Bridges
Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA
Does anyone have a good solution for cleaning the tacky film that forms on some plastics? It seems this film attaches to some plastic surfaces that are softer like power cords and softer cases/enclosures. I have tried dish soap and alcoholic-based cleaners but they don't work.
luvmypets
Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC
There is a product called Goo Gone that we used where I used to work and it worked very well.
Dodie
Second vote for Goo Gone, works great on anything, any hardware store
Bridges wrote:
Does anyone have a good solution for cleaning the tacky film that forms on some plastics? It seems this film attaches to some plastic surfaces that are softer like power cords and softer cases/enclosures. I have tried dish soap and alcoholic-based cleaners but they don't work.
That tacky film is usually the surface of the plastic breaking down from something = the plastic equivalent of rust.
Only cleaners that can dissolve and remove a layer of the plastic will work.
Bridges wrote:
Does anyone have a good solution for cleaning the tacky film that forms on some plastics? It seems this film attaches to some plastic surfaces that are softer like power cords and softer cases/enclosures. I have tried dish soap and alcoholic-based cleaners but they don't work.
I have used WD40 worked well but the surface was dull afterwards.
Manglesphoto wrote:
I have used WD40 worked well but the surface was dull afterwards.
I recommend GOO GONE. It does a great job and has a good smell. WD40 is a petroleum product and will clean most surfaces. It really isn’t intended for hard core cleaning. That is why it should not be used on plastics.
Scruples wrote:
I recommend GOO GONE. It does a great job and has a good smell. WD40 is a petroleum product and will clean most surfaces. It really isn’t intended for hard core cleaning. That is why it should not be used on plastics.
I don't really care what it isn't intended for !!
It works well on plastics like screwdriver handles and other stuff, IF the final finish is not Important.
You don't SOAK what ever your are removing the "sticky" from, you spray it on a rag and wipe what every your cleaning, I have been using it on plastic tool handles for years with no Ill effects Other than a dull finish.
Acetone/nail polish remover.
barneyanne wrote:
Acetone/nail polish remover.
Acetone will make the plastic softer, not a good idea
Try mineral spirits.
I use a little charcoal lighter on a paper towel.
Don't smoke when using it.
I use alcohol or Goo Gone.
I found that this happens most on OLD stuff.
(I like the analogy to rust on iron...)
After some years the rubber "devulcanizes" and becomes tacky. My old Canon Rebel did that as did my wife's Nikon binoculars. Goo Gone or acetone will take the rubber off with a lot of elbow grease and you'll be left with the hard plastic substrate.
fourlocks wrote:
After some years the rubber "devulcanizes" and becomes tacky. My old Canon Rebel did that as did my wife's Nikon binoculars. Goo Gone or acetone will take the rubber off with a lot of elbow grease and you'll be left with the hard plastic substrate.
I had a little card reader that had a "soft" plastic case. It got all sticky like. The whole case.
I recycled it...
barneyanne wrote:
Acetone/nail polish remover.
Acetone is a powerful solvent! Use it only on bare metal or glass. It will dissolve any plastic or paint I know of.
Stan
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