Vaseline is a product that’s been around for decades. This petroleum jelly-based ointment has become an effective way to heal and protect the skin, and it also has many other uses.
Vaseline is easy to use, but it can be difficult to remove if you don’t know how to get rid of it. Many people use Vaseline on various areas of their bodies, but they don’t know how to remove it when they’re done using it.
The good news is that there are a variety of ways to get rid of Vaseline. Here are the best methods for removing Vaseline from your skin, hair, clothes, and other materials such as plastic:
Does Vaseline Dissolve Plastic?
The Vaseline will not dissolve the plastic because of the nature of the material itself. The plastic is made up of chains of molecules connected together in long chains.
These chains are held together by chemical bonds and are very strong when they’re attached to each other. The strength of these bonds is what gives plastic its durability and strength.
The Vaseline will only make the plastic more slippery than it already was before you applied it because it has an oily texture which makes surfaces smoother and less likely to stick together.
This is why Vaseline is often used on door knobs to prevent them from getting stuck when people try to open them too quickly or forcefully.
Can Vaseline Dissolve Plastic?
The short answer is yes, vaseline can be removed from plastic. The first step is to clean the surface with soap and water before using any other method of removal.
After cleaning the surface with soap and water, you can use mineral oil or WD-40 lubricant to remove the Vaseline without damaging your plastic item.
How to Remove Vaseline from Plastic
Here are some of the best ways to remove vaseline from plastic.
Dishwashing Detergent and Warm Water
- The first thing you should do is wipe the plastic down with a dry cloth or paper towel. This will remove any excess Vaseline that has stuck to the plastic and prevent further damage from occurring.
- Mix some dishwashing detergent with warm water in a bowl, then apply the mixture onto the stained area of your plastic.
- Allow the mixture to sit on the surface for about 20 minutes or until most of it has been absorbed by the Vaseline.
- Wipe away any excess liquid with a clean cloth, then rinse off any residue with more warm water.
- If there are still some traces of Vaseline on your plastic after this step, repeat this process until they’ve been removed.
WD-40 Lubricant
Spray WD-40 lubricant onto a small piece of cloth and dab it onto the stains on your plastic. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before wiping away any excess lubricant from your surface.
If there are still some traces of Vaseline on your surface after this step, repeat this process until they’ve been removed completely.
Use Dawn Soap
If you have Dawn soap on hand, it will also work to remove the Vaseline from plastic. Apply some Dawn soap directly to the spot and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it off with a soft cloth or sponge.
Warm Water
This is one of the most popular methods for removing Vaseline from your body or clothing. All you have to do is run warm water over the area where you applied the Vaseline until all of it dissolves away.
Then wash as usual with soap and water or shampoo and conditioner if necessary.
Cold Water
If you have sensitive skin or just prefer cold water over warm water, then this method works well too! Just run cold water over the affected area until all traces of Vaseline are gone from your skin or clothing (if necessary).
Baking Soda and Water
You can remove the Vaseline with baking soda and water, but the oil can be difficult to wash off completely.
- Mix baking soda and water in a bowl until you have a paste.
- Apply the paste to the Vaseline-covered surface with a soft cloth or sponge. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Scrub the mixture off with another soft cloth or sponge, rinsing it often with warm water as you scrub.
- Wash your hands thoroughly when you’re finished cleaning up any remaining oils from the surface.
Does Vaseline Wash Off with Water?
Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that’s used to protect and moisturize the skin. It’s also a popular household product used as a lubricant and stain remover.
While Vaseline is safe for use on your skin, it can cause problems when it comes in contact with other surfaces.
If you’re wondering whether Vaseline washes off with water or dissolves in water, the answer is no.
Does Vinegar Dissolve Plastic?
Vinegar is made from fermented grapes or other fruits and contains acetic acid, which makes it an excellent cleaner for many types of spills and stains.
While vinegar can work wonders on your countertops and floors, it’s not always safe to use on plastic items.
Vinegar will erode the surface of plastic containers over time, but it won’t dissolve them completely, at least not right away.
Does Baking Soda Damage Plastic?
Baking soda is another household product that has many uses around the home, including cleaning.
You’ll find baking soda in your refrigerator door to absorb odors or mixed with vinegar as a scrubbing agent for cleaning dishes or glassware. While baking soda won’t damage most plastic.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Dissolve Plastic?
Hydrogen peroxide will not dissolve plastic. It is a colorless liquid that can be used to clean wounds and sterilize tools, but it is not a solvent for plastics.
Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Clean Plastic?
Baking soda is an acidic compound made from sodium bicarbonate. It acts as a mild abrasive when dissolved in water, which makes it useful as a household cleanser. Vinegar is an acidic liquid that contains acetic acid, making it another common household cleaner.
Both of these substances are effective at removing stains on clothing and countertops, but they are not strong enough to clean most plastics properly.
Can You Clean Plastic with Alcohol?
Yes, alcohol can be used to clean plastic as long as it does not contain any other chemicals that might damage the material or leave it sticky afterward.
The best type of alcohol for cleaning plastic is denatured alcohol because it does not contain water like rubbing alcohol does, which makes it better for cleaning electronics and other sensitive materials where water could cause problems.
