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Use Isopropyl alcohol to remove the sticky rubber residue on old computer peripherals and other gadgets. The once smooth grippy surface reverts over time to its natural liquid state, much like it was when it came out of the rubber tree. I don't have a solution which leaves the rubber coating in place - if you've got any ideas, please add them to the comments.
A blog post on reversion:
https://www.polymersolutions.com/blog/stickiness-insulting-reality-rubber-reversion/

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

16 thoughts on “Removing sticky rubber from gadgets”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sound Man says:

    every time I get a piece of music equipment out of storage it’s sticky and disgusting. The only thing that’s ever worked for me has been iso alcohol. I kind of thought I was going crazy. This video was quite a releaf I must say.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Seeto says:

    I found that Mineral Turps has removed the stickiness of my lap tops, digital recorders and go pro accessories…

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Laraine Bentley says:

    I have a travel hairdryer that has gone sticky on the handle and nozzle. I will give this a try

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RMFX says:

    I rue the day that electronics makers had the secret meeting where they decided that everything must have a coating of silicone on it, so people would throw their functioning devices out when they became disgusting.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Fuddley Butter says:

    Just pulled out my old film camera and it was all sticky, saw this video, 30sec with some isopropyl and it's sorted! Thanks!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars oldtrkdrvr says:

    I have a problem with rubber on old laptops like the IBM 600x. I have used a paint scraper on them, but it snarfs up the case pretty bad. Hope this works.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars vidge123 says:

    i scrubbed with 0000 steel wool and 91% alcohol…THE OOOO STEEL WOOL DID THE TRICK!!!!!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Laurent D'Hondt says:

    thanks for identifying the problem i was researching :), didn't even know what SRS was, but several of my appliances started suffering from it

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars immrnoidall says:

    My Asus ROG G73JH Laptop top cover and the touch pad area ,has this rubber stuff and it began getting gross in just a couple years. Now it's REALLY gross. I can't wait to try this cleanup .And I have some other power tools that are grossed out too. One is a drill like yours ,but it's RYOBI. It seems like there are a few knock-off's of that drill because I also have a knock-off but it's bit different from yours. i had to do a little modification for the battery to lock in good but it works .

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Milli says:

    Just 70% ALCOHOL, it removed all the stickiness from my silicone speakers

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Foughty says:

    Don't ask us about solutions you posted the video tell us the solution.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alpha Omega Music School says:

    Are you getting paid by the second? 7 minutes just to say use alcohol.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg's Channel says:

    It's not a joystick anymore, it's a joysticky 😂

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars murderdogg says:

    I am going to talk to an organic chemist at a Swiss research facility today about just this topic. I want to develop a product, a wet wipe that will rebind all the broken polymer chains.
    If you in your infinite wisdom have any new ideas. I would be tickeled to hear them.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars alan blake says:

    If appearance is less important, try spreading superglue to coat the entire surface. Use a lint free cloth to avoid adding dust spots from cloth fibres. This also works well for sealing wooden objects exposed to moistuere, eg. knife handles. Hobby stores sell a seeping super-glue, to increase penetration.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dm Robby says:

    You can use bicarb soda and water to clean sticky rubber. Just be careful to not get it into the electrical components.
    Make a pretty liquidy paste with bicarb and water, scrub it, and then clean off with a little water. Tape off the parts you don't want water to get into

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