Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: David stewart on January 20, 2014, 10:46:12 am

Title: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: David stewart on January 20, 2014, 10:46:12 am
Alright lads, just wondering what's the best method for removing it without using scrapers, stay away from them completely as when I started out I saw a house where the windows had been destroyed by someone with a scraper who didnt know what they were at and thought to myself it wasn't worth the risk. I usually tell my customers sorry my insurance doesn't cover me for use of scrapers etc.

Anyway I've read that some use wd40 to remove sticky residue from tape, is that what you use? And if so, does it contaminate the brush when cleaning if off?

Thanks

Davy.
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: Pete Thompson on January 20, 2014, 12:10:27 pm
Oilflo 141

http://www.windowcleancentre.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?ProductID=184&SectionID=40 (http://www.windowcleancentre.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?ProductID=184&SectionID=40)

Very good stuff, will take it right off.

Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: Michael Peterson on January 20, 2014, 12:32:56 pm
petrol or lighter fluid mate
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: Simon PolarBrite on January 20, 2014, 12:42:00 pm
Graffiti remover
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: Mike #1 on January 20, 2014, 01:22:34 pm
I have used an aerosol from LidL Citrus glue remover but they only get it in every so often , Your best option IMHO is Valet Pro Citrus Tar and Glue Remover for £6.95  which can be bought from www.cleanyourcar.co.uk  .

It is a top quality product you simply apply a bit to a soft cloth and rub a little goes a long way , It is like citric acid basically but you will be smelling oranges all day after a bit of use . Mike
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: James Bulton on January 20, 2014, 02:14:53 pm
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=sticky+stuff+remover&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=32189586969&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=180220875821573122&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2uat3zl1je_b
This the best I have found.sticky stuff.
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: tonycarr on January 20, 2014, 05:42:23 pm
dont know why you would not want to use a scraper ???, iv been using metal scrapers for twenty years never scratched glass once. just always make sure you wet the glass first

tony
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: capn sparkle on January 20, 2014, 06:03:52 pm
http://www.wurth.co.uk/technical-chemicals/cleaning-and-care-materials/plastic-cleaning-and-care/upvc-cleaner-type-20-1000ml

Bought from my windy supplier for £10 approx

Claims to remove the grey marks from PVC frames n sills - doesn't do that but brilliant at removing adhesive and tar spots.
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: richard groves on January 20, 2014, 06:10:16 pm
dont know why you would not want to use a scraper ???, iv been using metal scrapers for twenty years never scratched glass once. just always make sure you wet the glass first

tony
I agree, but if you are dead against it, screwfix also sell a sticky stuff remover
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: Gary lee on January 20, 2014, 06:11:02 pm
Tried wd 40 not that good acetone was good for me.
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: David stewart on January 20, 2014, 07:34:24 pm
Thanks for all the input, plenty of options  ;)

I saw one house where a cleaner had made a horrendous mess leaving a lot of scores and it put me off using them as I just never wanted to take the chance for someone to blame me for scoring theirs. Also was talking to a windy who was threatened with court by a customer for apparently leaving scratches on their windows.No problem using one, its basic stuff but its one less way of being accused of scoring glass.
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: robbo333 on January 20, 2014, 07:39:54 pm
USE A SCRAPER!! Make sure it's a proper window cleaners scraper and it's clean and not rusty. Make sure the window is wet. Only use the scraper going forward (not backwards)...and make sure the window is wet every time. Feel the scraper on the window! And yes...lighter fluid is king for removing glue etc.
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: wfp master on January 20, 2014, 09:50:24 pm
Turps on a cloth.
Title: Re: Residue from tape - what's best for removing it?
Post by: PoleKing on January 20, 2014, 10:37:05 pm
Thanks for all the input, plenty of options  ;)

I saw one house where a cleaner had made a horrendous mess leaving a lot of scores and it put me off using them as I just never wanted to take the chance for someone to blame me for scoring theirs. Also was talking to a windy who was threatened with court by a customer for apparently leaving scratches on their windows.No problem using one, its basic stuff but its one less way of being accused of scoring glass.

Are you sure it was the window cleaners bud?
The worst scratches I've seen are from sandpaper where the decorators were a bit slap dash.
To my knowledge I've never scratched a window using a scraper.
You want one like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100-x-Single-edge-razor-blades-2-scrapers-Personna-window-oven-cleaning-/300895355317?pt=UK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA&hash=item460ec2c1b5 though.
Not a stanleyknife blade.
As has been said, make sure the blade isn't rusty or any nicks out of it, plenty of wet on the window & keep the blade flat to the glass, you'll be fine.

If you really don't wanna try it though, nail polish remover works a treat. Cutex seemed the best to me. I found out when i couldn't find my scraper at home and the wife's NPR was the only thing to hand. She wasn't pleased when i used the bottle though. Might be better to buy your own bottle.