How to avoid stickiness of old wires?

Question

Electronics

For example, old headphones or usb cables, chargers.
1. How to clean the wire from stickiness? (rubbing does not always help)
2. How to avoid this in the future?

Answer 1

"Stickiness" is most likely the result of degradation of the (not the highest quality) plastic insulation, for example, the release of a plasticizer to the surface.
The best way to avoid this is to use better quality cables.
Store in a place that is not too hot and not in an airtight container.