Will scrubbing a wooden coffee table with an sos pad ruin the table?

Question

My toddler likes to eat his cookies at the coffee table. I don't know if you've ever dealt with dried cookie, but it's harder to get off then glue!!! Anyways, I've been worried of ruining the table with hard substances, but soap and water, simple green, and the famous wood cleaner (I can't remember the name of it right now) doesn't even phase the cookie. Would the sos pad work, if not, is there anything that will work?? Thank you to anyone who can answer.

Answer 1

Yes, it will probably ruin the table. I have a toddler too, so I know what you mean. Get a rag and wet it with really hot water...don't wring it out all the way then let it sit on the dried cookie for awhile. That should soften it up enough to remove it with a sponge. Good luck! :)

Answer 2

By using a sos pad you will be taking the finish off the table that protects the wood. I would not advise this. It may take the cookie up, but it will also remove the finish, and cut the wood.

Instead I suggest what I would do with my children and still use with my grandchildren:

To get the dried cookie up you will need to soak with a damp rag. A warm rag is the best. Try to place the rag only on the cookie.

Let the cookie soak up the moisture and then you should be able to remove the dried cookie. I would try to remove with a spatula in one motion.

Now let the coffee table dry. Do not try to rub the spot. If you rub the wet spot you will run the finish of the top. After it has dried then use furniture polish to put moisture back into the wood.

My children also liked to eat at the coffee and end tables, I would make them a special spot to eat at by putting a place mat on the table for them to set their cookie and drink on. They now had their own special spot to eat.

Answer 3

If the table looks ruined from your point of view, I would use a scrubbing pad to get the dried cookies off. Then Id get someone to sand the table smooth and repaint the varnish. After its good as new, use a table cloth over contact paper so you wont have to worry about repeating the ritual.

Answer 4

Yes, using an SOS pad on a wooden coffee table will ruin it. If you try a scrubbing pad that is made of plastic (scrubber on one side, sponge on the other) should work and wont ruin your table. Good luck!!!

Answer 5

The SOS pad will abrade the finish and ruin your table. Try placing a moist dishcloth over the cookie residue and allowing it to soften the cookie so you can wipe it off. The finish might turn white, but it will become clear again after it dries thoroughly. Then, apply several coats of a good wood wax to the table, and that should make future clean-ups much easier.

Answer 6

Steel wool will not always ruin the table. In fact fine furniture finishers use 0000 steel wool to buff the final coats of finish. I would use it as a last resort because it is the equivalent of using a very fine sandpaper. Also you are best to go in the direction of the wood grain regardless of what cleaning method you use. My assumption is you have a fairly rugged poly urethane finish on this table otherwise a moist cloth could damage the finish too causing it to "bloom" That is the white ring effect one sees on older varnished furniture. If it is a last resort use steel wool with a light food grade finishing oil followed by a buffing with a soft cloth. Then I would agree with the glass cover. On the other hand if this not an heirloom type piece of furniture clean it however works and consider it distressed:>)

Answer 7

Okay, please do not take this wrong, but, the living room is no place for toddler snacks. That said, yes, SOS pads WILL scratch and ruin the surface, if your table is solid wood( or even any simulated wood surface, for that matter).

Afterall, SOS and Brillo are steel wool. I think the name of the wood cleaner you are referring to is "Murphy's Oil Soap".

As to a solution to your cookie mess, surely you should be able to lift it from the bottom up, rather rhan scrubbing from the top. Try softening it with vegetable oil first.

Best of luck

Answer 8

S.O.S. pads will ruin the table, it will take the finish off, and expose the wood to the air, and any chemicals you use to clean the table.
Try the Thompson's Wood soap and follow the directions. IN the meantime, get a table cloth or some place mats.

Answer 9

I don't what you guys are talking about...I think the important point here is that COOKIE!!!

Holy crap! A cookie that can meld itself to a table??? What the heck did they put in it, super glue? Simple Green doesn't phase it? Soap and water too???

If it were me, I would get one of those glass cover thingys that you put over cakes and stuff and put that thing on display! You could sell tickets!

Next, I would really look the kid over...if that cookie is sticking like that to the table, what the heck is it doing to the kids insides and teeth. I'll bet there is cookie stuck to his teeth somewhere! Call a dentist or a doctor!

Answer 10

I just found out that the Mr Clean Magic Eraser is the best thing to take off all kinds of crud around the house. I used it on and unfinished coffee table to get ink and crayon stains up and it didn't hurt it. I find that it kind of leaves a light residue, but you can clean it up with the wet cloth afterwards and polish and it looks fine afterward.