After our Tech Tip from a few days back, “Rid yourself of the muck in your mixer,” (see inSync 1/15/2001) we’ve had numerous responses from readers, suggesting their favorite means of muck minimization. Note: although our readers have supplied some interesting (and even intriguing) responses and homebrew solutions, we maintain our faith that our suggestion of adhesive remover from medical supply stores is one of the safest ways to rid yourself of tape goo from surfaces. Although WD-40 and lighter fluid type substances do work for this kind of thing (and were commonly recommended by our readers), the concern is that these agents may act as solvents to plastics should they get inside your gear – and perhaps do some damage in there. However, we do realize that many people use these same methods to clean their gear all the time; our official statement on those specific remedies is “use at your own risk.” That would go for peanut butter, also!
“I believe that Baby Oil (or the generic equivalent) will safely remove adhesive/masking tape goo from plastics.” – P. S. Martin
“Any good Australian can tell you that the active ingredient in most non-solvent adhesive removers is Eucalyptus Oil. If you can source straight Eucalyptus Oil, dab it on a cloth, and it’ll get rid of most adhesive muck, without effecting your plastics. (Also works on black rubber marks on vinyl floors etc..etc..etc.)” – Regards…Gordon H.
“I would not hesitate to try WD-40. I’ve never seen it attack plastic surfaces. Spray it on a paper towel first, then wet the adhesive. For the really baked stuff, it might need to sit a few minutes. A guitar pick or a fingernail will take it right off after that.” – DW
“For years, I have kept a container of Ronsonol lighter fluid in the studio & shack. It is the BEST adhesive remover. I don’t believe it has ever harmed a surface I’ve used it on, except for possibly some poorly painted panels. Metals and plastics are no problem. Performs like the commercial “goo-gone” stuff, but cheaper and better…” – Good Sounds to All…RC
“Here’s a better, completely safe way to get old masking tape off a plastic surface: Peanut Butter!! Just smear it on, leave it 24 hours or so and the gunk comes right off; then use the plastic cleaner to get the peanut butter grease off. This also works for those “price tag” residues, etc. Just be careful not to get the stuff into fader slots, etc.” – Scott “Botch” Boettcher
“The one thing that I’ve found to really ‘work magic,’ on sticker gum (and from my experience never harm plastics) is just plain old Lighter Fluid (Naphtha). The same stuff you’d refill your Zippo with, NOT the stuff for BBQin’.
Keep it up — and don’t be afraid to post topics like this one, often its these little details that only come from years of studio trial and error that are the most valuable to us bedroom warriors.” – Chadwick Mustard