How to Remove Sticky Tack Stains from Walls

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Sticky tack is a handy method of attaching things to walls in apartments, dorms, or other places where the use of a more permanent method is forbidden. Unfortunately, it can leave an oily stain on the wall. Before you accept these stains as a permanent wall fixture, try out a few remedies. Try a citrus-based stain removal spray or a small amount of dishwashing detergent to get rid of the mark first. If that doesn’t work, consider sanding and repainting the spot altogether.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Stain Remover

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    Take a bottled stain remover and spritz it over the stained area of the wall. Apply as much as needed, or until the sticky tack stain is completely covered. Try to get a product that’s made with a citrus base, as this is most effective when wiping off oil-based marks like sticky tack. [1] [2]
    • Try a Magic Eraser if you don’t have stain remover on hand. [3]
    • Test the cleaning product on your walls before you apply it to the stain. If you have a painted wall, it might wear off some of the paint. Rub a little bit onto a less noticeable part of the wall, like the baseboard, to check.
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    Take a rag or paper towel and wipe the stain removal product over the spot. Use small, delicate, circular motions when rubbing the solution in, as you don’t want to damage the wall in the process. [4] [5]
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    Wipe off any excess liquid from the wall using large, sweeping motions. Once you’ve finished wiping, double-check the spot to see if the sticky tack stain is still there.
    • Repeat this process as needed.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Rubbing on Dish Detergent

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    Take a bottle of dishwashing gel and pour a tiny amount on top of a bristled scrubbing brush. This brush can be large or small, as long as you can comfortably rub it over the stained area. You can purchase this at any place that sells cleaning supplies. [6]
    • If you don’t have a cleaning brush on hand, consider using a toothbrush instead.
    • To pack an extra cleaning punch, consider using a dish detergent with a citrus base. [7]
    EXPERT TIP

    Eduardo Peralta

    House Cleaning Specialist
    Eduardo Peralta is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Manager of Best Maid House Cleaning based in San Jose, California. With over five years of experience, Eduardo and the Best Maid House Cleaning team specialize in home deep-cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and green and eco-friendly cleaning services. Best Maid House Cleaning is fully licensed and insured.
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist

    Alternatively, you can use a citrus-based home cleaner to lightly dampen a microfiber towel. Then, scrub the stain in circular motions until it comes off. Pat it dry or let it air dry.

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    Create short, circular motions with your brush when you rub the stained area. Depending on the size of the stain, feel free to guide the brush in a larger circle as you scrub. [8]
    • Scrub a smaller, lower part of your wall with the detergent before rubbing it around a larger area. If your wall is painted, you don’t want to accidentally remove any of the paint in the process.
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    Take a slightly moist cloth or paper towel and wipe down any remnants of the detergent. If you let the detergent set, there’s a chance that the wall color could lighten. Make sure you soak up and remove any excess fluid before you leave the area. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Sanding and Repainting the Area

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    Wear down the stained area with a square or brick of softer sandpaper. Removing the surface level of the sticky tack stain will make it easier to prime and paint over. If there’s a lot of wall dust left over, wipe it off with a baby wipe or moist paper towel. [10]
    • If your stain is on a higher part of the wall, consider using a sander with an extension to rub it down.
    • Aim for your sandpaper to be 120 grit or higher. [11]
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    Take a brush or roller and paint over the stain in short, smooth strokes. Have the primer cover a space wider and taller than the stained spot itself. If you don’t have primer on hand, ask a home improvement or hardware store associate which product would work best on your wall. [12]
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    Wait for the primer to dry and even out the layer with sandpaper. The primer provides a smoother surface for the paint to go over, so it needs to look as fresh as possible. Wipe down any excess dust with a baby wipe or damp cloth before you continue. [13]
    • If you aren’t sure, check the label on your primer can to see how long it takes the product to dry.
    • Use the same grit sandpaper as you did before.
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    Use paint that matches the shade of the wall and brush over the sanded and primed area in long, even strokes. Since this is a touch-up, you don’t need to worry about having any large paint brushes for the job. [14]
    • Certain brushes are better for certain types of paints. If your paint is oil-based, use a brush with natural bristles. If it’s water or latex-based, opt for a synthetic brush. [15]
    • Feel free to use any leftover house paint you have on hand.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you paint over sticky tack marks?
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Eduardo Peralta is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Manager of Best Maid House Cleaning based in San Jose, California. With over five years of experience, Eduardo and the Best Maid House Cleaning team specialize in home deep-cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and green and eco-friendly cleaning services. Best Maid House Cleaning is fully licensed and insured.
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes. In some cases, repainting is the only way to completely get rid of the stains on the walls.
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  • Question
    Can I use a magic eraser to remove stains from a wall?
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Eduardo Peralta is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Manager of Best Maid House Cleaning based in San Jose, California. With over five years of experience, Eduardo and the Best Maid House Cleaning team specialize in home deep-cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and green and eco-friendly cleaning services. Best Maid House Cleaning is fully licensed and insured.
    Eduardo Peralta
    House Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If the citrus-based cleaner doesn't work, you can use a damp magic eraser, once again cleaning in circular motions.
    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
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      Video

      Things You’ll Need

      Using Stain Remover

      • Stain removal spray (citrus-based)
      • Paper towel
      • Microfiber cloth

      Rubbing on Dish Detergent

      • Dishwashing detergent
      • Scrub brush
      • Toothbrush (optional)
      • Cloth

      Sanding and Repainting the Area

      • Fine-grit sandpaper
      • Primer
      • Paintbrush or roller
      • Paint

      Tips

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      References

      1. ↑ Eduardo Peralta. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a657037/best-specialist-stain-removal-products/
      3. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VCUg59LksEA
      4. ↑ Eduardo Peralta. House Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.
      5. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VCUg59LksEA&t=1m16s
      6. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9RsxoP6oooQ&t=1m7s
      7. ↑ https://cleaning.tips.net/T004321_Getting_Rid_of_Blue_Sticky_Stuff_Stains.html
      8. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9RsxoP6oooQ&t=1m15s
      9. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9RsxoP6oooQ&t=148s
      1. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/g151/13-painting-secrets-the-pros-wont-tell-you/
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2145-quick-tip-choosing-sandpaper/
      3. ↑ https://www.protectpainters.com/our-blog/2014/february/how-to-clean-painted-walls-your-guide-to-removin/
      4. ↑ https://www.protectpainters.com/our-blog/2014/february/how-to-clean-painted-walls-your-guide-to-removin/
      5. ↑ https://www.protectpainters.com/our-blog/2014/february/how-to-clean-painted-walls-your-guide-to-removin/
      6. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a7647/which-paintbrush-should-you-use/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove a sticky tack stain from your wall, start by mixing a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Then, dip a sponge in the soapy water and dab the stain with it until it comes off. If that doesn't work, try rubbing dish soap directly into the stain. Alternatively, you can use vinegar to remove the stain. Just combine equal parts vinegar and water and dab the mixture onto the stain until it's gone. For tips on how to clean off a stain using trisodium phosphate, keep reading!

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