I did a search on this topic, and I didn't find anybody else stupid enough to experience the same problem. I accidentally stuck Scotch Tape on the playing side of one my DVDs. Is there any way to remove the residue without leaving behind a mark on the surface?

You're best bet is to pick up either some Goo Gone or lighter fluid (the kind for refilling cigarette lighters, not for starting your BBQ). Peal away whatever is left of the tape itself using your fingernail until all you're left with is the sticky residue. Apply a few drops of the above mentioned substances to a clean soft 100% cotton cloth (an old T-Shirt works best) and gently rub away the sticky residue. Wipe from the center ring of the disc out to the edge (don't rub back & forth, side-to-side, or in a circular motion, as that increases scuffing). I wouldn't suggest using any other chemicals besides those I've mentioned. Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning smudges, dirt/dust, and fingerprints, but it has little value beyond water for removing stickiness. I've used Goo Gone to get sticky residue off the play side of several DVD's and have never had any problems - it won't damage your DVD.

Thanks, joliom. I'll check out the Goo Gone.

Just take some tape and apply it to the sticky part repeatedly until it lifts it all off.

Best way to get rid of tape residue: more tape.
Best way to get rid of gum residue: more gum.
Etc.

what spiky said; you should avoid using any sort of alcohol-based solvent, as it may lift off the inks from the cd surface! you wouldn't want to do more harm than good. use a good piece of tape to *carefully* rip away at the excess glue. be careful, as you may also rip off the ink. good luck!

I'll try that first. Thanks for the suggestion.

OOPS High caps are used on this product that also lifts sticky tape residue and magic marker pen inks, the really hard to get off ink. I also recommend 'Goo Gone' with it's pleasant orange scent.

WD-40

Another vote for WD-40... works like a charm!

I should clarify. Goo Gone works great, I used it just last night on my 2 new DVD cases to get sticker residue off. But if you have newish tape residue from a known kind of tape, generally that same kind of tape is the cheapest, safest way to remove the gunk. Goo Gone works great but isn't always necessary.

Another vote for Goo Gone (when tape doesn't work). I recently used it on a paper-stock bookcover and it did no damage whatsoever. I was sweating bullets, however.

I've always been able to remove adhesive residue, no matter how old and stubborn, with more tape (as Spiky said). Sometimes it can take a while, but it DOES all come off eventually.

Goo Gone is amazing stuff. One of the few things I've ever bought that works as advertised.

I use Goo Gone to remove all stickiness

You left yourself wide open with this one

peanut butter....yes, it really does work

I use fire....and lot's of it.

If you don't think it will work, then try it and tell me I am wrong.