Hints From Heloise

Fri., Feb. 27, 1998

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: After 27 years in the same apartment, I am moving in less than two weeks and somehow have to get the adhesive-backed shelf paper off the cupboard shelves.

The paper in the kitchen cupboards appears to have cemented itself in place. Any tricks to removing it easily, or am I “stuck” with scraping it off inch by inch? - Dorothy Jankowski, Willoughby Hills, Ohio

Before you grab that scraper, try using your hair dryer to “warm” the sticky adhesive. Use the lowest heat setting first, then hold the hair dryer above just a small area. When it is warmed enough, it should lift away from the shelf. Continue warming and lifting until the job is done.

It may be a lost cause because after 27 years the adhesive might be dried out. In that case, grab the scraper and go to it. - Heloise

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