Need tips for dealing with sticky counters

Inna22
Level 10
Chicago, IL

Need tips for dealing with sticky counters

At one of my properties some surfaces have become sticky- a granite counter top and a wood table. It is not a one time spill, we have been dealing with this for a couple of weeks now. We have tried soap and water, vinegar and regular cleaning supplies with no luck. Does anyone have any tips? Is it possible that varnish or sealant wore off and causing this? They feel dirty to the touch even though they are now more sterile than an operating room. 

8 Replies 8
Sarah977
Level 10
Sayulita, Mexico

@Inna22  I'm thinking guests sprayed some kind of disinfectant like Lysol, on the surfaces, that interacted with the sealers and made them gummy. It sounds like you might have to strip the finish off and reseal, which would be a PITA. Hope not. 

Branka-and-Silvia0
Level 10
Zagreb, Croatia

Try with oilpaint solvent

Querozene!!

@Loni56 @I will have to look that one up!

@Inna22  Translation: kerosene.

@Sarah977 @Loni56  isn’t it really stinky?

@Inna22 Yes. It will dissipate, but it takes time. It was an old remedy for head lice- worked great. 

 

I'd try some kind of fumeless paint thinner first. It will probably also take off any sealer finish as well, but I don't think you're going to be able to avoid that.

Kelly149
Level 10
Austin, TX

It’s all the disinfectant. Restaurant tables feel like this now. Yuck.