How to Remove Shower Gel from Wood

When the dyes and liquid soap get absorbed by wood, they can be difficult to remove entirely. The likelihood of this spill coming up completely depends in part on the ingredients found in the gel and a great deal on whether or not the wood was finished. Unfinished wood will allow the soap to be absorbed into the pores of the wood. It may never come clean, but you can improve the appearance by following these steps.

You Will Need:

• Salt
• Vacuum

Steps to Remove the Soap:

1. Pour a generous amount of salt over the affected area.
2. Rub it in with your hand, using a circular scouring motion until the salt has been well distributed and fully coats the mess.
3. Wait for the salt to dry, then use the vacuum to clean it from the drawer. Alternatively, you can remove the drawer and dump it out, then wipe clean with a paper towel.
4. Repeat until no moisture remains in the drawer.

You Will Need:

• Vegetable oil
• Paper towels or towels
• All purpose cleaner

Steps to Remove the Soap:

1. Wipe away as much of the soap spill as possible with paper towels. Cloth towels can be used as well and washed afterwards.
2. Rub a thin layer of vegetable oil over the soapy area. The oil will bond with the soap and allow it to be removed.
3. Allow it to set for a few minutes.
4. Spray the all purpose cleaner onto the vegetable oil.
5. Wipe the area dry with dry paper towels. This will remove both the oil and the attached soap.
6. Repeat as necessary until the soap is removed.
7. Allow the area to air dry completely.

• Be wary of adding moisture to the stain. You’re likely to end up with an even larger stain, along with rings or spots from the moisture.
• If marks remain on unfinished wood, you can lightly sand the affected area. It’s possible this may remove the stain, but you should be aware that the stain may have seeped deep into the wood and will not come out.