How to Get Fingerprints Off Porous Materials

Porous surfaces like wood have the ability to absorb moisture, unlike nonporous surfaces like metal and plastic. Furniture, handrails and even butcher-block countertops accumulate fingerprints from daily use. These marks can make the surfaces appear dull and dirty overtime if they are not cleaned to remove the fingerprints. Because porous surfaces can absorb cleaners, some types can damage the surface. Employ nonliquid materials to clean such surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Dust cloth
• Cornstarch
• Soft cleaning cloth

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Dust the surface of the nonporous with a dust cloth to remove any loose material on the surface.

   • 2

     Sprinkle cornstarch on the porous surface from which you are removing fingerprints.

   • 3

     Buff away the fingerprints with a soft cloth. Rub the cornstarch into the surface.

   • 4

     Brush off any excess cornstarch from the surface.