I recently bought a great Japanese clone of the Singer 15, circa 1950. It's green and has lovely paint. The only thing marring the appearance was the ancient piece of masking tape that the previous owner left on it (to mark seam width, no doubt) for probably decades.

I posted the question-- how to get rid of it, and was told that a product called Goo Gone would work. WD40 was also recommended to me. I figured, since it was oily and I already had it, I'd try Liquid Wrench before buying another product. It worked! I wiped the masking tape with it, and then when it didn't all come off I left some LW on the tape overnight. This morning, it all wiped right off! Every bit of the tape residue is gone-- hooray!

Thought I'd share, in case someone else has some sticky mess on their sewing machine. The Liquid Wrench didn't harm the paint at all or even dull the clear coat. Winner!

Glad you found out the solution.

thanks that is a great tip!

Thanks. I have goo gone so will try it on the masking tape on my sewing cabinet.

In a pinch Peanut Butter also works. It is the oil in it that softens up dried adhesive. Best when left on overnight. PB also works on gum in the hair, ask me how I know?........ I ran a day care for years!!!

Not sure how it works on wood... read and make sure you aren't going to harm the wood cabinet. :(

Check out the Vintage machine forum...there are so many wonderful, useful tips on products to use on old machines and their uses.

Speaking of peanut butter, have you ever had a child get chewing gum in their hair? I was told about this years ago One daughter got her gum in her hair and stood still long enough for me to apply peanut butter to the gum It just disintegrates. Must be the oil and there is oil in a lot of products that will remove the sticky substance. Most everyone has peanut butter.

June in Cincinnati