How to Remove Adhesive Residue from Carpet: Solutions for Tape & Glue

PDF download Download Article
Effective ways to get rid of sticky residue with household cleaners
PDF download Download Article

Whether you have small children, enjoy doing craft projects, or secure your rugs in place with tape, chances are your carpet may become stained with adhesive. Luckily, there are lots of simple solutions to get sticky adhesive out of your carpet, including using rubbing alcohol, acetone, and vinegar. We consulted house cleaning specialists Guy Peters and Gino Colucci to learn the best ways to remove tape, craft glue, and super glue from rugs and carpets. Read on to learn how!

The Best Ways to Remove Adhesive from Carpet

Scrape off as much of the adhesive residue as possible with a plastic scraper. Then, dab the adhesive with WD-40. As an alternative, blot the adhesive with rubbing alcohol, acetone, white vinegar, or an adhesive remover like Goo Gone. Blot the area with a damp cloth to rinse the carpet clean.

Section 1 of 3:

Ways to Remove Tape Residue from Carpet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Slowly pull the tape up with your hand to avoid pulling up any carpet fibers. Just try to remove as much of the tape as you can.
    • The adhesive removal methods below work for all types of tape, including duct tape, double-sided tape, and carpet tape.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Dab the tape residue with rubbing alcohol or acetone . Peters says “solvents like acetone or rubbing alcohol…quickly remove leftover adhesive.” Simply dampen a clean cloth, cotton ball, or paper towel with rubbing alcohol or acetone. Then, repeatedly press the solvent into the carpet and rub the spot slightly to remove the adhesive residue.
    • Blot the area with a damp cloth to remove any leftover solvent and sticky residue.
    • Note : Test the rubbing alcohol or acetone on a hidden part of the carpet before using it in a visible location to ensure it doesn’t damage or stain the fabric.
    • Other solvents like nail polish remover, vodka, and isopropyl alcohol work to remove tape residue.
    • If the adhesive is stubborn, lay an alcohol or acetone-soaked cloth over the spot for 10 to 15 minutes to help dissolve the residue.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Distilled white vinegar can also be used to remove adhesive tape. Pour the vinegar onto a cloth and dab the tape residue for at least 1 minute, being sure to adequately wet the area. Then, leave the vinegar on the spot for at least 15 minutes. Simply use a damp cloth to remove any adhesive and let the area dry. [1]
    • Use equal parts water and vinegar if you prefer a weaker solution. However, you may need to leave the mixture on overnight. [2]
    • The vinegar should cause the tape to start peeling off fairly quickly and easily.
    • Note : Be sure to use only distilled, white vinegar and test a small area before using the solution on larger areas.
  4. Baking soda is a natural, abrasive cleaner that can help scrub off adhesive. Simply mix 2 parts baking soda and 1 part water into a paste. Then, rub the paste into the tape residue with a cloth. Once the adhesive is gone, blot the area with a damp cloth to clean up the baking soda paste. [3]
    • If the adhesive is stubborn, use a plastic scraper with the baking soda paste to help remove the tape residue from the carpet.
  5. If the tape only left behind a mild stain, simply mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bowl. Wet a cloth with the soapy water and blot the carpet until the adhesive is gone. [4]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Apply WD-40 to the adhesive. First, scrape the carpet with a plastic knife or scraper to remove as much tape as possible. Next, dab the WD-40 onto the remaining adhesive. Let it sit on the carpet for 15 minutes. Then, scrape the carpet again to remove as much of the adhesive as possible. [5]
    • Clean your carpet with warm water and dish soap or a commercial carpet cleaner to remove the WD-40.
    • Note : Test the WD-40 on an inconspicuous part of your carpet before you apply it to a visible area to make sure it doesn't stain or damage your carpet. For example, test it on a spot behind your sofa.
    • Don't leave the WD-40 on your carpet for longer than 15-30 minutes. If you do, it might weaken the glue that holds your carpet down.
  7. Use an adhesive remover like Goo Gone or Goof Off . Many commercial cleaning products are made to specifically remove adhesive. Simply follow the instructions on the product to get rid of the tape residue on your carpet. This typically involves spraying a cloth with the remover and wiping it into the adhesive stain. [6]
    • Once the adhesive residue is gone, wash your carpet with warm water and dish soap to get rid of the cleaner.
    • Note : Spot test the adhesive remover on a hidden part of your carpet to ensure it doesn’t damage or stain the fabric.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Plug in the iron and set it to the highest steam setting. Place a paper towel over the spot. Then, cover the paper towel with a clean cloth. Once the iron has reached the proper temperature, simply run it over the cloth for approximately 10 seconds. Pull the paper towel and cloth back. The adhesive should transfer to the paper towel. [7]
    • Peters also recommends using heat to get tape out of your carpet, saying that it “help[s] loosen up adhesive residue.”
    • Use caution when working with a hot iron. Make sure you test a small area before moving on to a larger one.
    • Laying a towel or cloth over the carpet is important, as it helps to prevent burns.
  9. If none of the above methods removes the adhesive, contact a professional carpet cleaner near you. They use professional-grade products and steam cleaners to remove stubborn stains and messes, like adhesive.
