Help I'm in trouble

Nov 21, 2003 6 Replies

How do you remove hard dried danish oil from plastic and stainless steel?



Is ther any substance I can use to break it down again.



I oiled a bowl in our utility room and didn't realise that some had dripped onto the SS sink /drainer and the washing machine.



Please advise even if its only a guess as I'm in deep trouble with the wife!



Thanks



Mike.


Should peel off with a fingernail.

Else, hard plastic edge, followed by a mild abrasive.

Mike, If the dryer is also stainless, you should be able to remove the Danish oil with lacquer thinner. If the dryer is baked enamel, lacquer thinner may work, but I'd try it on an out of sight side panel first to make sure you're not going to take the dryer finish along with the oil stain. That would make you a lot deeper in trouble if that happened. When you're in deep trouble, you need to quit digging! {:- )

Ken Moon Webberville, TX.

I don't know about danish oil specifically, but as a biker with plenty of experience of cleaning caked on oil off all sorts of surfaces I would recommend either paraffin or turps/white spirit. Paraffin is usually more effective and won't scratch unlike an abraisive. It that fails then go for petrol, it is harsher and can mark some surfaces, so use with caution.

My first choice would be "Simple Green" cleaner. If that didn't work I would start using various solvents, TESTING EACH FIRST ON AN INCONSPICUOUS AREA, starting with the one least likely to cause damage and working up to stronger solvents until removed. Progression would run something like mineral oil, naphtha, paint thinner, alcohol, lacquer thinner.

-- Jack Novak Buffalo, NY - USA (Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)

A lot of household items are pretty good solvents. Make sure that you test them in a hidden area first, in case they are too good. Vinegar is (very) dilute acetic acid. Fingernail polish remover is either acetone or ethyl acetate. Paint thinners often have toluene, turpentine or other solvents.

David

What are those appliances doing in your workshop anyway?

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required