How to Remove Stickiness

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By C.M. Mackenzie
eHow Contributing Writer

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Adhesive stickers, dried juice and many other substances can leave sticky residue that is sometimes not easy to remove. Plain soap and hot water may get some kinds of stickiness off hard surfaces with a lot of scrubbing. However, there are occasions when this just won't work at all -- or at least won't work quickly. Fortunately there are products safe for most hard surfaces that will soften or even dissolve sticky residue and make it easier to remove.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Rubbing alcohol or WD-40
Paper Towels
Plastic Scraper
Clean Cloths
Water
Dishwashing Detergent

How to Remove Stickiness

Step 1

Ventilate the area by opening windows or doors. Pour a little rubbing alcohol directly on the stickiness or spray WD-40 on the sticky spot.
Step 2

Gently scrape the residue with a plastic scraper. No matter what hard surface you are working on, scrape carefully so you do not scratch the surface beneath the residue. Remove the scrapings with a paper towel.
Step 3

Moisten a clean cloth with alcohol or spray the cloth with WD-40 and wipe over the remaining residue. Let the alcohol or WD-40 remain on the surface for one minute to dissolve anything left, then wipe off with a clean paper towel.
Step 4

Wet a clean cloth in warm water. Add one small drop of soap or detergent. Wipe down the surface to remove traces of the alcohol or WD-40.
Step 5

Dampen another clean cloth in warm water. Rinse soap residue. Dry well with another cloth.

Tips & Warnings

For stickiness caused by oily residue, use a degreasing dishwashing detergent. Stickiness caused by juice or candy can usually be removed with warm water and dishwashing detergent.
Alcohol, WD-40 and other solvents are flammable -- this includes their vapors. Always use in a well-ventilated areas and away from any kind of open flame, including pilot lights in gas stoves or furnaces. If sticky residue is on finished furniture, first try a wood cleaner instead of a solvent. Some solvents may damage the finish.