Remove Sticky Surface From Old Plastic Products

This video is about how to remove that gross sticky rubberized coatings from electronic devices, tools, and other plastic gadgets that have developed a sticky almost gummy slime on their housing. I've used this on binoculars, tablets, flashlights, and other handheld devices that have developed degraded rubberized surfaces over time.

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[CaptainHaggus]

Bro presented a problem, a solution, and a demonstration in a vid under three minutes. A legit yt hero!

[OriginalWillowbark]

You Sir, are a Gentleman. Most YouTube channels would have strung that out for 20mins.

[fredrichedlund]

Holy shit. Something usefull in minutes, without an endorsement of mattresses or webpage hosting. What a gem.

[davidberrien]

Just came here to say Lighter fluid (Zippo / Ronsonol, etc.) does the trick for me. Way easier to store and dispense. The containers are airtight, and the tiny nozzle is great for dispensing small amounts precisely. Plus it doesn't leave gasoline stink for hours after, and you don't have to worry about the ethanol content ruining certain plastics, or any of the other things they put in gasoline. It's almost the only solvent that doesn't ruin plastics (test first, but it's compatible with most common types). I used to use it for cleaning cassette tape rubber wheels and other tape path components (VCR parts, too). It doesn't damage the rubber. Most alcohols are denatured with acetone or methanol, and that stuff kills plastics.

And it removes labels, too. Great video, excellent presentation. Thought you'd be interested in the Zippo. It's my go-to for anything unfamiliar, and it works great for dissolving the gummy, deteriorated "soft-touch" coatings.

[richardc]

Thank you for not giving us a 10 minute intro of the history of plastic manufacturing

[superpochingo]

Woow, no clickbait, no endless introduction. Straight to the point. I just subscribed, like and comment

[LongerThanAverageUsername]

To manufacturers: STOP PUTTING THAT GARBAGE ON PRODUCTS!!! And thank you for making this video.

[MiChAeLoKGB]

The process of the product becoming sticky is called "rubber reversion".
Manufacturers like to have rubberized coating on products, because it provides a pretty nice feel and grip. But synthetic rubber is made from oil/petroleum, and starts to degrade and break down back into the oil after some years (usually 5+ from my experience). That is why gasoline works so well on it.

Edit: and just to add to it, even natural rubber degrades over time. It either hardens and becomes brittle, or softens (natural rubber mostly softens) and becomes tacky/sticky.

[justinroberts]

This should be nominated for one of the best videos on the internet.

[davidburns]

Coleman fuel is gasoline that is more refined, less smelly, no additives. It's my go-to when alcohol or acetone won't work. Thanks for this concise video!

[CRZYvidz]

This is PEAK youtube
-ultra usefull tip
-strsight to the point
-no forced sponsor pitch
-actual readily available material for DIY

I've regained my faith in humanity

[ramses]

Gentleman and scholar! I've struggled once or twice with previous devices, but look forward to carefully trying your tip. Flip and reverse: to get sticker-goop off of glass jars for re-use... dust with flour, spray with cooking oil, scrub with steel scruffie, rinse with dish soap. All food-safe, kitchen stuff, gives "the sticky" something to stick to and then, thus remove.

[altoticket]

Thank you for 1) delivering on your promise 2) not wasting anyone’s time. This is the type of video the algorithm should be optimized for.

[ytorwoody]

I have an aviation headset that I haven't used for years, in spite of it being my best one. The noise cancelling housing was too nasty to touch. I have a variety of solvents in my garage that I tried and none of them seemed to work at all for removing that sticky mess. After watching this video, I realized that I'd never tried automotive fuel. Thirty minutes of medium pressure rubbing made the housing feel like a normal plastic surface, shine like new (almost), and be totally acceptable as my primary headset. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[bigter]

First video of this channel I've seen. At 0:29 I liked and subscribed. This style is why Youtube was awesome when it was new.

[emmettturner]

“Soft Touch, ” “Rubberized, ” and “Premium Textured Feel” are a few more ways they marketed devices with this coating. “Gummy” is another way I would describe the feeling after it degrades.

Just figured I’d get those key words out there. :)

[hellogoodbye]

Yes this is great thank you !!!
* no annoying background music * no sponsored product or hidden ads * video right on point sharing helpful information **bonus** chicken sounds in the background and cute intro

[ArmenianBot]

You deserve something for sharing this valuable information. Thank you!

[sirmiyu]

no clickbait, right to the point, simple examples, simple solution. Thank you. You earned a new suscriber.

[Zenerd]

Short long-form content is the real king of YouTube