The Sinclair QL Forum

Some gel from a keyboard wrist rest has leaked out of a wrist rest onto the laminate finish of my computer desk.

I've wiped up what I can with a damp cloth then used a moist wipe to clear up as much as possible. However, the desk surface is still a bit sticky - it feals a bit like some of the silicon sealant you use around bathroom or window edges, I don't know if these wrist rest things use silicon gel inside or what.

Anyone got any idea of how best to clear it up without damaging the desk surface too much?

(I'm presuming it's non-toxic unless ingested!)

If the gel is silicone-based, you may try with hot water, or a hot damp cloth

dilwyn wrote:Anyone got any idea of how best to clear it up without damaging the desk surface too much?

What about using Cellotape? Some sticky things prefer sticking to the tape and leave the surface. If the desk is real wood you will probably have to feed it with polish to restore the lustre.

Alcohol will probably remove the stuff. In case it destroys the finish of your desk, Alcohol might help getting over it as well...

Seriously, I'd start with water and a light detergent (like soap), continue with alcohol and think again before I'd resort to stronger stuff.

WD-40 is supposed to be able to remove silicone sealant. I've never tried as I suspect it leaves the sink etc unable to adhete to new silicone. It's very good at getting sticky black mastic from carpets though -- and I've done that!

Cheers,
Norm.

Old aftershave is an effective cleaner too

vanpeebles wrote:Old aftershave is an effective cleaner too

But can render your office inhabitable for weeks!

True

Surgical Spirit is good for the sticky residue left by labels. It's meant for your skin, so the desk is probably reasonably safe.

Thanks everyone. I tried several of the suggestions with pretty good results.

Norman: I tried WD40 on a less obvious part of the desk and it damages the finish on this particular laminate. As does the cleaning alcohol, as my son found out when he tried it some time ago on a printer ink cartridge spillage. A little photo of the fading (on the bottom right of the pic) is attached. Not a problem, it's in an inconspicuous place.

I used the sticky tape to lift the worst of the gell, then finished cleaned off with hot soapy water, the combination seemed to work quite well.

Thank you everyone.