Super Glue (cyanoacrylate), a registered trademark that has become a portmanteau for all glues that dry quickly, is known to glue in seconds anything and everything, whether it is fingers or objects. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to remove Super Glue from places where it shouldn't be.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Remove Super Glue from the skin
Step 1. First try to peel it off
This is often enough to remove the Super Glue, especially if it only sticks to one finger and does not stick 2 fingers together. However, be careful and if it hurts or your skin comes off along with the glue, stop immediately.
- Wait for the glue to solidify or thin out before trying to remove it. Don't touch anything while it's still sticky.
- Using your fingernails or clean tweezers, grab the dry glue around the edges and slowly pull it away from your skin. Stop if the glue resists or if you feel pain.
Step 2. Dip the glue
Hot soapy water is enough to loosen the glue from your hand. Fill a bowl with hot water and add 1 tablespoon of mild soap. Soak the area covered in Super Glue for 30 to 60 seconds, then try to remove the softened glue.
- If you can't remove the glue, run another finger, spatula, or spoon over the skin to loosen it.
- Note that it may take several tries before you can loosen the glue.
- You can also use lemon juice instead of water or a mixture made from one part lemon juice and one part water. The acid in the juice will help loosen the Super Glue.
Step 3. Get some mineral spirits
If you have sensitive skin, moisten the affected area with mineral spirits. Then try to remove the glue. Repeat this process until you have removed all the glue.
Step 4. Use acetone
This method is perfect for people with rough skin type. Those with sensitive skin will find this method irritating. It can also make the skin dry. Never apply acetone to open wounds.
- Soak the skin in hot, soapy water as soon as possible. The glue will soften. If that doesn't work, pat your skin dry and move on to the next step.
- Use an acetone-based nail polish remover. The remover must contain acetone because acetone softens the cyanoacrylate. Rub it on the area to be treated and the glue will start to come off. Do not use cotton swab, as it can react with cyanoacrylate (and release inflammation or ignite).
- Let your skin dry, then use an emery board to remove the glue. Be careful not to remove too much skin. If there is a lot of it on your hands, rub the glue on a pumice stone by soaking the area to be treated in hot water.
- Let your skin peel on its own. It will turn white, but you do not risk anything and it will return to normal without any intervention on your part.
Step 5. Try the margarine
If you have sensitive skin, a little bit of fat will be more effective. Rub a little margarine several times over the area to be treated to loosen the glue.
If you don't have margarine, olive oil will work just as well. The grease will loosen the glue
Step 6. Use laundry detergent
Mix liquid laundry detergent (any brand) and hot water. If you are trying to remove glue from a small area (like your fingers), ¼ cup of detergent mixed with hot water in a cup of coffee will suffice.
Rub and let soak for about 20 minutes to loosen the thick layer of glue
Step 7. Use salt
A paste made from salt and water will be abrasive enough to loosen the glue. Pour 2 tablespoons of salt (30 ml) into your hands.
- Pour a little water on the salt to obtain a paste.
- Rub the paste in your hand for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Rinse it off with a little water.
- Keep rubbing without adding water.
- Repeat until the salt is gone. Hopefully the Super Glue will come off.
Step 8. Use Vaseline
Wash your hands and the area to be treated with warm, soapy water.
- Liberally pour Vaseline on the area to be treated.
- Rub the area to be treated with a nail file for a minute or until the glue comes off.
- Repeat, then dry your hands.
Method 2 of 7: Remove Super Glue from the eyes
Step 1. Moisten your stuck eyelids with warm water
Dip a very soft cloth in warm water and lightly moisten your eyelids. Wash them off then apply a compress and be patient. After 1 or 4 days, your eyelid will open naturally.
Don't force your eyelids to open. Give them time to heal
Step 2. Let your tears flow
Let your tears flow if the Super Glue has leaked into your eyeball. The glue will come off the protein in the eye within hours, and the tears will aid the process. Nothing prevents you from washing your eyes with hot water as long as it does not bother you or the patient.
