There are many different adhesive products on the market with varying ranges of “stickiness.” While some come off with no problem, others are a bit more of a challenge.
Adhesives are made up of all kinds of substances that are not easily removed with soap and water alone. Often, you need to invest in specially formulated adhesive removers. However, these products can contain several nasty chemicals that are dangerous to touch and inhale.
An orange peel adhesive remover, meanwhile, smells pleasant and contains zero toxic substances. Much like other citrus products, a citrus-based adhesive remover can cut through tough adhesives and remove leftover residue.
Here is why citrus products are great natural alternatives to your standard, artificial adhesive removers.
Adhesive Products to Look Out for
One of the most popular adhesives for making signs and various other applications is Gorilla glue. This glue is powerful and is not affected by extreme conditions. Therefore, it is the perfect adhesive for all your needs.
However, Gorilla glue has its risks. When injected, it can cause serious problems and even death. Although they’re technically non-toxic to handle, any children or pets in the area are at risk.
Additionally, completely removing Gorilla glue requires 100% acetone, which carries its risks. Inhaling pure acetone can irritate your respiratory system and even cause damage to your nervous system in high concentrations.
If you are working with vinyl, consider a quick stick application fluid. This process involves the “wet method” to help the adhering process.
When applying vinyl dry, there is no room for error. You’ll likely end up with a crooked sign. Meanwhile, the wet method gives you some wiggle room by allowing you to pull back and replace the vinyl as needed.
Most importantly, this method works in most vinyl applications without damaging the adhesive or requiring cleaning agents. All you need to clean the surface is water.
Dangerous Chemicals in Normal Cleaners
Nowadays, you can find both your traditional cleaners as well as organic or natural alternatives. But what makes them so different from each other, and why do the ingredients matter?
Natural cleaners are generally safer for your body and the environment. They should not irritate your skin or activate any allergies. The ingredients used are also less toxic for plant and animal life in your area.
However, the trade-off for increase safety and natural ingredients is lower effectiveness. Likewise, the more effective a cleaning product is, the more toxic it can be for humans.
Here are some of the ingredients to avoid.
Chlorine
Most people know of chlorine as the stuff you pour into pools to keep them clean. You can also find them used in toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, and more. However, too much exposure can irritate your skin and mess with your thyroid functions.
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is most commonly used in over cleaners and clog removers. Lye, or sodium hydroxide, can corrode clumps of food as well as hardened hair and skin. As such, it makes sense that you would not want that anywhere near your skin normally.
Ammonia
Ammonia spray is great for removing adhesive residue from the glass without leaving streaks. It can also irritate your skin and cause breathing issues from prolonged exposure.
One thing to keep in mind is separating bleach and ammonia. If you accidentally use the two together, the combination creates toxic chloramine gas, which can be fatal when inhaled.
How an Orange Peel Adhesive Remover Works
One of the most common ingredients natural cleaners tend to use is citrus of some kind. The reason is that citrus extract contains d-limonene, which is a naturally occurring solvent. People use it to clean counters, as well as to wash their faces and prevent breakouts.
Combine it with vinegar and baking soda to create an even more powerful cleaning agent.
Alternatively, you can check out Simple Solutions’ Orange Peel Adhesive Remover.
Available in sizes ranging from 16 ounces to 55 gallons, it is made for removing oil and water-based adhesives, wax, tar, oil, and more. It is safe to use on boats, cars, glass, and even cloth.
Plus, you do not have to worry about toxic chemicals, like petroleum distillates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or other pollution-causing ingredients. While it may not be strong enough for industrial-grade adhesive products, an orange peel adhesive remover should be more than enough for more common types.
Adhesive Removers to Consider
For your all-purpose adhesive removal, orange peel adhesive remover is one of your best options. It is safe, effective, and does not contain any acidic or caustic elements. However, people with sensitive skin might still have issues using this, and the citrus smell is not exactly for everyone.
In those cases, you can opt for gold solution adhesive remover. Like a citrus-based adhesive remover, the gold solution can be used on whatever surfaces need to be cleaned.
The main difference is that this product is a natural vegetable-based solvent as opposed to citrus-based. As such, it is safer for those with sensitive skin.
There is always the option to make your citrus cleaner with citrus peels and white vinegar. When peels are left to sit in vinegar for a few weeks, it allows the vinegar to absorb the oils and scents. You can also add baking soda for extra cleaning power.
Providing Safe and Natural Alternatives
The last thing you want when working with adhesives or cleaning products is to walk away dizzy. They are usually full of all sorts of nasty chemical ingredients.
If you care about your health, why not try an orange peel adhesive remover instead? They are natural, safer to use, and they smell great.
Check out our adhesive removers and plotter items, and contact us if you have any questions.
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign making such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign making tools and accessories.