Hi there,
So I’ve been buying and testing different mattress toppers as several are not a good fit for us. I need to return a 3" Dunlop 4 lb density 40ILD latex topper from a different company, but I idiotically put 2 pieces of several inches of what I now realize is black Gorilla duct tape on the opposite 3" sides of it so I could tell the difference between it and another latex topper I ordered.
Now I need to return it through Amazon at a Kohl’s. But when I’m trying to carefully peel off the duct tape, even with tweezers, the tape is not separating but it tearing latex off with it! I’m in between jobs right now and have several mattress pads that I need to return, and this one wasn’t cheap- so I’m worried they might not take it back with holes/gouges in the side. Is there any way I can get the tape off without damaging the latex (or with the least damage)? I’ve been looking online on ways to remove duct tape, but I’m worried the latex will be too sensitive to most cleaning agents/removal methods or heat. Thanks!!
That’s a tough one. If the tape is still stuck to the latex, you may wish to try and gradually heat it up with a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive and allow the tape to be peeled from the latex foam. This can work, but the potential is to drive some of the adhesive deeper into the foam. But it can allow for easier removal of the tape. Blotting the remaining adhesive with proven removal agents such as rubbing alcohol or WD-40 might be able to take some of the adhesive off of the surface, but any that has gone into the foam through the cell windows will be very difficult if not impossible to remove. WD-40 will certainly leave an odor, even if you rinse and compress the foam with soapy water after this is done. WD-40 has some oils (most likely mineral or light lubricating oil) as part of its base, which is listed as having a severe effect in chemical compatibility with natural latex rubber tubing. Isopropyl alcohol is listed as being excellent in chemical compatibility with natural rubber tubing, but I don’t know the impact it would have on foamed latex rubber. Good luck with your project, but I’m not sure that there is a really good remedy for your situation while maintaining the integrity of the latex topper.
I thought I’ve been asked every question in the book but this is a new one for me. I agree that the best way seems to be to heat up the adhesive with a hair dryer and just do the best you can to remove the residue. The fact that the topper has already been used means that whoever you are returning it to should ethically donate it or sell it as used anyway so it might not be a big deal.
Thank you so much!!