How To Clean Sticky Wooden Handrails

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Wooden handrails can develop a sticky texture–from dirty hands, body oils, and even the wrong cleaning products. Since the stair handrails are used nearly every time a person goes up or down, it's important to keep them clean and free of any texture that would cause a person to avoid them. Cleaning sticky residue off of the handrails is fairly simple, requiring only a few minutes of your time and a few inexpensive cleaning supplies.

Step 1

Wipe the handrails with baby wipes. These wipes are just as effective on sticky handrails as they are on children. Wipe in long, even strokes, applying pressure until the sticky residue has been removed. Use a new wipe as needed until the entire handrail has been cleaned.

Step 2

Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle if the baby wipes have not removed all the sticky residue. Twist the cap onto the bottle, and shake gently to combine ingredients. The vinegar solution is safe for both finished and unfinished wooden handrails.

Step 3

Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the handrail and wipe with a cleaning rag. Repeat as necessary until all residue has been removed.

Step 4

Wipe the handrails clean with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue or vinegar solution.