topic Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery) in Garden

Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

bonnielu — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 03:36:37 GMT

I have two white plastic like boxes on a pole on the end of my driveway near my black mailbox. The boxes are under pine trees. Needless to say I am trying to clean them and take off lots of residue which have covered them with a brown coating. I have tried soap and water, ammonia sprays, you name it. The stuff is stuck and I don't think the newpaper carrier will replace them.

Anyone have a name of a cleaner or solvent that can make the boxes return to CLEAN and look white again?

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

Desertdi — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 04:07:05 GMT

Anything strong enough to disolve the pine tar will probably ruin the plastic. You could ask at the hardware store for ideas............

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

wismiss — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 04:10:11 GMT

I am wondering if a Mr. Clean eraser would remove the substance. Of, if that doesn't work and the substance is sticky, maybe some Goo Gone. Rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, deep Woods Off, WD-40 followed by a rinse of water with vinegar solution, and non-diluted Murphy's Oil Soap are also possible solutions. Most of them need to be applied liberally and then allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes to soften the sap.

Good luck!

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

betteb — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 04:12:48 GMT

I think I try might coating them with Dawn dish soap and letting it sit there for a couple of hours.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

Sweetbay magnolia — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 04:13:31 GMT

I would just accept it. I would love to have my paper delivered into a box (ours gets tossed at the end of the driveway and it's not always dry).

If the pine trees are healthy, you're doubly blessed.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

JustJazzmom — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 04:57:13 GMT

Pine tar? I use rubbing alcohol to remove pine resin off my hands. Try it on a small spot on the box and see if it works.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

bonnielu — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 05:23:59 GMT

Thanks everyone. Yes, healthy pine trees. Beautiful, yes, but a mess this time of the year when they shed like my two long haired chihuahuas.

I will try all the suggestions. If I end up with no mailbox they I guess I will have to call and beg the distributor to install two more... not sure I will get any attention or any help.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

Kachina624 — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 05:34:11 GMT

Paint thinner.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

wismiss — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 08:38:21 GMT

bonnielu: I was also thinking that if you found something that did clean the mailboxes, I would cover them with clear plastic that is thicker than saran wrap or something like that. I would think a hardware store or home improvement store would have something like that. Wrap it around, tape it on the bottom, and then when the sap running season is over, just remove it.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

paShar — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 19:45:47 GMT

Can you call the newspaper and just ask them to replace the boxes?

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

RedTop — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 20:01:41 GMT

My vote would be Dawn or Greased Lightening.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

ChynnaBlue — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 20:37:56 GMT

Have you tried Goo Gone? You should always test an area first because it can melt some types of plastic, but I swear by the stuff.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

ValuSkr — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 20:41:38 GMT

Try OxiClean (the powder) or Tide Oxi (also a powder; you mix with water). It works to clean many. many things around and outside the house.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

bonnielu — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 20:56:25 GMT

I don't think sandblasting will fix these tube boxes. I called my local paper and the person who delivers also delivers the not so local paper. One person, two different companies. They noted my account and said they might be able to replace both boxes. These boxes are over 40 years old. I think they can spring for two new boxes. I will wait and see and then I will continue trying to clean them.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

K9buddy — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:09:59 GMT

Try rubbing either vegetable or olive oil on it.

Re: Cleaning a newspaper box (rural delivery)

Drythe — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:23:42 GMT

Spray paint?