ANN/THE STAR – In our daily lives, we often encounter sticky situations that demand creative solutions to resolve.
Whether it’s stubborn residues from fruits like jackfruit or the aftermath of festive decorations adhered with double-sided tape, dealing with sticky substances can be a hassle.
However, with a few kitchen solutions and handy tricks, you can effectively remove sticky residue with ease.
Let’s explore some practical methods to tackle these challenges and restore cleanliness and order to your surroundings.
STICKY JACKFRUIT
If you’ve ever cut a jackfruit, you’ll know that the sap from the fruit leaves a yucky sticky residue on your hand and knife, which can be quite uncomfortable. Try rubbing your hands together with some cooking oil. The oil will loosen the sticky residue without harming your skin. You can wash your hands with soap after that.
SUPER GLUE
Sometimes, no matter how careful you try to be, you still accidentally end up sticking your fingers together. Super glue contains cyanoacrylate which isn’t harmful, although it’s been known to set off allergies in some people. So, don’t panic, just pour some oil over your fingers, then try separating them. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some salt and try moving your fingers, which hopefully will lessen the hold of the glue. After that, dunk your fingers in warm water to wash off the rest.
PLASTIC CONTAINERS
Some plastic containers, when kept in the cupboard for a long time, become sticky and grimy. Mix some warm soapy water with white vinegar. Then use a clean piece of cloth, soak it with the solution and wipe the sticky containers. Leave it on for a while and when you feel the stickiness is gone, wash off the vinegar solution with normal dish detergent.
REMOVING TAPE
We don’t think too hard when we hang up pretty posters or decorations with double-sided tape. But it can be a hassle removing the tape later when you want to take off the decorations after the festivities. This is when baking soda comes in handy. Make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water, and then spread this over the affected area that has the tape. Leave it on for 10 minutes or so, and then wipe off with a damp cloth. The tape should come off easily enough.
CLEAN BOTTLES
If you’re a firm believer in recycling, you’d probably reuse bottles. Removing the sticky labels from glass bottles and plastic jars, however, can be a pain as the glue from the labels can be really stubborn. Try soaking the container in hot soapy water for some time, and then peel off the labels. But if it still doesn’t budge, soak a piece of paper towel in vinegar and wrap the label with it. Let it soak for 15 minutes. The label should come off easily then.
NEAT WALLS
Kitchen solutions can be helpful if you’re removing small labels. But it takes a little more effort if a larger surface area is involved, for instance, large posters stuck on glass panels. Beyond oiling rusty equipment, WD-40 can be useful in getting rid of sticky residue. Spray some behind the poster and slowly peel off, or directly on the poster itself to let it saturate if you can’t lift any corners. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and rub away the sticky parts after that. – Patsy Kam
