Stacey said, “A Mickey Mouse stuff toy was left on my son’s dresser. The toy had some type of plastic material covering the feet to make boots. When we removed the toy it left some of the plastic material on the wooden surface of the dresser. We tried using different oils and scraping the plastic but have been unsuccessful at removing this plastic stuff. Do you have any ideas that can help????”
When
soft plastic items sit in one place for a long time, they can become stuck to the surface and leave behind some pieces or residue when the item is removed. Here’s how to remove the plastic.
The Heat Method
One of the reasons that soft plastics can do this is that when heated, for example if the area was in the sun or if the room became hot one summer day without the A/C running, the plastic can melt onto the surface, causing it to become stuck. This method can help you to remove it.
You Will Need:
- An iron
- Brown paper
- Soap
- Water
- A cloth
- A towel
Steps to Remove the Residue:
- Start by ventilating the area well. If you can move the surface outdoors, that would be best.
- Lay a piece of brown paper over the area. If using a brown paper shopping bag, turn it inside out so that the ink is on the inside. Do not use white paper.
- Rub a warm iron over the brown paper. This will cause the plastic to melt and the brown paper will absorb it.
- Replace the paper as needed until all of the plastic is gone.
- Clean the area with soap and water.
- Pat the area dry with a towel. Water can easily damage some wood surfaces, so quick drying is important.
The Baking Soda Method
Another reason this can happen is that over time, vinyl items can ooze a sticky residue that would cause it to adhere to the surface. However, regardless if that was the cause of not, this method should work to remove the plastic residue.
You Will Need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- A cloth
- Soap
- A towel
Steps to Remove the Residue:
- Mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste that is about the consistency of peanut butter or toothpaste.
- Use a cloth to rub the baking soda paste over the plastic. Do not apply much pressure; you don’t want to rub off the finish. Just gently rub in circles over the plastic until it rubs off.
- When the plastic is gone, clean the area with soap and water.
- Pat the area dry with a towel. Water can easily damage some wood surfaces, so quick drying is important.
Additional Tips:
- If the above methods have not worked to remove the plastic residue, try using a commercial goo remover that is safe for wood, such as De-Solv-It, Krud Kutter, or Goo Gone.
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