Peg asked: How can I remove the sticky residue from my oak kitchen table? I have a 10-year-old oak table which is used daily. Over time, a sticky residue has developed. I rarely polish this table and usually clean it with warm water and soap. There is an extension for the table which we rarely use and it is now slightly lighter in color and not sticky at all. I have tried straight vinegar, Windex and even Fantastik, but nothing really lasts. Thank you.
Over time, the finishes that are applied to protect and beautify wooden tables can become worn, which leads to a sticky surface and sometimes discoloration. As the wearing down continues, it can reach a state of “gumminess” on the surface of the table that can easily leave scratches and other marks. There are a couple of different applications that work as mild varnish cleaners and can minimize and sometimes remove the sticky residue.
You Will Need:
- Water
- White vinegar
- Dishwashing detergent (mild)
- Murphy Oil Soap
- Bucket
- Sponge of soft cloth
Steps to Remove the Sticky Residue:
- By offering a thorough cleaning of the surface, it may be possible to remove some of the worn-out varnish, which will remove the sticky residue. To accomplish this, we will utilize a slightly acidic cleaner (white vinegar).
- Begin by mixing a solution of one part water and one part vinegar.
- Use the solution to wipe down the table completely. Scrub lightly, but avoid applying so much pressure that it leaves scrub marks or streaks on the surface.
- Rinse by wiping down the table with clean water and a clean cloth.
- Allow it to dry completely.
- If no vinegar is available, or a slightly stronger cleaner is desired, repeat the steps above but add a mild dishwashing detergent to the water in place of the vinegar.
- For more serious residue, Murphy Oil Soap is a wood cleaning product that can be safely used on any wooden surface. Dilute it in water for mild cases, or apply it straight to the table for stickier residue.
- Wipe the table with a soft cloth to remove the sticky residue.
- Rinse with clean water and a clean cloth.
- Allow the table to dry completely.
- Once the sticky residue is removed, apply a wood wax that repels water and stains to the surface for protection.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- More caustic varnish cleaners are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. They are often located with the paint and furniture restoration products. Apply the product following the manufacturer’s instructions and when completed, finish with a wood wax for protection.
- If none of the methods above resolve the sticky situation, it may be necessary to refinish the table completely.
- Though wood cleaners are sometimes avoided because of the waxy build-up, they offer a level of protection that is beneficial in protecting the surface and varnish. To keep your tables from becoming sticky and worn, apply a wood cleaner/polisher weekly.
When washed with equal parts of water and vinegar, now that it is dry, it is even “stickier” than it was before.
Try the oil soap, repeat…
I used full strength Murphy Oil Soap and got rid of the sticky residue on my maple tabletop. I let it set for about five minutes, then washed it off with hot water.
My hard wood table had a sticky residue, so I used full strength Murphy Oil Soap, then rinsed with hot water. It did a great job!
What type/brand of wood wax should I use after using the Murphy Oil Soap?
I applied some sticky Velcro to a cherry cabinet to put a plaque up, however when I removed the plaque and the Velcro, a sticky imprint remained. What is the best way to remove this?
I find the best thing to remove gasps residue is the tape itself. I touch the remaining sticky areas with the tape and use it to pull the residue off, a little at a time. If that doesn’t work, try a really gummy tape like duct tape. Test it in an inconspicuous area first, as it may pull off finish, too. Otherwise, Goo Gone works wonders on sticky residues. Again, test on an inconspicuous area first.
‘Goo Gone’ is best to remove the sticky residue from the velcro. You can get it at major department stores and hardware stores (some grocery stores even carry it).
Like an idiot, I washed a maple dining set with a Murphy Oil set, then let it dry, then put maple stain on it to cover the scratches. Now, the stain will not dry; it is tacky. Help; what do I do???
Rinse with hot water to get the soap off. Or use mineral spirits, then a water rinse.
I have an old wood radio that was sticky, and I didn’t want to sand it down, so I used GOO GONE straight on a paper towel and then I rinsed it with hot water. I dried it with a soft towel and when it dried, it was like new.
Have a coffee table that has a slightly sticky raised stain of some sort which does not clean with polish or other usual methods. Have no idea what caused it, but with children, it can be anything. Suggestions that won’t cause damage to the walnut finish?
Something sticky dripped through the small slit of my wooden kitchen table onto the leaf of the table that was stored below. Goodness only knows how long it was there before I took out the leaf to use to extend my table for a party. Nothing would budge it. I tried full-strength Pine-Sol and VOILA; it took it right off.
I have a brand-new wood bed frame. I sat an alcohol bottle on top of it with a blanket under it. I removed the alchol bottle and blanket. A little of the blanket stuck to the wood. How do I remove the blanket lint from the wood?
