How to Remove Velcro Tape

Velcro tape can be helpful for holding carpet or rugs in place, but in order to do so, the adhesive must be strong. That same strength you want for using the tape can cause problems when trying to remove it. The way to remove this adhesive is to dissolve it, which can require some trial-and-error testing of various options to find the one that works best for your specific tape.

Using a citrus-based solvent is the solution recommended by Velcro for the removal of their adhesive.

You Will Need:

• Citrus-based solvent (choose one):
  • Krud Kutter Tough Task Citrus Remover
  • Zep Heavy Duty Citrus Degreaser
  • De-Solv-It Citrus Solution
  • Goo Gone
  • CitraSolv
• Plastic scraper or dull knife

Steps to Remove the Velcro:

1. Select a citrus-based product from the list above.
2. Apply the product directly onto the Velcro tape. It may also help to apply some along the edges.
3. Let the product sit for 5-10 minutes to soak into the tape.
4. Carefully scrape off the tape with a plastic scraper or dull knife, using caution not to scratch the surface underneath. If you get any of the solvent on your hands, making it difficult to keep a good grip on the scraper, wrap the handle of the scraper or knife with a washcloth.
5. As you remove the tape, you may need to stop to apply more solvent.

Most adhesives will respond to one of the solvents below, so if one does not work, try a different solvent. However, solvents could damage some types of surfaces, especially wood, so be sure to test each one in a small hidden area of the surface first to look for any damage to the finish or any other adverse reaction.

You Will Need:

• A solvent (choose one):
  • Acetone nail polish remover
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Kerosene
  • Lighter fluid
  • WD-40
  • Cooking oil
• A plastic scraper or dull knife

Steps to Remove the Velcro:

1. Select a solvent from the list above.
2. Test the product on a hidden area of the floor to be sure it is safe.
3. Pour some of the solvent onto the Velcro tape.
4. Let the solvent sit on the tape for 10-15 minutes.
5. Use a plastic scraper or dull knife to carefully scrape off the tape.
6. As you scrape, you may need to stop to apply more solvent and wait for it to work at dissolving the adhesive. Do this as many times as needed to fully remove the tape.

If no products seem to be working to dissolve the adhesive on the tape, another option to try is heat. Heat can dissolve most adhesives, however, be sure to ventilate the area well as there may be fumes.

You Will Need:

• Steam cleaner
• Hair dryer

Steps to Remove the Velcro:

1. Ventilate the area well.
2. Slowly move a steam cleaner or a hair dryer on high heat over a section of the adhesive tape.
3. Use a plastic scraper or dull knife to carefully scrape off the tape.
4. Repeat the process on the next section of the floor.

• If you do not have a steam cleaner and don’t want to buy one, you can sometimes rent one from a hardware store.
• There are cheaper steam cleaners that can be purchased, such as a clothes or upholstery steamer, as opposed to a carpet steamer.
• If the tape happens to be located on a vertical surface, you can use the steam from a tea kettle.
• It is best not to use an iron or a heat gun for the heat method as it will likely melt the nylon and/or the plastic backing, which can be extremely dangerous.
• There are many non-citrus adhesive remover products that you can try as well, such as Motsenblockers Lift Off or Klean-Strip Green.

• How to Care for Velcro Brand Products and Remove Adhesive by Velcro
• The Stain and Spot Remover Handbook by Jean Cooper
• 1001 Do-It-Yourself Hints & Tips by Reader’s Digest