How to Remove Adhesive on Stairs

Carpet

• 1

  Scrape off any wet or dislodged pieces of adhesive from the stairs with a spoon or another blunt object.

• 2

  Spritz or lightly pour a citrus-based adhesive remover on the adhesive. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes so it can penetrate the adhesive.

• 3

  Blot the area with an absorbent cloth, applying firm pressure until the adhesive completely releases from the carpet.

• 4

  Spritz the area lightly with cold water in a spray bottle to rinse off the chemical.

• 5

  Blot the area with a new, clean absorbent towel until the spot is dry.

Hard Surfaces

• 6

  Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and set it on top of the adhesive. Allow it to sit for one to two minutes to break down the adhesive. Apply firm pressure and rub the adhesive with the wet cloth until all the adhesive is removed. Dry the stairs thoroughly with another dry, lint-free cloth.

• 7

  Moisten a cloth slightly with vegetable oil to remove tough pieces of adhesive not removed with the water method. Let the cloth lay on top of the adhesive for one to two minutes to dissolve the adhesive. Rub the cloth over the adhesive until it releases from the stairs. Wipe the stairs with a cloth moistened with water and thoroughly dry the stairs.

• 8

  Spritz or lightly pour a citrus-based adhesive removal product directly on the adhesive, if neither the water or vegetable oil completely remove the adhesive. Let it sit for one to two minutes. Wipe the chemical and the adhesive off the stairs with a cloth moistened with water. Thoroughly dry the stairs.