Stick-on organizers -- think floating shelves and banana hooks (to name a few) that promise to increase storage space without damaging surfaces -- are everywhere, thanks in large part to organizing content on TikTok and other social media platforms. Videos make applying the products seem like a breeze, but they don't always reflect reality. When it comes to self-adhesive products, a lot can go wrong.
Julian Thomas, a DIY and home lifestyle expert, says he's made the mistake of "using too much pressure when applying to a surface, causing the adhesive to stick a little too well." While that's better than having a freshly applied shelf -- and its contents -- come crashing down, that firm application comes with a cost. "When the time comes for me to remove what was supposed to be a 'renter-friendly' product, adhesive residue is left behind," he says. Or worse, it damages the surface.
We asked Thomas and other experts, including professional organizers and interior designers, to share their best tips for installing -- and removing! -- adhesive storage pieces.
Yes, you need to read the instructions
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Quality stick-on storage solutions will provide detailed step-by-step instructions for installation. Use them. "It's crucial to follow the instructions given, as the product was designed following those exact instructions," Thomas says. "Any misstep could cause the product to malfunction, and alas, the one to blame would be yourself."
Pay particular attention to manufacturer guidelines regarding compatible surfaces and how to prepare them, how long to apply pressure to the adhesive, how long the adhesive needs to cure before use and any weight restrictions.
Not all walls are created equal
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"Damage-free products can be applied to many nonporous surfaces," Thomas says, "including tile, painted drywall, glass, laminate, plastic and painted or sealed wood." It's best to avoid using stick-on products on fabric, unfinished wood and wallpaper. Before buying, consult the usage guidelines to be sure the piece is compatible with the surface you have in mind.
It's also worth considering what you will use your organizer for before you purchase and install it. That way you don't end up with something that's cute but doesn't quite fit your needs.
Measure, level and weigh
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Adhesive organizers have a reputation for being easy to install, but experts say winging it is a bad idea. Always measure and level the item on the surface before applying adhesive, Thomas says.
Laura Price, a London-based professional organizer and founder of The Home Organisation, suggest checking -- and rechecking -- measurements before sticking things on the wall. "I won't pretend I haven't stuck without checking that there's enough clearance and then had to start all over again," she says.
Weight capacity also matters. It's best to reserve stick-on products for lighter items, as heavy objects could rip the adhesive off the wall and damage the surface, says Sarit Weiss, the founder of Neat & Orderly, a home organizing company in New York.
Prep the walls
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"The adhesive on damage-free products performs best on a clean and dry surface," Thomas says. "Tiny dust particles can create a barrier between the adhesive and the surface."
Microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaning agents and vacuums can remove dust and buildup, but Thomas prefers something hotter: a steam cleaner. Most handheld steam cleaners come with squeegees and scrapers for removing buildup.
In addition to cleaning, take the condition of the surface into account before applying self-adhesive products. "If the paint is flaking, they just won't last," Price says.
Removing the adhesive (without removing the entire wall)
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Thomas, having learned from his mistakes, now operates under the assumption that adhesive will leave some residue. "That way," he says, "when they successfully hold up to their promise of being 'damage-free' or 'renter-friendly' it's a welcomed surprise."
His adhesive-removal tool kit includes a putty knife for gently peeling the adhesive from the surface; a steam machine for loosening adhesive with water and heat; and dental floss to remove smaller pieces (by sliding the floss between the surface and the adhesive). Remove lingering residue with warm soapy water and a construction sponge, Thomas says. You could also use lemon juice or a commercial degreaser, such as Goo Gone.
Thomas says online hacks about using contact paper or painters tape as a barrier between the surface and the adhesive are effective but time-consuming.
Try these clever no-damage organizers
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We asked experts to share their favorite adhesive storage and organization products, and we added a few of our own.
Kitstorack pull out cabinet organizer with adhesive nano film: Heather Vercellino, a Detroit-based interior designer, recently purchased stick-on pullout drawers for the base and pantry cabinets in the kitchen of her new home. "It was a simple and quick way to improve the functionality," she says.POKIPO 21-inch deep pull out drawer for cabinet: Weiss also likes adhesive pullout drawers, especially in deep cabinets. In the kitchen, she likes them for storing snack bags and cereal boxes. But the bathroom is where they really shine, she says. "Use these under your bathroom sink for easy access to items inside your vanity."Tikea spice rack organizer: Vercellino installed a pull out spice rack in the upper cabinets of her kitchen. "Utilizing the two-tier shelves allowed me to gain back a lot of space," she says, "and the pull out function helps me see all my spices in one place." The spice rack can be mounted using screws or adhesive.DIKALU metal banana hanger: Mount this self-adhesive hook on the underside of an upper cabinet, making sure to leave enough clearance for a bunch of bananas. (The average length of a medium-sized banana, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is 7 inches.)YOUCOX cord organizer for appliances: If your kitchen is teeming with small appliances like stand mixers, air fryers and coffee makers, Price says, a set of adhesive cord wraps will reduce visual clutter and make storage easier.iDESIGN affixx adhesive organizer bin: Weiss uses these wall-mounted bins in her kitchen to store cleaning supplies and in the bathroom to corral dental supplies, skin care tools, or feminine care products. They're also great in small apartments, she says. "You can use them on the side of your nightstand to store your phone and electronics at night, or by the door to store your keys."Command broom and mop grippers wall hook: Price likes these wall-mounted adhesive grippers, which are strong enough to hold mops and brooms.LONGSAI self-adhesive wall mounted drying rack: In laundry rooms, self-adhesive organizers provide extra storage for detergents, stain removers, irons and more. They can also give large, bulky, or awkwardly shaped items -- like folding drying racks -- a (semi!) permanent home.Kvoike six-pack cord organizer holder: Price likes to stick these discreet cable clips to the side of a desk to keep loose charging cords, cables and other wires tidy. It also solves a daily annoyance: "No more grappling on the floor for the phone charger cable," she says.Command organizing caddy: Thomas, who is a Command brand partner, uses the brand's caddies "behind my kitchen cabinet doors to maximize storage -- especially for products that I need to reach for frequently." He says the caddies help to reduce visual clutter, making spaces look tidier and more streamlined.
Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the best-selling book, "My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag ... And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha."