Masking tape residue on record

What is a safe way I could clean off residue/gunk from duct tape? A seller sent me this rare expensive 45 and it broke out of the side of the paper sleeve he put it in (wish he used a plastic sleeve and it would've stopped this) and then it tore through the grey masking tape he used to sandwich the cardboard together. It was scratched a bit as well unfortunately.

 

That's Duct Tape...not masking tape. If it were Masking Tape you might be able to use Lighter Fluid. That's what is normally used on things..not sure if that would damage vinyl. Have no idea if Lighter fluid would work on Duct tape residue

 

What’s the 45?

 

I would probably attack it with some warm detergent water first, and then if nothing was removed,
a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cue tip over the area.

 

right yeah duct tape, editing

 

Naphtha/lighter fluid

Bug and Tar Remover (Turtle Wax)

 

I haven't tried this on an lp but when I have residue on anything else plastic like, I use another piece of tape (similar to what left the residue if I have and know what it is) to yank it off. Do it in fast light movements. I press the tape onto the surface and pull off quickly. It usually works. There maybe some in the grooves though that might not come out.

I also had some luck running an lp through a RCM with a vacuum. It wasn't as bad as yours, but if you try my method above you might be able to remove quite a bit of it.

EDIT: The other piece of tape doesn't leave any residue. It basically sticks to the other tape residue and pulls it off, or maybe it doesn't sometimes, but it won't leave more residue unless you press to hard or don't spot clean it.

 

This is the A side, not as bad but I see it.

 

@statcat you might be able to remove that with just a few cleans on a RCM as it's not too bad. That's about as bad as the one I cleaned with my RCM was.

 

I just tried this with a blue masking tape I like and it does work. Thank you. It's still there but not as bad now.

 

Unfortunately I can't see the photos but I would be wary of using lighter fluid as it could soften the vinyl.

 

and if all else fails, try this, used by preservation archives and high end collectors:

 

Goo Gone? I've used Akasa CPU TIM cleaner to remove sticky label glue residue from vinyl grooves before, it's citrus oil based which is similar to Goo Gone from what I understand. It works well but you need to thoroughly wet clean the record afterwards to remove any residue.

 

First thing I'd try is another piece of tape; like some clear packing tape or other masking tape. Stick it, un stick it, repeat many times to see if it helps. Don't use tape that's too strong or too old, it can leave its own residue.

After that you're stuck with using isopropyl alcohol and microfiber towel scrubbing; scrub in the direction of the grooves is critical. Make sure the towel stays clean and rotate it often or else you smash more adhesive debris back on the record. Also wash record with water after so the alcohol doesn't set in (it evaporates quickly but still a good idea).

I've had to do this a couple times, it's a little nerve wracking and the results are not always perfect.

 

I find a citrus-based cleaner works well for removing adhesive, it doesn't seem to affect plastic. I use it a lot for removing adhesive - old and new - from CD covers. "De-Solv-It" is the product I use that's available in my country, I'm sure there will be equivalents where you are. I would apply it with a cotton bud, and immediately after it's removed the adhesive thoroughly was the record to remove any residue. I haven't used it on a record before, but don't think it would do damage in the short-time it would be applied to the record.

Whatever product you use, I would first test it on a low-value record to ensure you are comfortable that it won't do any damage.