I read this advice and I’m sorry it didn’t work for my large oak table in the kitchen. I resorted to using sugar soap, the ready prepared stuff from Homebase. It has worked. The table is slightly paler, but I have got some wax ready to finish it off.
My maple table top is 15 years old [or more]. Within the last 2 years, brown marks have begun to appear on the surface; they’re not sticky and appear to be under the varnish? No idea what is causing them, and they are multiplying. They look like burn marks, but they definitely are not. Any ideas on how to repair this weird phenomenon?
I just built a shelf out of Spruce and stained it. Now it has a sticky sort of feeling. Is it absolutely necessary to apply polyurethane or another finish? How do I get rid of the tacky feeling?
You would be best to reapply a light coat of the stain and let set for 2 – 5 minutes. Use a clean soft cloth and rub like heck to remove ALL excess stain. Then allow it to cure.
When applying stain to wood, the stain is brushed on or applied with a cloth. After the stain has set for 5 – 10 minutes, it is crucial to remove all excess stain with a cloth and then allow the stain to cure for 12 – 24 hrs before sealing, sanding and the final finish.
I have new wood dining table. I put a plastic cover on it to protect it from daycare kids and my kids. I recently took plastic off and plastic was stuck to table, and there is sticky residue now on table. I tried Murphy Soap, dish soap and water and then added a little vinegar. Nothing is working to remove sticky residue. Please help!!
Stac,
Here are some other things you can try:
– Baking soda (sprinkle some on a damp sponge. Don’t scrub too hard; it’s slightly abrasive and could damage the finish if you do.)
– Cooking oil (olive oil, vegetable oil, etc. You could even try baby oil. Only use a drop, then clean it off immediately afterward with dish liquid.)
– Goo Gone
These items tend to work well on stickiness in general.
Try using an iron. Put paper towels over the plastic, then use an iron. Start on low, run the iron over the paper towels a few times and check to see if the plastic is melting. If not, turn up the heat and try again. Be careful, you don’t want to scorch the table, but this is a great method for getting gum and junk out of carpets, clothing… I don’t know, but just a suggestion; just try it on a small spot – cover the rest of the table with cotton or linen cloths, not terry, or tea towels. Use several sheets of paper towel. It might work, can’t be any worse. That’s what I would try.
Lois,
That certainly could work, but it’s too dangerous to risk: the fumes of melting certain kinds of plastic are deadly and other types of plastic, while not emminantly deadly, can be very bad for your health. You’re right that it works well on other things though! That’s the best method for removing spilled candle wax from carpets and upholstery.
Source: Daily Kos – PSA–Burning Plastic Can Kill You
What finish is safest to use on my dining room table? I don’t want my children to inhale toxic or smelly fumes while they eat, and I don’t want my kitchen to smell like a woodshop long after it’s dried.
We took over a bar and are trying to revamp it. The wooden bar top had some nasty plastic tiles on it, stuck down with some thick glue type stuff. We removed the tiles to repair the worktop, but there is so much sticky residue. Any ideas what we could use to get this off? Thanks.
Louie,
This is the article that you need: How to Remove Super Glue from Wood. Since you have so much glue to remove, you also may want to invest in a Skrapr HD. It is a scraping tool that is made to scrape glue off wood safely. You can find it online, at a Bed, Bath & Beyond, or at some hardware stores.
I had a set of bookends on a dresser; the felt came off on the dresser and I can’t get it off. How can I remove it?
Jo,
On wood, the safest thing to try first is heat. Use a hair dryer to warm up the felt, then gently try to scrape off a small area using a plastic scraper or plastic spoon and repeat until it’s all removed. The heat loosens the adhesive or hardened oils that are likely holding the felt in place.
If that doesn’t work, try the methods here, but work along the edges. Try not to let the liquids sit on the wood for long in one spot as that could damage the wood. However, if working along the edges doesn’t work it may be necessary to soak the felt with the solution (diluted white vinegar), let it sit for a minute to work, then carefully scrape off the felt. Work quickly so the moisture can be removed as soon as possible. If that doesn’t work, soak up as much moisture as you can from the felt with a towel, then dry the felt with a hair dryer on cool air to remove the moisture. As a last resort, try a stronger product like Goo Gone, again working along the edges. Good luck!
I have a dining room set that is 107 years old. I have a lace table cloth on it, but I found that it has a sticky residue on it. I don’t want to use anything harsh on it to ruin the finish. I am trying to clean it so I can get it appraised to sell. What can I use? It is in excellent condition.
Hi Laura,
Use some oil (cooking oil, baby oil, or wood polish can work). Oil is effective for breaking down adhesive so it can be removed. Rub the oil into the adhesive gently, and always rub with the grain of the wood. Good luck!