Teresa said, “I put a plastic protector on my wood desk under my lap top to protect it. When I removed it there is a sticky residue on the desk. How do I clean it or remove it without damage to the wood?”
Table of Contents:
Over time, vinyl will ooze a sticky substance that needs to be cleaned away. Wood can be a difficult surface to clean as there are many chemicals that can damage the finish. Always test a cleaning solution on a small hidden area first to look for any adverse reaction.
Removing the Residue
You Will Need:
- Cleaning gloves
- A cloth
- Paper towels
- Water
- A cleaning solution (select one):
– De-Solv-It
– Krud Kutter
– White vinegar
– Baking soda
Steps to Remove the Residue:
- Put on a pair of cleaning gloves. Vinyl contains toxic chemicals that you do not want to absorb through your skin.
- Select a cleaning solution from the list above.
- Apply a small amount of your selected cleaner on a soft cloth or paper towels. If using baking soda, dampen the cloth first before sprinkling the baking soda onto it.
- Use the cloth to rub off the sticky residue. Be gentle to avoid rubbing off the finish.
- Once the sticky residue is gone, dip a cloth in some soapy water, wring it out so it is only damp, not dripping, then use it to wipe the area to remove any residue from your selected cleaners.
- Dry the area thoroughly with a towel.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Always be sure that all residue from a cleaning chemical is removed as it can cause another sticky situation.
- Do not let any water stand on the wood as it can cause the wood to warp or crack.
- Even if you clean the stickiness off vinyl, it will return. Consider replacing your plastic desk protector with a glass one to avoid having this situation reoccur.
Sources
- The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Cleaning by Mary Findley and Linda Formichelli
- Baking Soda Solutions by M. B. Ryther
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