What Is Swell Tape?
Swell tape is tape made of non-woven fabric that absorbs water. It is sometimes described as water absorbent tape or watering tape.
It is often used for watering flowerpots. In addition, water condensation on window sills and other surfaces can be absorbed by swell tape, which will evaporate over time and dry it out. This can prevent stains, dirt, mold, etc., caused by condensation from wetting floors and walls. If there are areas around the kitchen that are prone to condensation, Swell Tape can help protect the walls as well as the window sills. Recently, products with colorful patterns are also available.
Uses of Swell Tape
Swell tape is used to absorb excess water. Recently, it has been used for bottom-feeding pots. Plants can be watered by filling a PET bottle or similar with water, inserting the Swell Tape, and then inserting the other end of the tape into the flowerpot.
It is also used to absorb condensation from window glass. When condensation is absorbed with swell tape, dirt and damage to window frames, walls, and floors can be reduced. It can also be attached to air conditioner vents to prevent condensation.
Principle of Swell Tape
Swell Tape has a simple mechanism. It is made of a highly absorbent and wicking non-woven fabric made of polyester. Felt may also be used. Some products have a seal on the back and some do not.
Swell tape is inserted into a bottom-feeding flowerpot to supply water to the flowerpot. This is convenient when you are away from home for a while or when you cannot water the flowerpot. Note that swell tape may absorb too much water, resulting in root rot and mold due to the growth of bad bacteria caused by excessive moisture.
When using swell tape for anti-condensation applications, be sure to apply one row to the lowest part of the windowpane. Swell tape will absorb moisture, preventing moisture from seeping out and accumulating on the floor and walls, and preventing mold, dirt, and stains on the wood. Swell tape should be replaced after about one year, as the adhesive will deteriorate. If too much moisture is absorbed by the Swell Tape, the tape itself can become moldy or cause foul odors. If this becomes a concern, the tape can be replaced or the amount can be adjusted.
Where to Apply Condensation-Absorbing Tape
Water-absorbing tape absorbs water, but its effectiveness will be halved if it is not applied in the right place.
The main place to put the tape is on window panes in an ordinary home. In winter, the tape is used to prevent mold and mildew from forming on the glass surface due to moisture condensation.
In this case, the place to apply the water-absorbing tape is at the bottom of the window glass. The tape will absorb the moisture that flows out below due to condensation. This will inhibit mold from forming on the edges of the window.
The amount of water absorbed by the absorbent tape is 30 grams per meter, so it has a large capacity and can absorb enough moisture from condensation even on windows on the north side, which are prone to condensation, or on glass in the direction of the window, which is easily shaded.
However, no matter how large the capacity of the tape, there are limits to how much it can absorb. For example, if the window glass is in a sunny location during the day, there is not much of a problem, but in other locations, the limit to the amount of absorption will quickly come and go.
If the absorbent tape is left in place past its limit, mold may form on the tape itself or it may emit a bad odor, so it is best to replace the absorbent tape if you feel that it is not drying easily.
How to Remove Swell Tape
In the above section, we explained that absorbent tape that has exceeded its limit must be removed or it will be harmful. However, even if you replace the tape, you may be wondering how to remove the tape cleanly.
If the tape leaves a mark, mold may grow from it, so you may want to remove it cleanly.
Here is how to remove the water-absorbent (swell) tape, leaving no marks.
1. Use a Sticker Remover Spray
This method involves spraying the tape with a sticker remover spray, which can be found at stores such as 100-yen stores. Since it is readily available, it is easy to remove and very convenient.
However, depending on the condition of the water-absorbent tape, there may be traces of the tape even after spraying and removing the sticker.
2. Use Kitchen Detergent and Hot Water
If you use items in your house, you can remove the tape by using kitchen detergent and hot water.
Dissolve the detergent in hot water and moisten the absorbent tape with hot water on a sponge. Leave it for a while (10 to 20 minutes), and the tape can be removed cleanly.
However, even in this case, some tape marks may remain, so it is best to scrape off the residue with a plastic spatula.