Super glue is an amazingly versatile helper to have around the house, since it will bond and fix so many things. But what happens when you get it where you don’t want it? {Stuck fingers, anyone?} I checked out what a super glue manufacturer, Loctite, says about removing super glue from unwanted areas. They do recommend some specific ways to remove super glue residue from any surface. Keep reading to see what to do if you need to remove super glue from anything!
First of all, if you do get your fingers stuck together with super glue, don’t pry them apart! You could tear your skin and injure yourself, and it isn’t necessary to do that. Here’s what you should do if you need to remove super glue residue from your fingers:
Fill a small bowl with warm, soapy water. Soak the affected fingers {or other skin area} in the soapy water for a few minutes. Then while your fingers are still soaking, use a blunt object, like a kitchen spoon, to help pry apart your fingers.
If you need to remove super glue residue from a surface, such as your kitchen counter, you can use a small amount of nail polish remover {acetone} to dissolve it. Moisten a cotton ball and use that to soak the area and soften and dissolve the super glue residue.
To remove super glue from fabrics, it depends on what type of fabric it is. Acetone will dissolve it, but it may discolor many fabrics, so it is suggested that you test an inconspicuous area of the fabric first. The best thing to do is to soak the fabric in warm, soapy water, and then launder it. Don’t run it through the dryer until you are sure the super glue residue is gone.
Super Glue Corp, maker of the original Super Glue, also says that acetone is Super Glue’s one weakness. They have some useful cautions when using acetone to dissolve Super Glue. You can read those here.
