Many very often used items, such as remote controls for televisions and other electronic devices, with hard shells covered with soft plastic can wear out and become sticky over time. Plastics can also become sticky due to residue buildup in hands, exposure to liquid spills, or the presence of adhesive residue from stickers or glue. Whatever the cause, try cleaning your plastic item with one of the simple methods below which only requires the use of household products such as baking soda, isopropyl alcohol, water and dishwashing liquid. In no time at all, your plastic item will look like new!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a paste made with baking soda
Step 1. Mix the baking soda and water together equally
In this way, you will get a paste. Pour a small amount of the baking soda into a small glass, bowl, or other container. After that add the same amount of water and then use a spoon to mix the two ingredients until you get a paste.
- The amount of baking soda and water to use basically depends on the size of the item you intend to clean. As an example, in case it is a small object, such as a TV remote control, use 15ml of water and 20g of baking soda.
- With this method, you have the opportunity to clean various sticky plastic objects. This can be kitchen utensils or dishes, toys, TV remotes, plastic containers, and various other hard plastic items.
Warning: Do not use this method to clean items such as plastic keyboard keys, as the paste can easily get inside and damage electronic components.
Step 2. Use your fingers to apply the paste to the sticky plastic object
Take some of the paste with your fingertips and make sure to apply it to the item to be cleaned in circular motions. You can apply more as needed to cover the entire sticky surface.
Do not use an abrasive object such as a wire brush to apply the paste, as you may scratch the plastic
Step 3. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe off the paste
Put a soft, clean cloth under running water until it gets wet. Then wring it out until it no longer drips. Wipe off any previously applied paste. Rinse the cloth and then repeat this if necessary until you have removed all the paste.
- If the item you plan to clean uses batteries, for example if it is a TV remote control, be sure to open the compartment where the batteries are left and wipe it off in case the paste gets there.
- If the object has cracks or gaps where the paste has entered and you cannot wipe it off from these areas, you can use something such as a cotton swab or toothpick to remove it. to arrive.
Step 4. Allow the object to air dry
Put it where there is enough air. Wait until it is completely dry before you start using it.
If you wiped the battery compartment with a damp cloth, be sure to leave it open so that it can also air dry
Method 2 of 3: Use alcohol to clean the plastic item
Step 1. Fold a clean cloth
Do this so that it forms a rectangle or square that can fit in your hand. Take a soft, but clean cloth that you can easily use for cleaning. Make sure to fold it in half once or twice so that you can hold it comfortably in your hand and it is easy to use.
- In case you don't have a rag, use napkins or paper towels instead.
- This method is ideal for removing adhesive residue such as those left by glue or stickers.
- If it is an old plastic covering that has become sticky that you are cleaning, remember that after wiping it down with alcohol, the item will certainly be shinier and look slightly different. However, if you can clean the damaged part, it will no longer stick.
Step 2. Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol in the center of the cloth
Hold the fabric face up in your dominant hand. Quickly tip the neck of the liquor bottle in the center of the cloth to wet it, then invert the bottle again before too much liquid runs out and soaks the cloth.
- Remember that if you use this method to clean plastic objects with crevices or sensitive areas, such as a keyboard, you must make sure that the cloth is barely damp so that no alcohol drops inside.. Be sure to wipe only non-sensitive surfaces of the plastic item, such as the tops of the keys on a keyboard.
- You can also use rubbing alcohol for cleaning since it contains isopropyl alcohol.
Step 3. Wipe down all sticky surfaces with alcohol
Grasp the object with your non-dominant hand and hold it firmly. Apply alcohol all over the area to clean it, then flip it over in your hand if necessary to reach all sides.
- Vigorously rub the alcohol in back-and-forth or circular motions, focusing more on areas that appear particularly sticky.
- Since the alcohol evaporates quickly, you don't have to worry about drying the object after cleaning it.
Warning: remember that alcohol can tarnish certain colored plastics. For this reason, you'd better test it on an inconspicuous area of the plastic first to make sure it doesn't fade before applying it all over the surface.
Method 3 of 3: Clean the plastic item with soapy water
Step 1. Prepare the solution to be used in a small container
Do it with water and washing up liquid. Pour 15 ml of mild dish soap into a small glass, bowl or other container. Fill the chosen container with lukewarm water and stir the two ingredients with a spoon until foaming.
This method is effective for cleaning fragile plastic items, such as game cards, ID cards or credit cards, as well as other plastic items whose coating or color you are worried about
Step 2. Dip the corner of a clean, soft cloth into the solution
Wrap a corner of the fabric around the end of the index finger of your dominant hand. Then, briefly soak it in the cleaning solution so that it does not get too wet.
A microfiber cloth is suitable for this purpose. You can also cut an old cotton t-shirt into pieces and use one of the pieces to do so
Step 3. Rub the damp cloth over the item to clean it
Keep it in your non-dominant hand. Wipe the entire surface of the object with the moistened part of the cloth in circular motions or back and forth. Wet the cloth again if necessary.
Be sure to rub any very sticky areas, such as the parts affected by a sticky drink spill, until all residue is gone
advice: If it is a flat object that you are cleaning, for example, if it is a plastic credit card or ID card, you can put it on a hard surface like a table and hold it in your non-dominant hand to clean it.
Step 4. Use a clean, dry cloth to thoroughly dry the plastic
Do this when you are finished. Take another soft, clean cloth and wipe off any residual moisture on the plastic item. Be sure to clean any spaces or areas that have accumulated water droplets.
Alternatively, a dry cloth can be used with paper towels or napkins. However, keep in mind that these objects can leave fine fibers there
Warnings
- Do not put sticky plastic items in the dishwasher or washing machine to try to clean them. Make sure to always clean them by hand.
- Alcohol can tarnish some colored plastics. So, test it on an inconspicuous area first if you are going to use it.
- Do not attempt to dry the cleaned plastic with a hair dryer or any other heat producing device. Dry the plastic by wiping it with a clean cloth or leaving it in the open air.