How to Remove Glue

There are many types of glue and a few different ways to remove them.

How to remove super glue:

This category contains products with a base called a cyanoacrylate. That’s the stuff that makes up super glue, Krazy Glue, Rhino Glue, Mister Glue, most Loctite products, Miracle Glue, Max One and numerous others – it is what makes it sticky.

First off, one needs to know how to get this stuff off the skin. More people stick their fingers together with cyanoacrylates at some point or another and it can tear the skin if you are not careful. If you get your fingers stuck together most of the time you can gently peel them back. Do not try and just pull them directly away from each other. Acetone will work very well. You can get this in a hardware store or often some pharmacies will carry it. Most nail polish remover is made of this if you want to purchase a smaller amount. I don’t like using acetone

too much on my skin if I don’t have to so will use soap and water. The skin oils will gradually slough off the super glue but putting your fingers in a sink of warm, soapy water will certainly speed up the process.

Getting these instant glues off clothing or fabric is a little trickier. Acetone will damage many fabrics so is not the best thing to use. One trick which will work for many types of instant glue is to freeze it. It becomes brittle and then you can break it off. A piece of clothing can be put in the freezer. On furniture or a carpet try some ice cubes in a plastic sandwich bag. Hold it against the spot. Even once off the fabric may continue to remain stained.

The best thing with glue is prevention. That is tricky to do with hands but as noted above it is not that difficult to get off.

If you get any sort of instant glue or super glue type product in the eyes, seek medical attention. Petroleum Jelly or K-Y jelly can help to open the eye that has been stuck together.

How to remove Carpenter’s Glue or White Glue:

For White Glue on clothing or upholstery use a mixture of water, vinegar and mild dish soap. Let it soak in then mop it up with a sponge. Any stains can be left over can usually be removed with a bit of rubbing alcohol. The same would be done for Yellow Glue and other water based glues. As this removal application is very mild it can be used for almost any surface including clothing and skin.

How to Remove Adhesive Tape Glue:

Tape is used on many surfaces and often leaves a sticky mess. One cannot always use acetone as it will damage many materials. Always test with acetone and commercial adhesive removers. Find a spot that is not terribly exposed and make sure it will not damage or alter the material. In many cases where you cannot uses acetone try oils or petroleum jelly. Whatever you use you may have to allow the ‘solvent’ to soak in then scrape it off with a metal scraper.

How to remove wallpaper glue:

The same steamer that you use to take the paper off the wall should be able to remove the glue. Liquid fabric softer in a spray bottle can also work. Spray it on, let it soak in and then gently scrape it off.

How to remove glue from marble and other porous stone:

As you don’t want to make it worse do not try and wipe the glue. This will just spread it. Use a clean cloth (not tissue) to dab it. Use some mild soap and water to start. This should remove at least some of it. Other things you can try are talcum powder – sprinkle it on and let absorb the glue.

A mild oil like vegetable oil can be used to soak into the glue then dabbed up. If you try a commercial glue remover make sure that you test it on an unexposed area first to make sure that it is not going to damage the surface of the marble or stone.

How to remove flooring glue:

This is usually best done with a heat gun and some muscle. Warm it up with a heat gun then scrape it off with a good solid scraper.

Care when using glue removers:

When you are using some of the more ‘toxic’ remedies such as acetone and some of the commercial glue removers make sure that you are using these products in a well ventilated area.