Its best to pull the tape off if you're going to leave the blade lay for an extended period of time. I use lighter fluid to remove residue because I have it around. Alcohol, mineral spirits, nail polish remover works well too, I've heard. If the blade is etched where moisture laid against the edge of the tape you may get lucky and remove the line with a metal polish such as semichrome, maas, wenol, flix ..... any of those on a paper towel. Then again, it may require more drastic measures such as buffing. It has happened with me and if it won't come off I live with it. A reminder to me to remove tape once I'm done honing .... even if the job isn't finished.