While they may be a bit of work, wood floors are sought after by many homeowners for their beauty and versatility. But many people are unaware, how to keep their floors looking fresh after installation or refinishing. One question that is often raised is the question of whether carpet tape can damage wood floors. We've researched how carpet tape interacts with hardwood to get the answer you seek.
In short, whether carpet tape damages wood flooring depends on the type of carpet tape being used. Some carpet and double-sided tapes, especially those not advertised for use on hardwood flooring, may damage the finish or leave an unwanted residue after being removed. However, many carpet tapes are perfectly safe to use on wood floors not to damage or discolor floors, nor leave behind excess residue or unwanted stickiness.
Please keep reading as we discuss how to choose carpet tape or double-sided tape that is safe for your hardwood flooring. We'll look at what to consider and provide tips for using and removing tape effectively without unintended damage.
Choose A Wood-Safe Carpet Tape
Primarily, always choose a carpet tape that is specifically designed for wood floors. Not all carpet tapes are designed to be used on all flooring types, and those that are not for use on wood floors may damage the finish or the floor. To be extra cautious in your choice, consider the following:
Unnecessary Dyes
The first consideration for choosing a carpet tape to use on wood floors is whether it contains any colored dyes. We'd strongly advise homeowners not to use carpet tape containing dye, which can eventually leech into wood floors to discolor.
Wood-Safe Durability
Strength and durability should both be considered when choosing which carpet tape is best for wood floors. XFasten Double Sided Carpet tape prides itself on being durable enough for high traffic areas in a home and easy to install and remove without unwanted damage or residue. This multipurpose carpet tape is also free of colored dyes and gentle enough for any type of flooring.
Another highly rated carpet tape is the professional rug tape is simply called, Professional Rug Tape. This carpet tape boasts professional-grade adhesive to keep all carpets and rugs in place while being gentle enough to use on wood and laminate flooring. It is also easy to remove with no excess residue or stickiness and can be moved to other areas of the home if necessary.
Will double-sided tape damage hardwood floors?
As previously stated, while many carpet tapes are perfectly safe to use on hardwood floors without the risk of damage, double-sided tapes that are not specifically manufactured for use on hardwood floors can lead to damage, residue, or discoloration of hardwood floors. When picking a carpet tape for use on this specific type of flooring, ensure that you choose one for use on hardwood floors and is gentle yet effective.
ATack double-sided proves durable, yet will not damage wood flooring. This thin, ultra-sticky tape can be used on flooring and woodworking without leaving behind unwanted residue.
How do you get carpet tape off hardwood floors?
Ideally, carpet tape will just peel off hardwood floors, but this is often not the case. Particularly when carpet tape has been on the floor for a period of time, it may be a bit more challenging to remove.
Solvent
The first method to remove carpet tape from wood flooring is to use a removal product. Never use a product that may discolor or damage wood floors. Cooking or baby oil, Goo Gone, and rubbing alcohol are all fairly safe choices.
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First, you will apply some of the remover of your choice to the top of the tape. Let it sit there for a few minutes to loosen the tape and help break the bonds that hold the tape in place. After a few minutes have elapsed, begin to slowly peel the carpet tape back, using more remover as you go. Once all of the tape is removed, use a mild soap, such as dish detergent, and a soft cloth to gently clean the area of any residue that may be left behind. Mop the area where the carpet tape was, and the tape should be gone.
Heat
The second method to remove carpet tape is to use a heat source. A hairdryer works best in this situation. Setting the hairdryer to low heat, aim it at the carpet tape and move it evenly back and forth along the surface. Doing so will help to loosen the adhesive of the tape.
Once the tape has begun to loosen, begin to peel up the tape, using a plastic scraper as you go to help pull up the tape as the adhesive loosens. Slowly continue to pull up the tape, using a scraper to help as needed. Scrub the area with mild soap and cloth, and mop as usual.
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Does carpet tape leave residue?
Many carpet tapes that are marketed as gentle can still leave residue behind when they are removed. Some may be easy to pull up with minimal to zero residue; however, you still may be left with some minimal stickiness and residue with some types. For many carpet tapes, particularly those made specifically for hardwood floors, the residue is easy to remove with mild soap and water and a good mopping.
Can goo gone be used on hardwood floors?
Goo Gone can be used on hardwood floors with no damage or discoloration to the flooring. This is actually one of the recommended options to remove leftover residue from carpet tape on hardwood floors. Goo Gone is gentle enough for hardwood floors and is safe to use on most surfaces with the exceptions of silk and leather according to manufacturer instructions.
In Conclusion
While having hardwood floors may be a bit more work than many flooring types, it is entirely feasible to adhere to rugs and carpets using carpet tape to hardwood floors with minimal effort to both install and remove. Simply ensure that you are using carpet tape that is specifically made for hardwood floors. Choose one that is strong enough to adhere the carpet to the flooring but is easy to remove with little to no residue. If residue is left behind, use heat or a solvent to remove the residue and give the floor a thorough cleaning with soap and water. With these steps, you will be able to enjoy your hardwood floors and rugs for years to come without the hassle of refinishing or repairing damage to the floors.