You may see double. Rest in a safe place until the glue comes off and your eyes are clean
Step 3. See a doctor
It is advisable to go to a doctor if Super Glue has leaked near or in your eyes. The eye area is very delicate and must be examined by a professional to be sure that there will be no lasting repercussions. Explain what happened and have them examine your eyes to make sure everything is back to normal.
Method 3 of 7: Remove Super Glue from the lips
Step 1. Act quickly
If your lips get stuck together from the Super Glue, that's no laughing matter.
Step 2. Fill a small bowl with hot water
Dip your lips in the bowl and immerse as much of the surface as possible. Leave to soak for 1 or 2 minutes.
Step 3. Allow saliva to collect in your mouth
Push the saliva against your lips from the inside.
The saliva will moisten and soften the glue from the inside while the hot water works from the outside
Step 4. Gently part your lips
Gently part or roll your lips. Wait until all sides are completely wet before you jump in and don't shoot! You risk damaging your lips.
Part your lips while keeping them submerged in hot water. Hopefully, they will start to pull away from each other
Step 5. Eat and drink as usual
Your saliva will loosen the remains of Super Glue, but do not swallow it. Spit them out instead.
- Don't be afraid to ingest it, as the glue solidifies on contact with saliva.
- The remaining glue should come off after 1 or 2 days.
Method 4 of 7: Remove Super Glue from smooth surfaces (wood, metal, stone)
Step 1. Try to loosen the Super Glue
First try to loosen the Super Glue from the surface. Use your fingertips or fingernails and see if the glue comes off without forcing. If so, your problem is resolved. Otherwise, go to the next step.
- These solutions work for most smooth surfaces like wood, metal and stone. However, do not use it on glass or plastic.
- Always test on an invisible part of the material to be sure there is no risk. This is especially important if you are using something abrasive or corrosive like acetone. If the test is successful, go for it.
Step 2. Soak the area to be treated
Pour dishwashing liquid into hot water and then dip a cloth in the mixture. Run the cloth over the glue and let dry for a few hours.
- You may need to cover the fabric with plastic wrap to keep it moist.
- Scrape off the glue once it softens.
Step 3. Try nail polish remover
Try acetone remover. By pulling on the Super Glue, you can damage the surface of the wood and therefore delicacy is required. Acetone can also damage some stone and metal surfaces if you're not careful.
- Soak a rag in acetone or nail polish remover. You also have the option of using a toothbrush, but just make sure no one else is using it afterwards to brush their teeth!
- Run the wet end of the cloth over the Super Glue. For small areas, run your finger behind the cloth and use it to rub the glue trail in circular motions. For large stains, make sure all of the cloth comes in contact with the surface.
- Use a rubber or silicone spatula to loosen the Super Glue. Hopefully the acetone will loosen the edges of the glue and you can run the spatula underneath to remove it completely.
- Wash the treated area with hot soapy water to remove the acetone. For furniture, polish with wax or olive oil.
Step 4. Use lemon juice
If you don't have acetone remover or are looking for a less aggressive solution, use lemon juice. Apply lemon juice to the glue in the same way.
- Apply some lemon juice to the glue using an old toothbrush that you use for household stains. Using the brush, apply the juice in circular motions on the glue until it begins to come off.
- Likewise, you will get the same result with isopropyl alcohol.
Step 5. Try mineral oil
This solution is effective as long as the surface is not painted. Dip a rag in the oil and rub the glue stain until it comes off. Clean off the oil with hot soapy water and buff.
This solution is even more effective on unpainted wooden surfaces
Step 6. Use sandpaper
In some cases, the most effective solution is to wipe the surface with sandpaper. Place masking tape around the glue stain to protect the rest of the surface. Then, rub it with sandpaper until it comes off. Repair the sanded area with oil, varnish or paint, regardless of the original wood finish.
Method 5 of 7: Remove Super Glue from Tissues
Step 1. Rinse the garment
Rinse the garment beforehand with hot water. Rub the stain to remove as much glue as possible.
- Of course, use common sense not to damage very delicate fabrics. Brushing and rubbing can damage their fibers.
