In this article, we will discuss the best way to remove super glue naturally. Removing super glue from any surfaces can be a quite tricky because it gets dried easily especially on a plastic surface. Super Glue is highly popular around the world due to its strength of bonding, its versatile nature, and easy application. Super glue indeed the first thing a craftsperson, hobbyists, and contractors choose when it comes to w a seal a whole or any crack needs repairing. It is so strong that some people may find that they have glued their fingers together. You don’t need to worry as its incredibly strong bonding has some weakness.
Best Ways to Remove Super Glue:
1.) Removing Super Glue from Skin
- Try Peeling it Off First
If the glue only sticks to your one finger then just peeling it off is enough to get rid of super glue. However, you need to go carefully and if you feel pain or skin start lifting off then stop immediately. You should wait for some time until the glue get dried into a thin, solid form and then attempt to peel it off. Remember not to touch it while it is still sticky. You can use the clean fingernails or tweezers to grasp the dried glue and slowly peel it away from the skin. Stop immediately if the glue resists or causes pain.
- Soak the Glue
You can use soapy water to loosen the glue from the hand. You need to fill a bowl with water prefer warm water and add about one tablespoon of mild soap. Now, soak the glued area for one minute and then attempt to peel the softened glue away.
- Use Acetone
Acetone is highly effective remedy to remove super glue out of the skin. This method works best for those with tougher skin. A person with sensitive skin may not use this as it can skin irritation and dryness. Please note that never apply acetone on an open wound.
You can simply use any acetone-based nail polish remover. Soak a cotton ball in remover and rub it on the super glue. The dried glue will immediately start peeling off. Now, allow it to air dry and then remove the glue.
- Try Margarine
For those, who have sensitive skin can use a little grease that might work better. You just need to rub a little margarine on the affected area repeatedly until the glue gently peeled away. In case you do not have margarine then you can use olive oil as it also works the same way. The grease is also effective remedy as it reacts with the glue to loosen the bond.
- Use Salt
A salt paste is considered as one of the effective ways to remove super glue. You can easily make a salt paste by adding some water. You have to put two or three tablespoons of salt in your hands. Now, put a small amount of water in the salt to turn it into a paste. Then simply rub the paste in the hand for about one minute. You will see the glue is peeling off from your skin.
2.) Removing Super Glue from Smooth Surfaces (Wood, Metal, Stone)
- Try Peeling the Glue From the Surface First
Before proceeding to some fancy technique you should give a chance to your fingertips or nails to do the trick. If you find that glue is rolling back with your fingertips then go ahead. If it is firmly stuck to the surface then you can try other methods.
Before directly attempting any remedy you should first spot test a solution on a hidden part of the material, it is important to make sure it won’t damage the surface. If the test clears and nothing happened then you are good to go.
- Soak the Area
Make a warm soap water mixture and dip a cloth in the mixture. Now, lay the cloth over the glue and allow it to sit for several hours. You need to keep the cloth moist so to do so you can cover the cloth with plastic wrap it will keep it moist. Now, try scraping away the glue again once it soft enough.
- Try Acetone Nail Polish Remover
You need to be extra careful while pulling the glue off a finished wood surface. There will always a risk of lifting the surface off with the glue, so some subtlety is required. The concentrated acetone can even damage some stone and metal surfaces so you need to be careful. Dip a cleaning cloth into acetone or any nail polish remover. Now, by using a brush just make scrap away the glue.
- Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be really effective in removing super glue if you don’t have acetone nail polish remover. You just need to apply the glue in a similar way as you did in acetone. Do not use an excess of lemon juice on the surface as it is corrosive in nature. Simply, apply a small amount of lemon juice to the glue and scrap away using a dedicated toothbrush. Now, using the brush, work the lemon juice around in circles over the super glue until the adhesive starts to lift. Alternatively, you can use the rubbing alcohol in a similar fashion to remove super glue.
- Sand Glue off Wood
Sanding is one of the most effective methods to remove super glue fast and naturally. By simply, sanding the area you can get rid of glue quickly. Before you proceed to sand process, place a masking tape around the super glue stain to protect the areas around it. Then, simply sand over the glue until it lifts. Now, restore the sanded area with mineral oil, varnish or paint.
3.) Removing Super Glue from Fabric
- Flush the Clothing with Warm Water First
To remove supple glue from the fabric need a different technique. You should try to remove as much of the super glue as possible just by rubbing. It is pretty obvious that you should not rub any delicate fabric as rubbing or scrubbing may damage the fibers. You can use a concentrated solution of heavy-duty liquid detergent to make a rubbing solution. About two tablespoons (30ml) of liquid detergent should work fine.
- Use Acetone on Natural Fabrics
Acetone can be very effective in removing super glue from natural fabrics. Simply dampen a cloth, an old toothbrush with acetone and rub the super glue stain to lift it up. Use a blunt knife or spatula to scrape the glue off and then wash the clothing as usual. Before using acetone on the fabric you should pre-treat the stain with warm water. Do not use acetone that contains acetate or acetate variations as they can melt your clothing.
4.) Removing Super Glue from Plastic
- Try Rubbing and Rolling It Off
Use your fingernails to attempt to lift up the ends of the glue stain. Once you find that super glue is coming off the surface, keep working at the stain and then attempt to roll it back off the plastic object. This method may take a little effort but it can be one of the best approaches to remove super glue easily. You can also use a knife or plastic spatula to help the scrape off the glue without scratching the plastic surface.
- Dampen the Glue
To dampen the glue you need to make up a solution of warm, soapy water. It is recommended to use a gentle dish washing detergent. Dip a cloth into the soapy water and then drench it. Wring out excess solution so that it’s just damp. Lay the cloth over the super glue stain. Now, tape a layer of kitchen plastic wrap over the cloth to create a humid micro-environment. Now, leave it there for several hours to allow it work properly. The damp will moisten the super glue, causing it to soften a lot. After that, you just need to scrape off the super glue from the plastic and you are done.
- Use Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is considered as the most effective ingredient to remove super glue naturally. Please note that this method may damage some delicate surfaces, so it is better to do a spot test before proceeding to use it. Dampen a soft cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol. Now, dab the cloth on the super glue stain to soften it. Try to pick the glue while dabbing it. Finally, wash with clean warm water to finish. Let it air dry.
