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Home » Cleaning Guides » Kitchen & Bath » Bathroom Appliances and Fixtures » How to Remove Non-Slip Treading

How to Remove Non-Slip Treading

Table of Contents:
  1. Peel-Off Treading
  2. When the Treading Won’t Peel Off
  3. For the Treads You Think Will Never Come Off
  4. Additional Tips and Advice

Leah asked: How do I remove non-slip treading in the bathtub? I have tried everything to remove the stick-on treads. Even gasoline would not remove them.

Stick-on treads are composed of three different layers. The top layer is the decorative layer that offers the colors and design of the tread. The middle layer is a cushion, often made from mylar. The bottom layer is the adhesive layer. This layer secures the appliqué to the floor of the tub.

Peel-Off Treading

You Will Need:

  • Sharp edged scraper
  • Cuticle stick
  • Goo Gone
  • Orange Citrus Spray

Steps to Peel Off the Treading:

  1. Some stick-on treading can be peeled off of the surface. The hardest part is getting it started. Use a cuticle stick, or plastic sharp-edged scraper to get the edges lifted from the surface. Ensure that all three layers are coming up. If the top layers come off, but the adhesive layer remains with a plastic (mylar) layer on top, it will be very difficult to remove.
  2. Once the edge is lifted, gently pull back towards the center of the appliqué. If the layers begin to separate, start with a new edge. Keep working around the tread until the entire piece is removed. Pliers can be used to get a better grip on the appliqué as it is being removed. Use caution not to damage the surface with the metal tool.
  3. To remove remaining adhesive residue, moisten it with Goo Gone or citrus spray and rub with a soft cloth. If the adhesive is stubborn to remove, try allowing it to soak in either of the liquids for a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the amount of adhesive that remains.

When the Treading Won’t Peel Off

You Will Need:

  • Shout or Spray ‘n Wash
  • Sharp edged scraper
  • Cuticle stick
  • Goo Gone
  • Orange Citrus Spray

Steps to Peel Off the Treading:

  1. For treading that cannot be peeled off, it will be necessary to loosen the adhesive so the appliqué can be removed.
  2. To accomplish this, start by working the edges as much as possible so that they are lifted at least a little.
  3. Once the adhesive area is at least a little exposed, soak the area with either Shout or Spray ‘n Wash. Both of these liquids will help to loosen the bond of the adhesive to the surface.
  4. Allow them to soak for several hours before attempting removal.
  5. Scrape or pull the treading off after it has had a chance to soak thoroughly. It may be necessary to work in small sections, peeling the tread back a little further each time until it can be removed.
  6. Remove any remaining adhesive using the steps above.

For the Treads You Think Will Never Come Off

You Will Need:

  • Isopropyl Alcohol 99%
  • Plastic Scrapers with thin blades
  • Pliers
  • Spray bottle

Steps to Peel Off the Treading:

  1. You’ve tried everything and the appliqués still won’t budge.
  2. Start with a thin-bladed scraper to lift the edges, even if they only lift a small amount, it’s a start.
  3. Fill a spray bottle with the isopropyl alcohol and spray the edges. Allow this to set for several minutes.
  4. As the adhesive begins to loosen, scrape it back as far as possible.
  5. Spray again with the alcohol and allow it to set. If the tread is lifted enough to grab the edge, use the pliers to help keep a solid grip on the piece as you peel it back.
  6. Repeat these steps until the entire tread is removed.

Additional Tips and Advice

  • Once the treading is removed, clean the bathtub as normal to remove any remaining cleaning products.
  • Some bathtubs come with the non-slip tread embedded in the base of the tub. This treading is different from stick-on treading and cannot be removed.
  • If the tub is fiberglass or porcelain, or you are worried it may damage the surface, there are other options available. Liquid detergents, all purpose cleaners or baking soda mixed with water can also be used.
  • Avoid metal scrapers of any kind and always use caution not to scrape the surface of the tub.
  • If applying new appliqués, allow the surface to dry completely first.

Filed Under: Bathroom Appliances and Fixtures, Cleaning Guides Tagged With: bathtub, deck, non-slip, treading

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Comments

  1. Jerry says

    December 6, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    I put non-skid under shelf speakers (where they’ve sat for about six years), and now I’ve removed the speakers. Some of the non-skid (meant for cutlery drawers, under carpets, etc.) has stuck to the painted shelf.

    Please tell me how to get it off without damaging the paint.

    Thanks.

    Jerry

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      December 11, 2018 at 1:41 am

      Jerry,
      Try using heat. Warm the non-skid pads with a hair dryer (hold it a few inches away and move it around a bit so the heat isn’t concentrated on one spot for long). One they are warm, try washing them off with soapy water on a cloth. The heat should soften the bond between the pads and paint, and the soap will help lift them off the surface. If that doesn’t work, you could try very carefully using a razor blade, but you will have to be very gentle to only remove the pad and not gouge the paint. Good luck!

      Reply
  2. Patricia says

    August 11, 2017 at 6:45 am

    How can I remove the rubber non-slip discs from my enamel bath?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      August 13, 2017 at 9:49 pm

      Patricia,
      The non-slip discs can be removed the same way as the treading. They are both attached with a very strong adhesive. Good luck!

      Reply

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