There are many plastic items, such as TV controllers and other electronic equipment, that are made of a hard material covered in soft plastic that can break down and become sticky over time. Plastic can also turn sticky due to accumulation of residue from hands, spilled liquid, or has adhesive residue from stickers or glue. Whatever the cause, try to clean the plastic using one of several methods that use household products, such as baking soda, isopropyl alcohol, water, and a mild detergent. In no time, your plastic items will look like new again!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Baking Soda Paste
Step 1. Mix baking soda and water in equal ratios to make a paste
Put a little baking soda in a small bowl, glass, or other container. Add the same amount of water, then stir the two ingredients with a spoon until it thickens.
- The amount of baking soda and water needed will depend on the size of the plastic being cleaned. For example, for small items, such as a TV controller, you could use 15 ml of water and 20 grams of baking soda.
- This method is useful for cleaning a variety of sticky plastic objects, such as kitchen utensils or dishes, TV controllers, plastic containers, toys, and various hard plastic objects.
Warning: Do not use this method to clean objects such as plastic keyboard keys as the paste can enter easily and damage electronic devices.
Step 2. Rub the paste onto the sticky plastic with your fingers
Dip a small piece of the paste with your fingertip and apply it to the object you want to clean in a circular motion. Add the paste as needed to cover the entire surface of the sticky object.
Do not use an abrasive object such as a wire brush to apply the paste, as this can scratch the plastic
Step 3. Wipe off the paste with a soft, damp cloth
Dampen a clean, soft cloth with water by placing it under the faucet until it is wet, then wring it out until the water is no longer dripping. Wipe the paste off the plastic object. Rinse the cloth and repeat this step as necessary until no paste is stuck to the plastic.
- If you're cleaning something that has a battery in it, like a TV controller, be sure to open and wipe the battery compartment in case the paste gets inside.
- If the object you're cleaning has cracks or crevices that you can't wipe off to remove the paste, you can use an object such as a toothpick or cotton swab to reach over it and remove the paste.
Step 4. Let the item dry on its own
Place the object in a dry place that has good airflow. Wait for it to dry completely before putting it back on.
If you wipe the battery compartment with a damp cloth, make sure you open the area so that it can dry as well
Method 2 of 3: Wiping Plastic with Alcohol
Step 1. Fold the clean cloth into a square or rectangular shape that fits snugly in your hand
Take a clean and soft used cloth to do the cleaning. Fold the fabric once or twice to fit in your hand and make it easy to work with.
- If you don't have a cloth to work with, use paper towels or napkins instead.
- This method is effective for removing glue residue, which is the substance that remains from a sticker or glue.
- If you're cleaning an old plastic layer that's already sticky, keep in mind that the item will look a lot more shiny and slightly different after wiping it with rubbing alcohol. However, it won't stick anymore once you've removed the worn coating.
Step 2. Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol into the center of the cloth
Hold the cloth face up in your dominant hand. Quickly flip the mouth of the alcohol-filled bottle into the center of the cloth to wet it and return it to its original position before too much liquid pours out and wets the cloth.
- Note that if you're using this method to clean a plastic object with crevices or a sensitive area, such as a keyboard, make sure the cloth is only slightly damp so that the alcohol doesn't drip inside. Make sure you only wipe plastic surfaces that are not sensitive, such as the tops of keys on a keyboard.
- You can also use rubbing alcohol for this purpose as it contains isopropyl alcohol.
Step 3. Wipe the entire sticky plastic surface with rubbing alcohol
Lift the sticky plastic with your non-dominant hand and hold on tight. Rub the alcohol all over the plastic surface to clean it, then turn it over in your hand as needed to reach all the sides.
- Rub the alcohol vigorously in circular motions, noting any areas that appear particularly sticky.
- Alcohol can evaporate quickly. So, you don't have to bother drying the object after cleaning.
Warning: Keep in mind that alcohol can fade the color of some colored plastics. Test the alcohol on an invisible area of the plastic first to make sure it doesn't fade before rubbing it all over the surface.
Method 3 of 3: Washing Plastic with Soap and Water
Step 1. Make a mixture of liquid detergent and water in a small bowl
Place 15 ml of mild liquid dish soap in a small bowl, glass, or other container. Fill the container with warm water and stir the two ingredients with a spoon until foamy.
This method is effective for cleaning fragile plastic objects, such as game cards, identity cards or credit cards, as well as other plastic objects whose color or coating should not be damaged
Step 2. Dip the corner of a clean, soft cloth in the solution
Hold the washcloth in your dominant hand with your index finger straight and the corner of the cloth wrapped around the end. Quickly dip the end of the cloth with your index finger into the soap and water mixture, then remove it to prevent the cloth from getting too wet.
Microfiber cloth is suitable for this purpose. You can also cut an old T-shirt to make a rag and use it for this purpose
Step 3. Rub a dampened cloth on a plastic object to clean it
Hold sticky plastic with non-dominant hand. Wipe the entire surface of the object with a dampened cloth using a back and forth circular motion. Re-wet the washcloth if necessary.
Be sure to scrub very sticky areas, such as spilled drinks on plastic, until all the residue is gone
Tip: If you are cleaning a flat object, such as a plastic credit card or ID card, you can place it on a hard surface such as a table and hold it with your non-dominant hand while wiping it.
Step 4. Dry the plastic thoroughly with a dry cloth when finished
Take another clean, soft cloth, then wipe the remaining liquid from the plastic object. Make sure you clean any gaps or areas where water droplets accumulate.
You can use paper towels or napkins if you don't have a dry washcloth left. However, keep in mind that this can leave fine fibers behind
Warning
- Do not clean sticky plastic objects in the dishwasher or washing machine. Clean the object by hand only.
- Alcohol can discolor some types of colored plastic. So, test the liquid first in a hidden area if you plan to use it.
- Do not attempt to dry cleaned plastic with a hairdryer or other heat source. Dry the plastic by hand using a clean cloth or just let it dry on its own.
