How to Remove Superglue

It seems all too easy to find yourself in a sticky situation with superglue. Thankfully, whether you glued your fingers together, glued yourself to your project, or spilled the sticky stuff on most any surface, there is usually a way to get yourself unstuck

Superglue’s Worst Enemy

Acetone, which is found in nail polish remover, is the most effective way to remove superglue. It can, however, cause damage to some fabrics and laminated or varnished surfaces. The key to removing superglue with acetone is to be patient and work with caution. If you choose to use acetone, start off using a small amount and add more as needed. On hard surfaces, the acetone will soften the glue and you should be able to scrape or sand it off. For clothing, scrub using an old toothbrush.

Removing Superglue from Skin

Acetone can be used on skin, but there are some areas, such as the lips, where it should not be used. If using acetone to get your fingers unstuck, be sure to gently peel the glue away rather than pulling. For areas such as the lips, or if you would prefer not to use acetone, soak the area in warm soapy water to soften the glue. Then, work to gently peel or roll the glue away.

Non-Acetone Friendly Surfaces

If you’ve managed to spill superglue on a surface that would be damaged by acetone, such as plastic or varnished wood, you may be able to scrape the hardened glue off. Use a razor blade to carefully peel up the glue. Once the majority has been removed, try soaking the remaining glue in warm soapy water. When the glue has softened, scrub it off layer by layer. This process may need to be repeated.

Unfortunately, there are times when superglue cannot be removed without severely damaging the surface it is stuck to. In order to effectively remove superglue from delicate furniture pieces, refinishing may be necessary. Delicate fabrics, such as silk, typically cannot be cleaned. In addition, while superglue can safely be removed from skin, it is best to seek medical attention to remove it from delicate areas such as the eye.