How to Remove Super Glue from Plastic

Super glue is a miraculous tool that fixes tons of broken things around our homes. The downside to super glue, though, is that it can be a tremendous endeavor to remove when we get it on surfaces that we didn’t intend to. Trying to figure out how to remove super glue from plastic is one of the most common situations that people find themselves in.

Learning how to get super glue off plastic may seem like a problem with limited options, but there are at least a dozen solutions for you to test. Although there are many glue remover products out there, not everyone has the time and money to spend on them.

Finding a DIY super glue remover for plastic takes a few runs of trial-and-error, but once you find one that works for you, you’ll always be equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle the situation in the future.

About Super Glue

Super glue is a cyanoacrylate adhesive. This glue is powerful, fast-bonding, and adheres to nearly all surface types, whether they are plastic items, glass, wood, skin, fabric, marble and granite countertop, leather, and more.

They are also resistant to most temperatures and moisture, making removing the dried glue a tough challenge. Super glues most often come in liquid and gel forms.

They are great for piecing together anything that’s broken and have become a staple in family homes because accidents happen so often.

This adhesive was invented in 1942 by a doctor named Harry Coover. When he and his team discovered the chemical compound responsible for its stickiness, they initially saw no use for it.

After some time, Coover realized that cyanoacrylate adhesive was something that many people could benefit from.

How to Remove Super Glue from Plastic

Most quality brands of super glue take a full 24 hours to cure completely. The sooner you’re able to spot super glue on an unwanted surface, the easier it is to remove.

However, don’t be worried if the glue has set on the area for longer than a day. Although it is harder to remove, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Browse through the list of DIY super glue remover for plastic and try a few until you find a glue removal product that works well for you and your situation.

The First Step to Remove Super Glue

The great thing about plastic surfaces is that they are easier to clean than other materials like fabric. Before using products or chemicals, try using your fingernails and hands to scrape off the glue, whether you need a DIY lens cleaner or have a spot of glue on the back of your hand.

Start by trying to lift the edge of the adhesive with your nail. Once you get a small piece raised, use your finger to roll over the glue.

If you’re lucky, the glue will sometimes roll or lift off the affected area. It may take a little time and effort, but this technique involves nothing but your hands and determination.

The Best Product to Clean Super Glue off Plastic

Use acetone for your next attempt at lifting super glue residue. Acetone works incredibly well to remove super glue from plastic lenses from eyeglasses as well.

Start by dampening a soft cloth with warm water and allowing it to sit over the plastic surface that’s been affected. After half an hour, pour a small amount of pure acetone on a cotton ball or clean cloth.

Acetone is the main ingredient found in most nail polish removers, so if you don’t have pure acetone, nail polish remover works just as well. Gently start rubbing the acetone over the softened glue until it lifts. Wipe away the remnants with a damp, clean cloth.

Try this remedy to get super glue off your hands, too. Often, only a small amount is needed to get the job done.

How to use Rubbing Alcohol to Remove Glue

Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is another vital ingredient that breaks down dried glue over time. It’s also ideal to remove Sharpie from plastic surfaces. Soak a clean, soft cloth in warm to hot water and place it over the area for 30 minutes to an hour.

Remove the cloth and wet a cotton ball or cotton swab with the rubbing alcohol until it lifts. Scrub the affected area with a damp cloth or paper towel.

For how to remove super glue from leather, try dabbing the spot with a cloth dipped in alcohol. It may be just enough to remove the glue.

How to Get Super Glue off Plastic with Soapy Water

This isn’t always the most potent defense, but warm soapy water made from dish soap is sometimes useful in removing a glue stain, whether you are trying to clean plastic patio furniture or your car bumper. Mix a solution of warm water with grease-fighting dish soap in a small bowl.

Dip a clean cloth or paper towel in the soapy water and wring it out. Lay the fabric over the glue stain, then tape a piece of plastic wrap over it to create a humid environment.

