With super glue, some DIY projects can be implemented very easily. But what if there is glue residue on your skin? Super glue is undoubtedly your best friend when you’re in your garage or workshop doing odd jobs, especially since it’s very effective. Conversely, if you’re not careful, residue tends to remain on your hand. This is usually not a concern as most glues are harmless to the skin. Nevertheless, the residues are unpleasant and above all persistent. And when it does, it goes really fast: super glue soaks into clothes, surfaces you work on, or your skin. What are some (harmless) ways to remove it? Use these methods to remove super glue residue:
Remove super glue with heat
You can remove super glue using hot air from a hair dryer. If super glue gets on your countertop and you can’t get it off with a hair dryer, use a heat gun to loosen it.
- Wait for the glue to harden.
- Direct warm air at the area.
- Direct the hot air of the hair dryer only briefly at the stain so as not to overheat the entire surface.
- You can then remove the super glue by hand.
If you choose this method, be careful. Do not damage the surface you are working on. Be especially careful with painted surfaces and plastic. Plastic can warp when exposed to intense heat and paint can peel off. If you are dealing with a wooden surface, be careful to avoid burns.
Remove super glue from textiles
How to remove super glue from clothes and other textiles?
- Put some (cooking) oil on the super glue. Massage the oil lightly, then let it sit.
- After a while, the super glue will soften so you can just scrape it off.
- Then, immediately place the garment in a double boiler with dish soap or soap to remove the oil. Wash it carefully.
This method also works if super glue gets on your carpet. You treat the carpet with oil as described above. Then, carefully clean the fibers with a cloth previously soaked in soapy water.
Remove super glue cold
Not only heat, but also cold can help remove super glue.
- Put the affected clothes in the freezer for a few hours.
- Peel off the super glue.
- Wash the garment in the washing machine to completely remove the super glue.
Removing Super Glue From Skin
With hot water
Often the glue residue seems more resistant than it really is. Therefore, you must first try to remove the super glue from your skin with warm water and soap. Only if that doesn’t work is it a good idea to try other methods.
With oil
If you want to get rid of super glue on your skin, you can also use oil. Admittedly, using super glue on the skin can be very uncomfortable. In order not to harm your skin, you must therefore be very careful.
- Carefully apply the oil to the affected skin area. Massage the area with the oil as much as possible.
- Let the oil sit for a short time.
- Then cleanse your skin with warm soapy water.
If super glue gets in your eyes or mouth, see a doctor.
With salt
Once the super glue has landed on your finger or hand, it can be easily “wiped off” with a salt paste. To do this, you just need to take a good portion of table salt in your hands and add some water. Now rub your hands together until a paste forms. Use it to rub the affected area with light pressure for about a minute. Super glue will crumble over time and then peel off.
With lemon juice
Lemon juice is a suitable cleanser thanks to the acid it contains. It is best to mix some juice with lukewarm water in a bowl and soak your hands for a few minutes. After that, the glue residue should be easy to remove with a toothbrush.
Use acetone with caution
Be careful with acetone. It is a solvent that is often indicated to make super glue disappear. For example, acetone is found in nail polish remover. However, we recommend that you avoid products containing acetone. Only use them if none of the above home remedies work. Solvent vapors can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness. When using acetone on the skin, it has a strong degreasing effect, so the skin dries out. If your skin comes into contact with the solvent, you must clean it carefully afterwards.
Is using super glue risky?
Under normal circumstances, super glue does not pose a health risk, but special attention and a prompt visit to the doctor are recommended urgently in the event of contact with the eyes or eyelids with the glue. If super glue is swallowed, the affected person should rinse off and then be examined in hospital.