- Pour strong liquid detergent into the water for a more effective solution. 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of detergent should do the trick.
Step 2. Use acetone
Use acetone on natural fabrics. Wet the garment, clean an old toothbrush with acetone, and rub the glue stain to loosen it. Scrape off the Super Glue with a dull blade or spatula, then wash the garment as usual. You can also pretreat the stain if that's what you normally do before washing.
- Do not use acetone on clothing that contains acetate or acetate derivatives, as the fabric may melt.
- Always test an invisible part of the fabric before starting.
- Be aware that acetone may dull the color of the fabric under the Super Glue stain.
Step 3. Send your expensive clothes to a dry cleaner
If the garment is expensive or if you cannot remove the glue yourself, consult a professional. Prevention is better than cure.
Method 6 of 7: Remove Super Glue from the plastic
Step 1. Rub
Rub the glue and roll it into a ball. Use your fingernails to loosen the edges of the glue stain. Once a little bit has come off, go ahead and roll the Super Glue over the plastic object. It will take a bit of effort, but it's definitely the best approach.
You can also use a plastic spatula or knife to loosen the glue without damaging the surface
Step 2. Dampen the glue
Prepare a solution of hot, soapy water. Use a mild liquid detergent.
- Dip a rag or paper towel in the soapy water. Twist it so that it is just damp.
- Lay the rag or paper towel over the glue stain. Tape kitchen cellophane wrap over the rag or towel to create a moist microenvironment. Leave to rest for a few hours. The damp cloth or towel will moisten the Super Glue and soften it sufficiently.
- Use a warm, soapy cloth to loosen as much of the glue as possible after a few hours. Dab the surface until the Super Glue attaches to the cloth.
Step 3. Use isopropyl alcohol
Be aware that this method can damage some surfaces and it is therefore preferable to do a test on an invisible part before you start.
- Pour alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) onto a soft cloth.
- Dab it on the glue stain to soften it.
- Pull on the softened glue to try and remove as much of it as possible.
- Use a clean cloth dampened with soapy water to loosen any glue residue.
- Finally, wash with clean hot water and allow to dry.
Method 7 of 7: Remove Super Glue from the glass
Step 1. Use a sharp blade
Try to remove as much glue as possible with a sharp blade. A razor blade is sufficient and does not risk damaging the glass. If you are trying to remove the glue with this method, simply wash off the Super Glue residue with warm soapy water, rinse and then allow to dry.
Step 2. Soak the stain
If you cannot loosen the glue, soak it in hot water and try again.
- Place the glass object in a good soapy hot water. If this is not possible, simply soak a cloth in hot, soapy water and place it on top of the glue stain.
- Tape a piece of kitchen cellophane wrap around the fabric. Let sit for 1 or 2 hours to soften the glue. Then loosen the softened glue with a blade or spatula.
- Isopropyl alcohol, eucalyptus oil or acetone can be used to loosen glue residue. Wash the glass and polish it if necessary.
Advice
- Some brand name products, such as citrus-based cleaners, loosen Super Glue from many surfaces. Commercial products for removing Super Glue are also available in some stores. Read their instructions for use to know the materials on which they can be used.
- Acetone is often used in solvents. Check the label, as this is not always the case, but if it is listed among the ingredients, you can use the nail polish remover to remove the Super Glue.
- Focus more on the edges of the stain. You must be able to detach them to begin the cleaning process. Dampen them and lift them up to get rid of the glue residue.
Warnings
- Acetone or isopropyl alcohol can dull colors, peel labels or screen prints, and damage many fabrics. Always use them with care and test them beforehand on a surface out of sight.
- Think twice before putting the glue tube or its stopper in your mouth! It is often for this reason that people end up with sticky lips. They try to unclog the tube by biting it or squeezing it with their teeth.
- Note that wearing cotton or wool clothing (especially gloves made from one of these 2 materials) is not recommended when using cyanoacrylate products, as they can interact and release a lot of heat. You may burn your skin or even catch fire.