Old Simple Touch - Sticky Plastic

astrangerhere · 03-29-2021, 02:35 PM

I am trying to clean up some of my old devices to see if I can donate them to the Children's hospital here. I have two old Nook Simple Touch readers that are in great condition.... except that the plastic feels sticky. Most solutions to cleaning sticky plastic involve baking soda and I would rather not risk damaging the device. Anyone got any good ideas on how to clean the sticky backs?

DNSB · 03-29-2021, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrangerhere

I am trying to clean up some of my old devices to see if I can donate them to the Children's hospital here. I have two old Nook Simple Touch readers that are in great condition.... except that the plastic feels sticky. Most solutions to cleaning sticky plastic involve baking soda and I would rather not risk damaging the device. Anyone got any good ideas on how to clean the sticky backs?

Last time I was cleaning up an external DVD drive, I used hand sanitizer (Purell) and a coarse towel. Put a few drops on, cleaned the area, repeat over entire plastic surface.

John F · 03-29-2021, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrangerhere

I am trying to clean up some of my old devices to see if I can donate them to the Children's hospital here. I have two old Nook Simple Touch readers that are in great condition.... except that the plastic feels sticky. Most solutions to cleaning sticky plastic involve baking soda and I would rather not risk damaging the device. Anyone got any good ideas on how to clean the sticky backs?

I don't know about cleaning it, but maybe just use a little talcum powder to get rid of the stickiness. But if you are donating it it may not be the solution.

DNSB · 03-29-2021, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John F

I don't know about cleaning it, but maybe just use a little talcum powder to get rid of the stickiness. But if you are donating it it may not be the solution.

I tried talcum powder once. About a week later, the plastic was just as sticky. If I was selling cheap with a no refunds, no returns, I might try talcum again.

rcentros · 03-30-2021, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrangerhere

...I have two old Nook Simple Touch readers that are in great condition.... except that the plastic feels sticky. Most solutions to cleaning sticky plastic involve baking soda and I would rather not risk damaging the device. Anyone got any good ideas on how to clean the sticky backs?

I wouldn't use baking soda. I've got a Nook Simple Touch with the same issue. I found that it's very, very easy to gouge it with anything that scrubs. I don't have a good solution, except find a a decent case that covers most of the surfaces. (Probably not what you want to do for an item you would like to donate.) I also have an Astak EZReader Pocket Pro with the exact same issue. It's frustrating because it's in great condition otherwise. And its battery life is still amazing.

Tuneraider · 03-30-2021, 06:00 AM

If you haven't already I would try rubbing alcohol plus it would be a good disinfectant.

John F · 03-30-2021, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNSB

I tried talcum powder once. About a week later, the plastic was just as sticky. If I was selling cheap with a no refunds, no returns, I might try talcum again.

I had an old digital camera where the grips got very sticky. Talcum solved the problem, but I used a lot of talcum it wasn't pretty, and I wasn't picky.

ZodWallop · 03-30-2021, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcentros

I wouldn't use baking soda. I've got a Nook Simple Touch with the same issue.

Mine never got sticky. I keep them in the neoprene zip pouches B&N used to sell when the Nook STs were new. I wonder if that is what kept them from getting sticky?

(Sorry I don't have a solution for you. It just got me to wondering...)

DNSB · 03-30-2021, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuneraider

If you haven't already I would try rubbing alcohol plus it would be a good disinfectant.

Pretty much what Purell is made from. Purell is more of a gel so it doesn't tend to run all over the place.

astrangerhere · 03-30-2021, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

Mine never got sticky. I keep them in the neoprene zip pouches B&N used to sell when the Nook STs were new. I wonder if that is what kept them from getting sticky?

(Sorry I don't have a solution for you. It just got me to wondering...)

No, this one has always been stored in the same neoprene case. Branded and everything.

rem736 · 04-01-2021, 08:07 PM

this rubbery/plastic material was/is used in a lot of consumer electronics. i had a router that had the same issue. it takes years to deteriorate to the sticky state it's in. and from what i can tell, it's the temperature that determines the level of deterioration. the higher the temperature, the faster it gets sticky. my router sat in a second story room of a house that experiences summers in the mid 80s to 90s (fahrenheit) in the afternoons and sat there for years.

i used a cleaner called "goo gone" to remove the sticky residue (smells like nail polish remover or paint thinner). but i also hear there's a home-made concoction of backing soda and coconut oil that would work.

ZodWallop · 04-01-2021, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astrangerhere

No, this one has always been stored in the same neoprene case. Branded and everything.

Now you've got me nervous

I had to go into the office yesterday. First time in months. My Microsoft Arc mouse felt very sticky. I wiped it down with a damp paper towel and that seemed to help.

Fun fact, when I flatten the mouse, it reminds me of the phasers from Star Trek: TNG.

03-29-2021, 02:35 PM	#1
astrangerhere Professor of Law Posts: 3,747 Karma: 68428716 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Chapel Hill, NC Device: Kobo Elipsa, Kobo Libra H20, Kobo Aura One, KoboMini	Old Simple Touch - Sticky Plastic I am trying to clean up some of my old devices to see if I can donate them to the Children's hospital here. I have two old Nook Simple Touch readers that are in great condition.... except that the plastic feels sticky. Most solutions to cleaning sticky plastic involve baking soda and I would rather not risk damaging the device. Anyone got any good ideas on how to clean the sticky backs?

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03-30-2021, 06:00 AM	#6
Tuneraider Connoisseur Posts: 50 Karma: 483062 Join Date: Dec 2018 Device: Kobo, Kindle, Tolino, Nook	If you haven't already I would try rubbing alcohol plus it would be a good disinfectant.

04-01-2021, 08:07 PM	#11
rem736 purpose priority passion Posts: 645 Karma: 9002000 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: socal, usa Device: sony prs-350, b&n ngp, rM2, kindle scribe, boox poke5	this rubbery/plastic material was/is used in a lot of consumer electronics. i had a router that had the same issue. it takes years to deteriorate to the sticky state it's in. and from what i can tell, it's the temperature that determines the level of deterioration. the higher the temperature, the faster it gets sticky. my router sat in a second story room of a house that experiences summers in the mid 80s to 90s (fahrenheit) in the afternoons and sat there for years. i used a cleaner called "goo gone" to remove the sticky residue (smells like nail polish remover or paint thinner). but i also hear there's a home-made concoction of backing soda and coconut oil that would work.

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