How to Remove Scotch Tape From Stainless Steel

Perhaps you have a stainless steel refrigerator in your kitchen, or a stainless steel cabinet in your home office. You tape a photo or note onto the stainless steel surface, and as you pull it off, a piece of the tape ends up sticking to the stainless steel surface. Now you're left with an unattractive piece of tape that you need to remove. It is important to remove the Scotch tape safely to prevent scratches to the stainless steel surface.

1. Scrape one corner of the Scotch tape with your fingernail, which typically loosens the corner of the tape.

2. Use a toothpick if your fingernail does not lift a corner of the Scotch tape. Place the point of one side of the toothpick at the corner, and scrape to lift the edge away from the stainless steel.

3. Peel the tape away slowly, starting at the corner you loosened and pulling the entire piece away from the stainless steel.

4. Saturate a nylon scrub brush with warm water, and wring out. Pour a drop of liquid dish soap and 1 tsp. of white vinegar onto the brush.

5. Scrub over the tape if you cannot peel it away with ease. The combination of water, soap, vinegar and scrubbing action loosens and removes the tape without scratching.

6. Moisten a cleaning rag with hot water, and rub over the surface after removing all tape to remove any excess residue.