The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge in the use of hand sanitizers, and as a result, many people have found themselves struggling to remove stubborn sanitizer stains from wood surfaces.
Here Are Some Easy Ways To Remove Sanitizer From Wood
Whether it’s on a wooden table, floor, or furniture, sanitizer stains can be a headache to remove, and if left unattended, they can cause permanent damage to the wood. The good news is that there are several effective methods for removing sanitizer stains from wood. The stains can be removed by using the tea bag method, lemon oil method, baking soda method and toothpaste method.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to get rid of sanitizer stains. So, if you’re looking for a solution to your sanitizer stain problem, keep reading!
What Does Hand Sanitizer Do To Wood?
Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, which can have a detrimental effect on wood. When alcohol comes into contact with wood, it can penetrate the surface and cause the wood fibers to swell and discolor. This can result in the formation of a stain that can be difficult to remove.
Additionally, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry out the natural oils in the wood, causing it to crack and become brittle over time. This can lead to long-term damage to the wood if the stains are not removed promptly.
It’s important to note that different types of wood can react differently to hand sanitizer, and some types of wood may be more susceptible to damage than others. For example, softwoods like pine are more susceptible to damage from hand sanitizers than hardwoods like oak or maple.
To minimize the risk of damage, it’s always a good idea to clean up any hand sanitizer spills as soon as they happen, and to use the appropriate cleaning method for your type of wood.
What Does Hand Sanitizer Do To Pine Wood?
Here are some of the negative effects of hand sanitizers on pine wood:
Swelling of wood fibers: The alcohol in hand sanitizer can penetrate the surface of pine wood, causing the fibers to swell and discolor.
Formation of stains: This swelling can result in the formation of unsightly stains that can be difficult to remove.
Drying out of natural oils: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry out the natural oils in pine wood, making it more susceptible to cracking and becoming brittle over time.
Long-term damage: If the stains from hand sanitizer are not removed promptly, the wood can become damaged, and the effects can be long-lasting.
Susceptibility to damage: As a softwood, pine is more susceptible to damage from hand sanitizers than hardwoods like oak or maple.
It’s important to be careful when using hand sanitizers near pine wood, as even small spills can result in significant damage over time. Cleaning up any spills as soon as they happen, and using the appropriate cleaning method for your type of wood can help to minimize the risk of damage.
Ways To Remove Hand Sanitizer Stains From Wood
Tea Bags
Removing hand sanitizer stains from wood can be a challenge, but using tea bags is one effective method for removing the stains. Here’s how to do it:
Gather materials: You will need several tea bags and a bowl of hot water.
Steep the tea bags: Dunk the tea bags and submerge them for a few minutes, until the water is a rich brown colour.
Apply the tea: Using a tea towel or cloth, dip the cloth in the tea infused water. Make sure to saturate the cloth with the tea, but be careful not to let it become too wet as this can cause additional damage to the wood.
Let it sit: Let the tea sit on the stained area for several minutes. You can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the area, if necessary, to help lift the stain.
Wipe off the tea: Using a clean cloth, gently wipe away the tea. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood to avoid causing any additional damage.
Repeat as necessary: Repeat the process as necessary, until the stain is removed.
Dry the wood: Once the stain is removed, allow the wood to air dry completely.
Note: Before using any cleaning method, it’s always a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the wood first to make sure it won’t cause any additional damage.
Using tea bags to remove hand sanitizer stains from wood is an effective, natural way to restore the beauty of your wood surfaces. The tannins in the tea help to lift the stain, while the gentle nature of the tea won’t cause any additional damage to the wood.
Lemon Oil
Removing hand sanitizer stains from wood can be done using lemon oil. Here’s how to do it:
Gather materials: You will need lemon oil and a clean cloth.
Apply lemon oil: Using the clean cloth, apply a small amount of lemon oil to the stained area of the wood. Make sure to use a small amount of oil, as too much can cause the wood to become greasy.
Let it sit: Let the lemon oil sit on the stained area for several minutes.
Wipe off the oil: Using a clean cloth, gently wipe away the lemon oil. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood to avoid causing any additional damage.
Repeat as necessary: Repeat the process as necessary, until the stain is removed.
Dry the wood: Once the stain is removed, allow the wood to air dry completely.
Lemon oil is an effective way to remove hand sanitizer stains from wood. The oil helps to dissolve the stains, while also conditioning the wood to help prevent future damage. Make sure to use a high-quality lemon oil and follow the instructions carefully to avoid causing any additional damage to the wood.
Baking Soda
Removing hand sanitizer stains from wood can be done using baking soda. Here’s how to do it:
Gather materials: You will need baking soda and water.
Make a paste: Combine baking soda and water together, this will form a thick paste form. The consistency should be thick enough to stay in place on the stained area of the wood, but not so thick that it becomes difficult to spread.
Apply the paste: Using a clean cloth, apply the baking soda paste to the stained area of the wood. Make sure to cover the entire stained area with a generous amount of paste.
Let it sit: Let the paste sit on the stained area for several minutes, allowing it to absorb the stain.
Wipe off the paste: Using a clean cloth, gently wipe away the baking soda paste. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood to avoid causing any additional damage.
Repeat as necessary: Repeat the process as necessary, until the stain is removed.
Dry the wood: Once the stain is removed, allow the wood to air dry completely.
Baking soda is a natural, effective way to remove hand sanitizer stains from wood. The abrasive properties of the baking soda help to lift the stain, while the mild, non-toxic nature of the baking soda won’t cause any additional damage to the wood. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and to clean up any residue promptly to help prevent any long-term damage to the wood.
Toothpaste
Removing hand sanitizer stains from wood can be done using toothpaste. Here’s how to do it:
Gather materials: You will need white, non-gel toothpaste and a clean cloth.
Apply toothpaste: Using the clean cloth, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stained area of the wood. Make sure to use a small amount of toothpaste, as too much can cause the wood to become sticky.
Let it sit: Let the toothpaste sit on the stained area for several minutes.
Wipe off the toothpaste: Using a clean cloth, gently wipe away the toothpaste. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood to avoid causing any additional damage.
Repeat as necessary: Repeat the process as necessary, until the stain is removed.
Toothpaste can be an effective way to remove hand sanitizer stains from wood. The mild abrasive properties of the toothpaste help to lift the stain, while the cleaning agents in the toothpaste can help dissolve the stain. Make sure to use a white, non-gel toothpaste and follow the instructions carefully to avoid causing any additional damage to the wood.
Vinegar
Removing hand sanitizer stains from wood can be done using vinegar. Here’s how to do it:
Gather materials: You will need white vinegar and a clean cloth.
Apply vinegar: Using the clean cloth, apply a small amount of white vinegar to the stained area of the wood. Make sure to use a small amount of vinegar, as too much can cause the wood to become too wet and damage it.
Let it sit: Let the vinegar sit on the stained area for several minutes.
Wipe off the vinegar: Using a clean cloth, gently wipe away the vinegar. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood to avoid causing any additional damage.
Repeat as necessary: Repeat the process as necessary, until the stain is removed.
Dry the wood: Once the stain is removed, allow the wood to air dry completely.
Vinegar is a natural, effective way to remove hand sanitizer stains from wood. The acidic nature of the vinegar helps to dissolve the stain, while the mild, non-toxic nature of the vinegar won’t cause any additional damage to the wood.