Let the plastic wrap sit for three or four hours. Remove the plastic wrap and rewet the cloth with more soapy water. Blot at the affected area until the glue lifts into the fabric.

Scrape Glue with a Razor

Although you have to be more cautious with this tactic, using a razor blade to scrape away the glue is often very effective. Using the edge of the razor, carefully raise the edges of the glue spot. Slowly chip away at the stain until all the remaining glue is gone.

Super Glue Removal with Sandpaper

Using sandpaper or an emery board is another easy way to chip away at the hardened glue. Again, be careful not to scratch or nick the surface underneath the glue, so you don’t permanently damage it.

Gently slide the sandpaper or emery board along the top of the glue spot, slowly scraping away until none is left.

DIY Super Glue Remover for Plastic

One of our favorite glue removers for plastic involves mixing baking soda with some acid.

Try putting this cleaner on any surface that has been stained by glue, like furniture and clothing.

For a simple car glue remover, combine equal parts of the baking soda with white vinegar and stir together until thick paste forms. Smear the homemade glue remover over the intended area and allow it to sit for up to one hour.

Take an old toothbrush and gently begin buffing away at the glue stain until it is completely gone. Try this solution to strip spray paint from metal in your garage or on the driveway.

Use Vegetable Oil to Remove Glue

Vegetable oil, coconut oil, and olive oil are great ingredients when learning how to remove super glue from plastic or for removing super glue from fingers without acetone. They are even more powerful when paired with baking soda.

Mix equal parts oil with the baking soda and pour the paste over the desired location. Allow the vegetable oils to soak in for 15 minutes.

Take a damp cloth and start scrubbing at the glue spot when getting Gorilla Glue off hands or other areas until all residue is removed. Repeat this process as often as necessary.

Lemon Juice as a Super Glue Remover

Learning how to get super glue off plastic is a real pain, but high-acid foods like lemons are great allies in your fight against it. This DIY super glue remover for plastic works well because the acid levels of citrus fruits are very high. It’s also ideal to get super glue off glass surfaces, too.

Lemon juice is commonly used in cleaning products because it breaks down built-up grime with ease. To use this homemade glue remover, squeeze some lemon juice over the glue spot so it is covered, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to take glue residue off plastic by rubbing gently.

Use Goo Gone to Remove Super Glue

If you’ve tried every homemade glue remover possible and nothing is working, sometimes purchasing well-known products is the next best step. Strong solvents like Gorilla Glue come off with oily cleaners like Goo Gone.

Goo Gone is often used to remove the residue left behind by a sticker or tape, but it is also popular to use against other tough compounds. Always read the directions when working with commercially made products.

Pour Goo Gone on the troublesome area and allow it to sit. Once loosened, dampen a cloth and scrub the glued area until it all lifts into the rag.

How to Use a Nitromethane Component on Glue

Nitromethane is a popular de-bonding agent that is most commonly found at hobby shops. It is far less harsh than other glue debonders and is one of the most popular ways to remove super glue from plastic.

Nitromethane is usually advertised as a de-glue solution and found in small tubes. A little amount goes a long way, so use it sparingly and follow all posted directions.

Your Last Resort to Remove Super Glue from Plastic

Sometimes, no matter what we do or which products we use, there isn’t one strong enough to remove super glue. Unfortunately, this means it’s time to bring out the big guns.

Paint thinner is one of the most potent solutions to use against super glue. Although it is a strong chemical, it is what most people turn to as a last resort.

Pour a small amount of paint thinner over the area and use a cotton swab or old rag to begin blotting away at the super glue. Don’t use paint thinner on any surface painted or stained; however, it will lift away with the glue and permanently damage the item.

Even though super glue can be a real mess, there is a reason so many of us have it in our homes and use it on home improvement projects.

Super glue is a great tool when we need to fix something quickly and with ease. Make sure to be careful when using it so that you don’t damage the very item you’re trying to fix.

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