Well at least my Halloween costume looks good...

October 26, 2009 8:29 PM

How do I remove sticky residue from Elmer's Multipurpose Spray Adhesive from my wooden desk?

I used Elmer's Multipurpose Spray Adhesive while working on a Halloween costume and accidentally sprayed...well...quite a lot of it onto my wooden desk. It's been over a day and the desk is is now very sticky. For better or worse I've tried basically everything I can get a hold of (water, water and soap, fingernail polish remover, Vaseline, hand sanitizer, and Apple Cider Vinegar) but the residue is still there. I'm hoping someone will be able to help me figure out how to get my desk back to normal! Some things to note: The residue isn't gummy...just sticky. It doesn't look any different from the rest of the desk, but it feels very sticky. And the desk is a generic dorm room desk, meaning I have no idea what kind of wood it is or what the finish on it is or anything.

posted by lucy.jakobs to home & garden (12 comments total)

I use these to clean up spray mount overspray without damaging the surface. Art stores carry them.
posted by jamaro at 8:36 PM on October 26 [1 favorite]

Goo Gone?
posted by emilyd22222 at 8:41 PM on October 26 [2 favorites]

Seconding Goo Gone. That stuff is amazing, won't damage the wood, and can be found pretty easily. Good luck!
posted by katemcd at 8:44 PM on October 26

If that doesn't work, try WD-40. (No joke.)
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:48 PM on October 26

Have you tried rubbing alcohol?
posted by Nattie at 8:52 PM on October 26

Eucalyptus oil - dab a bit (not much) on some cloth and rub. It should take the sticky off without damaging the wood. A bottle should not be too expensive and is great to keep on hand for all sorts of sticky removal, including the sticky gummed up feeling in your nose when you have a cold.
posted by Kerasia at 8:53 PM on October 26

I use Goo Gone to remove spray adhesive from my printing press. You can also use mineral spirits, but you know, brain cells.
posted by bradbane at 8:58 PM on October 26

Oil is the best way and best for the wood. Eucalyptus is good if you like the smell otherwise you could use any oil you have; grape seed oil, olive oil (a personal favorite), vegetable oil. Apply a small amount to a cotton cloth and have at it.
posted by gypseefire at 9:24 PM on October 26

Seconding WD-40. It polishes stainless steel, too.
posted by northernlightgardener at 10:42 PM on October 26

I've always used rubbing alcohol for this.
posted by sanka at 4:56 AM on October 27

As someone who uses lots of contact cement, I have found the most toxic is the best so as a last resort only, laquer thinner. WARNING! may lay waste to the finish too. Try in unseen spot first
posted by Redhush at 9:01 AM on October 27

the little rubber doo dads that jamaro linked to have cleaned up every still-tacky adhesive I've ever spilled, and there have been many. you just rub it back and forth on the substance like a sponge and it pulls it off in little balls. it's fun, non-toxic, and no risk of ruining the finish (which goo gone WILL do if you don't use just the tiniest bit)
posted by Juicy Avenger at 12:59 PM on October 27