The global tape industry is valued at $26 billion.

Adhesives are usually made from petrochemicals, with various levels of adhesiveness, from easy to remove to permanent.

When your fingers are stuck together with superglue and you're at risk of losing some skin in the separation process, try acetone nail polish remover or baby oil.

A little bit of goo or glue left behind may not bother you initially, but over time it will attract dust and dirt and become filthy.

Have a go first with regular glass cleaner. If that doesn't work, go for soap and water, rubbing alcohol or vinegar.

Rubbing alcohol and vinegar are mild solvents, acetone nail polish remover is slightly stronger. You will still need some elbow grease, though.

Wetting a label or sticky patch with warm water and covering it with plastic wrap overnight is very effective. If that doesn't work, repeat, this time coating the goo with vegetable or baby oil.

Commercial products designed for cleaning off motor oil, like Fast Orange or Goo Gone. They contain degreasing agents like d-Limonene and heptanes, so use them in small amounts in well ventilated areas.

Oily products are effective because oil dissolves adhesives. WD-40 is another oily product that can remove glue, as well as its classic role as a rust preventer and lubricant.

Three tablespoons of water, one packet of gelatin, half a teaspoon of white corn syrup and a dash of vanilla or almond extract makes an effective glue that can be used to put the stick back onto the back of your child's sticker or stamp collection.