    • Hire a professional carpet cleaner who is knowledgeable about adhesive removal and has had experience in doing so.
    • Inquire about the type of cleaning solution the cleaner uses. Make them aware ahead of time if you prefer to only use environmentally safe cleaning products.
    10. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Ways to Remove Craft Glue from Carpet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Whether the glue is wet or dry, remove as much glue as you can before using one of the removal methods below.
    • If the glue is fresh , dab at the spot with a towel. Soak up as much of the glue as you can.
    • If the glue has dried , use a damp towel instead. Make sure the water on the towel is warm enough to soften the glue.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Wet a cloth with distilled white vinegar and wipe it into the stained area for at least 1 minute. Then, leave the cloth on the spot for at least 15 minutes to allow the vinegar to soak into the adhesive. Dampen a fresh cloth with water to remove the glue and let the area dry. [8]
    • Use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, if you prefer. Because the mixture is weaker, you may need to leave it on the glue overnight.
    • Note : Test the vinegar on a small area of carpet before using the solution on larger areas.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    An alternative to white vinegar is to use dish soap, a common household product. Combine about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap with 1 cup (237 ml) of warm water. Using a cloth, apply the mixture directly onto the residual glue to lift it out of the carpet. [9]
    • Gently scrub the spot, being careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don’t want the glue to get pushed deeper into the carpet.
    • Pat the spot dry with another cloth and let it sit.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Ways to Remove Super Glue from Carpet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Remove as much of the glue as possible with acetone . Even if the super glue has already dried, you can still remove it from your carpet. Colucci says acetone is great at removing super glue.
    • To remove the super glue, apply acetone nail polish remover to a cotton ball and dab it on the spot. Colucci says to only apply it to a small area to start. If you notice the nail polish remover is damaging your carpet, discontinue use immediately. Otherwise, continue applying it to the rest of the stain.
    • Use a wet cloth to blot the area, pull up any adhesive, and remove excess nail polish remover.
  2. A simple mixture of soap and water can help dissolve any leftover superglue residue. Just mix warm water and dish soap in a bowl, wet a cloth with the mixture, and dab the spot. [10]
    • Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the area and let your carpet dry.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Use a product with d-Limonene as an alternative. Once most of the adhesive and nail polish has been absorbed, apply a cleaning agent that contains d-Limonene. This is a natural, environmentally friendly cleaning solution.
    • Consult the directions on the container for applying d-Limonene and leaving it to sit on the spot. You can wear gloves if you’d like, but d-Limonene is a natural substance.
    • Use a separate, wet cloth to wipe away any glue and d-Limonene residue that is left.
    • Either ask a salesperson for help at any major retail store or do a quick search online. Amazon offers a multitude of products that contain d-Limonene and can be shipped directly to your house.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Get Adhesive out of Carpet
    Apply a gel solvent like Goo Gone as another option. Goo Gone is one of the most popular gel solvents. You can use this in lieu of d-Limonene products. [11]
    • Apply Goo Gone directly to the spot and leave it to sit for 1 minute.
    • Use a wet cloth to wipe away the Goo Gone. Then, pat the spot dry and let it sit.
    • You may need to reapply the Goo Gone and rinse the area again if the glue is still present.
    • As an alternative to Goo Gone, use De-Solv-It or Goof Off .
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I have carpeting down on my living room floor. I wanted to put down area rugs and keep them from moving and sliding so I got a double-faced fabric glue on both sides. Now I am trying to get the glue and residue off. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Try a product like Goo Gone. If that doesn't work, you can also combine the nail polish with d-limonene products.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23
  • Question
    How do you get hardened double-sided carpet tape out of carpet?
    Community Answer
    Wet the spot with warm water and vinegar and try to remove as much as you can. You can then try to apply Goo Gone directly to the carpet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 25
  • Question
    How do I remove duct tape adhesive from a carpet?
    Community Answer
    Baking soda and vinegar for 30 minutes. It will break down the adhesive, just rinse with warm water afterwards.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 27 Helpful 32
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Always test cleaning solutions on a hidden part of the carpet before applying it all over. This helps ensure that it does not ruin the carpet fibers or dyes.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Do not soak your carpet in a solvent or cleaner. Carpets are held down with glue and can become loose if too much solvent is used.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      Ways to Remove Tape Residue from Carpet

      Ways to Remove Craft Glue from Carpet

      • Cleaning cloths
      • Distilled white vinegar
      • Dish soap

      Ways to Remove Craft Glue from Carpet

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Carpet Cleaning Solution
      4 Ways to Remove Dog Pee Stains & Smells from Carpet
      How to
      Clean Cat and Dog Puke Out of Your Carpet
      How to
      Clean Human Urine from Carpet
      How to
      Remove Red Wine from Carpet
      The 10 Best Solutions to Get Any Ink Out of Your Carpet
      How To Easily Get Rid of the Smell of Vomit From Your Carpet
      How to
      Clean Carpet Stains
      How to
      Remove Oil Stains from Carpeting
      How to
      Remove Water Stains From Carpet
      How to
      Remove Tea Stains from Carpet
      How to
      Get Burn Marks Out of Carpet
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656997/remove-sticky-tape-sticker-stains/
      2. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/natural-cleaner-removing-sticker-goop-18042799.php
      3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656997/remove-sticky-tape-sticker-stains/
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a15879/stains-glue-may07/
      5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656997/remove-sticky-tape-sticker-stains/
      6. ↑ https://cleaning.tips.net/T012534_Removing_Adhesive_Tape_Residue_from_Carpet.html
      7. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/12277900/how-to-remove-doublesided-carpet-tape-from-carpet/
      8. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/natural-cleaner-removing-sticker-goop-18042799.php
      9. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a15879/stains-glue-may07/
      1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656989/remove-glue-stains/
      2. ↑ https://cleaning.tips.net/T012534_Removing_Adhesive_Tape_Residue_from_Carpet.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get adhesive out of carpet, such as household glue, remove as much of the glue as possible from the carpet by blotting with a damp towel or using a spoon or knife to scrape up the adhesive if it has dried. Then, pour distilled white vinegar onto a towel and wipe the area thoroughly for at least 1 minute. Let the vinegar soak into the carpet for 15 minutes before wiping the area with a wet cloth to remove the adhesive. You may need to peel some flakes of glue off of the carpet as you’re wiping to clean it completely. If you want to learn how to get rid of tape or super glue on your carpet, keep reading the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 381,263 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Aug 28, 2017

        "Airplane glue had been spilled on the carpet and left for weeks. Thanks for the tips."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement