Freesound Forums
Sticky Zoom H1
Started January 26th, 2025 · 11 replies · Latest reply by gedet33 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Today when I took my H1 it was sticky/smudgy 
I have had it in a plastic bag together with patch cables for my modular.
There must have been some sort of reaction?!
What should I do?
I searched "sticky plastic", but in Swedish. One tip was vegetable oil.
I lubricated the battery cover with olive oil. I leave it with oil over the night.
hmm maybe your device (h1) experienced a reaction that caused its plastic surface to become sticky. This can happen due to chemical interactions between certain plastics, coatings, and environmental factors like heat or exposure to certain substances, you should clean off the sticky residue, leaving olive oil on the sticky surface overnight is a good first step. Oils can help break down sticky residues. After letting it sit:
Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently wipe off the oil and residue.
If it's still sticky, reapply a small amount of oil and repeat the process.
If olive oil doesn’t work, you can try vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even baby oil.
Once the sticky residue is softened or removed, clean the surface with a mild soap solution, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the soapy water and gently clean the surface.
Rinse with a damp cloth (water only) and dry thoroughly. If oil alone doesn’t fully resolve the issue, isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) can help dissolve the sticky coating, dampen a cloth or cotton pad with the alcohol and gently rub the sticky areas.
Avoid soaking the surface, as alcohol can sometimes damage certain finishes.
Wipe the area with a damp cloth afterward and dry. Keep your H1 in a separate case or bag away from other materials like patch cables or plastic components, as certain plastics can degrade when stored together.
Store your H1 in a cool, dry place to avoid heat-induced reactions. If the stickiness persists or worsens, it could indicate the plastic is breaking down over time. Unfortunately, in such cases, there's no full reversal, but keeping it clean and protected can slow further degradation.
Unfortunately, nowadays, plastics seem to degrade way faster than before.
More ecological materials ? Or just less durable tools that you’ll have to replace more often to run the business ? hummm.....
Luamoon’s ideas look to be a good starting point !
Hope you could solve your problem ! 
Wishing you all the best !
Kevin
Sticky H1 report.
I think oliv oil did it. Today I cleaned the battery cover with dish soap and a sponge. Seem to work.
As I'm male, and in a certain age, I just had to try white spirit (lacknafta in Swedish) and degreaser (made for cars). Nope. Olive oil wins.
Right now my H1 is resting. Well lubricated. Tomorrow I have wash my H1. Then I guess it's a good idea to let it dry for some days. I hope it works!
Science is crazy 
Now I cleaned the H1 and I will let it dry.
It's not perfect. Still I can feel some stickiness.
But much better.
I hope it works after this treatment 😬
Final report.
Anti-sticky-treatment was 93% success.
I treated my H1 with a "YOUSHARES Zoom H1 windjammer".
Bought the windjammer via Amazon (EUR 8,64).
Made a little field-recording. Just to celebrate.
https://freesound.org/people/gis_sweden/sounds/786906/
Conclusion. If you have something made of plastic that has got sticky. Olive oil is one possible solution. Lubricate with olive oil. Let the item rest over night. Then washing with sponge and dish soap.