How do you remove Vaseline?

12 replies

qwertpoiuy · 30/12/2007 22:20

I made the mistake of leaving a tub of Vaseline on my daughter's bedside locker and returned later to find she had smeared it all over the wall behind her bed!
I've tried and tried to remove it but no success. Then I thought, there must be someone on Mumsnet this happened to.
If anybody knows how you can get rid of that horrible greasy film on her wall, I will be most greatful - and I don't care if it destroys the paintwork.

OP posts:

fingerwoman · 30/12/2007 22:27

try washing up liquid

Stepfordsroastingonanopenfire · 30/12/2007 22:28

I would attack it with washing-up liquid on a cloth. Have you tried that?

Original poster

qwertpoiuy · 30/12/2007 22:38

I have tried that, Stepford, but it didn't seem to do any good. The cloths became overpowered with Vaseline IYKWIM. But you've given me an idea, maybe washing-up liquid with a scrubbing brush and plenty of hot water. I'll try that tomorrow.
Thanks for your help!

OP posts:

VeniVidiVickiQV · 30/12/2007 22:39

wet wipes

colditz · 30/12/2007 22:39

Get the worst of it off with dry paper towels. Then attack it (without water) with Swarfega.

Clementine1 · 30/12/2007 22:40

No water - don't use water - just neat washing up liquid and rub it in to a paste then remove with a soft cloth. I don't know how much luck you will have thought getting rid of it totally - it will leave a greasemark.

Original poster

qwertpoiuy · 30/12/2007 22:48

Actually, Colditz, I'll try the swarfega! Thanks for that. Clementine, I don't hold out much hope in removing it entirely either!
Thanks again, all of you!

OP posts:

VeniVidiVickiQV · 30/12/2007 22:50

Seriously - wet wipes. Or something alcohol/ethanol based.

Stepfordsroastingonanopenfire · 30/12/2007 22:55

Nail varnish remover? Heaven knows what it might do to the wall, though. I use it for getting the glue off jam jars after the label's come off, so if you need something tough for vaseline it might work. Try it on an inconspicuous area first, if there is one!! Best try the wetwipes first though.

discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:56

WD40 might do it as Vasaline is just a prified form of petroleun.

discoverlife · 30/12/2007 22:57

Fat finger syndrome purified

Original poster

qwertpoiuy · 06/01/2008 10:02

VVVicki, you did it!!!! I only got around to finally tackling the wall a few minutes ago, armed with washing-up liquid and paper towels. Then I remembered your advise about the wet wipes, so I tried that first and it came off. And it only took 4 baby wipes!
I'm very ashamed to say it has been there for 2 years! Kim and Aggie would be disgusted with me. When reading a bedtime story to DD1, I'd have to remember not to lean back on the wall otherwise my hair would have a nice film of Vaseline.
Thanks again, to all of you for all your help! I'll know where to go next time I have a cleaning problem!

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