to make a significant effort and be patient.
Window care
All frames are made from two materials (we will consider only two): wood and plastic. Caring for them involves different techniques. Let's track them sequentially.
Wooden
Wood is much softer in texture than plastic. The outside of the polished surface is varnished under pressure. This surface has a glossy structure. This is what you need to keep an eye on.
It is strictly prohibited:
- Exposure to high temperature.
- Mechanical damage.
- Use of aggressive cleaning agents.
Wooden frames must be wiped from external contaminants, monitoring their mechanical condition.
Plastic
Plastic by its nature is less capricious than wood. Its only problem is poor resistance to severe frosts (from -50 Celsius).
Maintenance consists of simply cleaning the corners, the surface of the frame itself, and cleaning the external surfaces. If it is necessary to replace the sealant at the joints, then it is necessary to remove the old sealant, laying everything with new one.
Glass
Glass is a melt of quartz and microscopically crushed rock that is ground until transparent. Window frames use specialized glass with additives. It is much stronger, more “viscous”, and practically does not break.
Caring for glass involves following simple rules:
- Periodic cleaning of the internal surface: seasonal, external.
- Avoid mechanical impact from impacts, chips, and abrasives.
General recommendations
These tips are advisory in nature. They can be very helpful in terms of skill acquisition.
Recommendations:
- It is better to use paper tape rather than plastic tape. It has a little less stickiness, but it cleans up more effectively.
- It is not recommended to clean tape with Ajax. The pellets can turn into permanent stains.
- It is better to use natural ingredients rather than chemical derivatives of cleaning products.
This article answered in detail the question of how to clean adhesive areas after using adhesive tape. Now you have a full range of knowledge on this issue, which can be effectively applied when a problem arises.
Method number 10
A rather original way to get rid of leftover tape is to use toothpaste . In this case, a layer of toothpaste is applied to the surface of the plastic frame and left for 5-10 minutes. Then, the frame with the dried paste is thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth and washed with soap and water.
After such a procedure, as a rule, all traces of glue and tape residues disappear, and the plastic is not damaged or scratched. Despite its unusual nature, this is one of the most popular methods for helping you decide how to clean plastic windows from tape and how to get rid of scratches on plastic.
Following the manufacturer's recommendations will eliminate problems with PVC windows
When buying new plastic windows, do not ignore the advice of the window company, which is clearly stated in the operating instructions, when it is worth removing the protective film from the PVC profile. This will allow you to save time and money, and save your nerves. In general, following the manufacturer’s recommendations not only in this point, but also in all others, is the key to the impeccable appearance and durability of your plastic windows.
vote
Article rating
How to get rid of double-sided tape
Removing double-sided tape from plastic windows is much more difficult than regular tape. Its adhesive composition is much stronger and less susceptible to softening.
You can remove the tape itself by gradually heating the surface with a hairdryer or steamer, but you will have to tinker a lot with removing the remaining glue.
ordinary detergents can remove it - they should be applied to a sponge with a hard layer and rub the contaminated area with force. A more effective remedy is an acetone solution, which should be used to wipe off glue stains if conventional means do not help. You should not leave acetone on the plastic surface for a long time to avoid discoloration or deformation, and therefore the frame should be quickly rinsed with plain water.
If the glue is not removed even after wiping with acetone, then you can use “soft” solvents such as gasoline or white spirit. If the choice falls on gasoline, then it is advisable to use a purified type, for example, the kind that is used to refill lighters. The product is also applied to the frame and washed off after a while, and the glue marks are removed with a hard sponge or scraper. To be on the safe side, before using gasoline or white spirit, it is tested on a small piece of window plastic.
links to materials supplementing this article: How to properly care for PVC windows?
Floor-to-ceiling French windows fill the house with light!
Possibilities of windows with self-cleaning double-glazed windows
Special means
You can wash off glue stains using specialized products. They help not only soften the glue perfectly, but also do not leave streaks on the glass surface. They can be found on sale in automotive and office supply departments. There are different forms of products: liquid, aerosols, pencils.
You can wash off glue stains using specialized products.
"Antiscotch"
The product is sold in cans and helps remove tape residue on any material. Does not form rust on metal. Apply at a 20-centimeter distance from the object, after which the layer is removed with a spatula. Work should be carried out in warm conditions from +10 to +25 degrees.
The product is sold in cans and helps remove tape residue on any material.
Spray Mellerud
A German drug that is highly effective. The stain is treated with the product and after a while wiped with a rag. If complex contamination needs to be removed, the process is repeated.
A German drug that is highly effective.
Cleaner Scotch-Weld
The product can cope with various glue stains and will easily remove super glue. After spraying the solution, wait a couple of minutes and wipe the area with a napkin.
The product can cope with various glue stains.
Kiehl Tablefit
Spray a cotton pad with the preparation, which is then used to wipe the sticky area; the trace will quickly be removed.
The preparation is sprayed onto a cotton pad, which is then used to wipe the sticky area.
"Taygeta S-405"
"Taygeta S-405" is applied directly to the sticky layer, after three minutes it is wiped off with a napkin. The substance has no odor and leaves no traces on the surface.
The substance has no odor and leaves no traces on the surface.
"Cosmofen"
A suitable option for cleaning masking tape from plastic windows and glass. The substance is sprayed over the contaminated area, after 2 minutes it is wiped with a napkin, the main thing is that it is not staining or lint-free.
A suitable option for cleaning masking tape from plastic windows and glass.
Cleaning Pencils
For this purpose, pencils are selected for glass-ceramic surfaces. Budget option from Snowter. The process involves moistening the mark and rubbing it with a pencil, resulting in the formation of foam. Next, wash off the product.
For this purpose, pencils are selected for glass-ceramic surfaces.
"Sticker remover"
Can handle tape, stickers, paper tape. There are different variations of the drug: liquid, pencils, aerosols. They all remove the sticky layer in a couple of seconds.
Can handle tape, stickers, paper tape.
"Kegl Tablefit"
The liquid type, which needs to be sprayed over the surface, can cope with stains of any complexity. If necessary, rub the sticky area with a napkin.
Can cope with stains of any complexity.
"Formula X-5"
Differs in versatility. The labels can be easily removed by spraying the substance using the aerosol method and wiping the area with a napkin.
Differs in versatility.
"Super SMF-240"
Before use, the substance is mixed with water. Softens the adhesive layer, which can then be easily removed with a rubber scraper.
Before use, the substance is mixed with water.
"Merida Impet"
It also requires dilution with water according to the instructions. Apply with a hard sponge to the stain and wipe for several minutes.
Requires dilution with water according to instructions.
