Peter asked: How do I clean a vinyl bench? This bench was stored in an enclosed porch with a cloth cover over it. When I took off the cover, there was a sticky substance all over the vinyl that won’t come off with soap and water. What will take it off? Thank you.
Table of Contents:
Vinyl is a popular material for many different types of products, but over time can tend to “ooze” an oily, sticky substance on the surface. Sometimes this sticky residue can be cleaned away with a simple cleaner and other times requires drying out the sticky substance first.
You Will Need:
- Select a cleaner:
- Tilex
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Mr. Clean Liquid Cleaner
- DeSolvIt
- Krud Kutter
- White vinegar
- Rubber or latex gloves
- Water
- Mild soap or detergent
- Paper towels or soft cloths
Steps to Remove the Stickiness:
- Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals. Protect your hands by wearing rubber or latex gloves.
- Begin by applying the cleaner either to the cloth or directly to the vinyl bench.
- Wipe the area thoroughly to remove the sticky residue.
- Scrub gently, if required, so that the finish does not become damaged.
- Clean away any remaining product with soap and water.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry with a clean, soft towel and allow to air dry completely.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- Vinyl can tolerate many cleaners, but if you are worried that the surface may become discolored (especially if the cleaning product contains bleach), test a small, hidden area first.
- In some cases, it is helpful to make the oily residue “fresh” again by rubbing it with some WD-40.
- Always ensure all cleaning products are thoroughly removed as the residue can create another sticky situation.
I have a varsity letter jacket that I sent to the cleaners in order to remove a stickiness from the sleeves. After $38 nothing was better. It is an old jacket but I want to keep it. How can I make the sleeves not sticky anymore?
I also have a an old letter jacket with vinyl sleeves that has a strange sticky, greasy residue. It seemed to have started when I cleaned the sleeves with a vinyl cleaner used for car seats. A few month later the tacky residue started. I cleaned it with 409 spray cleaner and it worked, but about two weeks later, the residue returned. I don’t have a clue what causes it.
My letter jacket from 1984 had the same issue. I had it cleaned at the dry cleaners and thought it was good as new again. However, less than a year later the sticky residue is back. I’m contemplating just removing the patches and ordering a jacket with leather sleeves as a replacement.
My daughter is in high school now and I definitely will suggest that she get a jacket with leather sleeves if given the option.
To remove tacky/sticky coating that forms on vinyl after time, use “Marine Spray Nine” available at Boating supply stores i.e. West Marine.
Spray it on & wipe firmly with a rough cotton towel. Rinse with plain water. Repeat to get the places you missed. The STICKY is GONE!!!!!!! This works, the other suggestions don’t…I know I tried them ALL!!!