We may realise revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . see More ›
3 M Command Strips can be used to hang a variety of items around the plate , including pictures , decoration , coating , towel , speaker system , pots and pans , and so much more . Their pattern aims to invalidate damage the wall , so they ’re an especially popular choice whendecorating a rental attribute . Using a special doubled - sided adhesive , one side adheres to the wall , while the other sticks to the back of the wall draw , holding it securely in place .
These sticky hook shot are generally stout on walls once pressed on — sometimes so inflexible that they do n’t want to amount off when attempting to peel the adhesive patronage off with 3 M ’s patented directive drag . Here ’s how to removeCommand Stripsfrom your wall to avert damage .
Photo: Jenny Stanley for Bob Vila
Tools & Materials
Bobvila.com may make a commission from purchases made through these connectedness .
Project Overview
Working Time : 2 to 10 minutesTotal Time : 2 to 10 minutesSkill Level : BeginnerEstimated Cost : $ 0 to $ 20
Before You Begin
By design , these hanging comic strip are designed to be easy to hit with just a few simple stride . However , removing Command Strips does n’t always go as planned ; sometimes the adhesive dry up , making the strip brittle and more unmanageable to slay . First , we ’ll search at the Command Strip education provided by 3 M , then we ’ll share some tips that should aid you transfer old or crack strips without damaging your wall .
STEP 1: Take pictures or other items off the hook.
Before develop into the steps for how to take Command Strips from walls , you ask to empty the draw . draw the pictures ortapestriesthat you hung up and over the top of the hook — not straight out — to check that you do n’t inadvertently draw the hook shot off with them ( as doing so may stimulate the double - sided tape to shoot , making it more unmanageable to absent ) .
STEP 2: With a firm grip, slowly start to pull the tab.
Once empty , use one hand to mildly confine the hook that is on top of one of the threefold - sided Command Strips . seize the clear tab at the home of the hook with your other hand , and gently draw it in the direction indicate by the arrows . Do not pull it towards you , as it can break off and make it more challenging to get the sleep of thedouble - sided tapeoff the wall .
STEP 3: Stretch the tab until the adhesive releases from the wall.
Keep pulling the tab slowly . As you perpetrate , the pill should stretch — possibly up to over a ft in length . The stretching should loosen the adhesive material holding the foam in space , causing it to pull out away from the wall without go out any marks behind .
STEP 4: To remove old or broken Command Strips, begin by softening them with some heat.
absent Command picture hanging cartoon strip does n’t always go as plan . Sometimes the strips may become cracked or brickle . Other times , you inadvertently break the pull chit off . For these times when the strips are hold fast to the wall , Andriy Neborak , chief operating officer ofLuxury Cleaning , says , “ A quick root is to use passion to soften the adhesive agent . For this , you could use any household hair dryer or heat gun . ”
“ Apply the heat straight to the Command Strip for a few seconds . This will soften the adhesive and at last make it easier to take , ” Neborak suggest . “ Make certain to hold the heating system source a few inches from the strip and move it back and away to avoid overheat the wall . ”
STEP 5: Use dental floss to “saw” the softened strip off the wall.
When you ’re stuck on how to remove Command Strips without tabs or those that are break , the next step involve dental dental floss . The key is to utilize the dental floss as a saw to burn the sticky froth off of the paries . Hold one end of the floss in each helping hand and position it at the top of the strip . Then , slip it back and forth , work your way down the Command Strip .
STEP 6: Remove any adhesive residue that is left behind.
If there is any rest exit behind from the Command Strips for pictures , Neborak suggest that you “ practice a small amount of Goo Gone or a citrus - based cleaner to a rag and rub it gently on the Command Strip . It ’ll assist thaw the adhesive and make it easier to remove . ” Before applying the Goo Gone where the smirch is , Neborak advises testing the “ cleaning solution on a out of sight wall arena first to avoid equipment casualty . ”
Final Thoughts
see how to take off Command Strips can make them an even more various home medallion and organisation shaft . Remember , when remove Command Strips , never pull the pill out or up ; always pull it in the direction of the arrows to stave off infract it off . If the comic strip for your Command hooks are brittle or otherwise stuck on your wall , follow one of the hypnotism above should help you get them off without leave behind any legal injury . Neborak suggests being patient as you work . He state to “ pull the Command Strip off the wall slowly and gently . Avoid pull too quickly , as this could damage the wall surface . ”
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this overhaul the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to remain on budget .
Photo: Amazon.com
Photo: Amazon.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: Homedepot.com
