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Home and Garden
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Stain Removal
Adhesive Stains
Removing Glue
The Best Ways to Remove Gorilla Glue from Skin, Plastic, & More Download Article Learn how to dissolve Gorilla Glue easily with this expert guide Co-authored by Alessandra Mendes and Raven Minyard, BA
Last Updated: November 11, 2024 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Alessandra Mendes and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 432,952 times.
Gorilla Glue creates a strong bond, making it an ideal product for various DIY projects. However, this also means it can also be challenging to remove it from your skin or other surfaces. Don’t panic, though. For this article, we interviewed cleaning specialist Alessandra Mendes to teach you how to remove Gorilla Glue from skin, plastic, clothes, metal, and other surfaces. Plus, learn how to safely work with Gorilla Glue to prevent spills in the first place.
Removing Gorilla Glue from Different Surfaces
Soak your skin in warm soapy water to loosen the glue.
Soak plastic with a wet, soapy towel to avoid damaging the surface.
Scrub clothes with acetone and a toothbrush, then launder.
Apply acetone or rubbing alcohol to hard surfaces like glass or metal.
Scrape hard surfaces with a putty knife if you don’t want to use chemicals.
Steps
Section 1 of 6:
Removing Gorilla Glue from Skin
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1 Wash the affected area with soap and water. Pour a tablespoon (14.8 mL) of dish soap into a basin filled with 2 cups (475 mL) of warm water. Soak the glued skin into the water and leave it for at least 5 minutes. Pour out the basin, refill it with fresh water and soap, and repeat the process at least once more. This should help loosen the glue so you can wipe it off.[1]XResearch source
Gorilla Glue recommends using soap and water to remove all of their glues, including regular glues, superglue, epoxies, craft glues, and even construction adhesives.
If the glue is still wet, it may be possible to remove most, if not all, of it with a dry cloth or towel.
2 Apply an acetone-based nail polish remover. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into a bit of nail polish remover. If the affected area is larger, consider pouring the acetone into a bowl instead. Soak the glued skin for 6 to 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the solution and wash it off with warm, soapy water.[2]XResearch source
Make sure to get a nail polish remover with 100% acetone, as that is the active ingredient that will eat away at the glue.
Remember, acetone can strip away the oils in your skin and on your nails, so be sure to moisturize after using this method.
Mendes adds that “Acetone (fingernail polish [remover]) is good on many surfaces, except plastic, painted surfaces, and wood.”[3]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Another option is to use hydrogen peroxide, as Mendes says it “is good for removing the glue from your skin.”[4]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
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3 Exfoliate with a pumice stone. Grasp your pumice stone firmly in one hand and rub it back and forth across the glued skin. Apply just enough pressure so that you can feel the drag of the glue, but not enough to tear or rip your skin. Repeat for a few minutes until the glue begins to separate from your skin.[5]XResearch source
To minimize any damage to your skin, change directions with each pass of the pumice stone.
You can also try to use rough exfoliating gloves to work the glue loose.
4 Work citrus juice into the glue. Place a few drops of citrus juice directly onto your glued skin. Or, cut a lemon or lime in half and hold it against the skin. Keep the citrus juice or lemon/lime on your skin for five minutes. The citric acid will start to eat away at the glue, making it more likely to fall away.[6]XResearch source
Be cautious using this method if you have any cuts or sores on your skin, as the citrus can cause some irritation.
5 Rub the area with sugar or salt. In a small bowl, mix together a spoonful of sugar, a spoonful of salt, and just enough water to moisten them both. Apply this mixture onto the glued skin area and rub it in with your fingers. Wipe off and replace the solution as it gets broken down. The rough salt and sugar crystals should wear away at the glue.[7]XResearch source
6 Rub warm oil onto your skin. Place a small bowl of sunflower oil, coconut oil, baby oil, or olive oil in the microwave and heat it for 10 to 20 seconds. The final temperature should be warm, but not hot enough to burn. Use a cotton swab to apply the oil directly onto the glued skin area. Let it soak for 3-4 minutes, then check to see if the glue has dissolved. If not, repeat the entire process over again.[8]XResearch source
Some people also claim that lip gloss or cooking spray, non-heated, can help to loosen super glue.
7 Wait for it to fall off naturally. Skin naturally regrows and regenerates. If the glued spot isn’t too large or painful, you can simply wait for it to flake away on its own after about 5 or 6 days. Make sure to watch for any cracking or breaking of the skin around the glued spot. This is also a good option if you are worried about applying corrosive chemicals to your skin.[9]XResearch source
8 Apply moisturizer after removing the glue. Glue provides a barrier that prevents moisture from reaching your skin. Combine this with any chemicals that you apply to break it down and you might notice that your skin seems abnormally dry or flaky. Counteract this by rubbing in a bit of body lotion or baby oil onto your skin.[10]XResearch source
9 Never pull the skin apart immediately. Resist the natural urge to pull or yank the skin away from what it’s connected to. Gorilla Glue is a very strong adhesive and can actually damage your skin before breaking away. If the glue is on a large portion of your skin or if you are in pain, seek medical attention right away instead.[11]XResearch source
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Removing Gorilla Glue from Plastic
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Soak plastic surfaces with a wet, soapy cloth. Harsh solvents like acetone and alcohol often eat through plastic surfaces, so it’s often harder to remove glue from plastic products. Soak a cotton cloth in warm water and dish soap, then lay the cloth on top of the glued area for 2-4 hours. Drip more soapy water onto the cloth as needed to keep it moist. Remove the cloth and wipe up the glue if it has dissolved. If it hasn’t, gently scrape it with a putty knife.[12]XResearch source
Another option is to use nitromethane, which can often be found in specialty hobby stores. Follow the instructions on the package to apply it correctly.
Remember, there are many types of plastic, and each will react differently.
Mendes says the best solvent for removing Gorilla Glue “depends on the surface because you don’t want your solvent to cause any damage. You should perform a small test with your solvent in an inconspicuous area to be sure [that it’s safe].”[13]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Section 3 of 6:
Removing Gorilla Glue from Clothes or Fabric
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1 Scrub clothes or fabric with acetone and a toothbrush. Apply a bit of acetone or soap and water onto the fabric. Then, get an old toothbrush and rub it over the glued on area. Try to alternate directions while rubbing and experiment with a light jabbing motion against the fabric to flake the glue away.[14]XResearch source
Rubbing alcohol also works well with cotton and polyester.
Check the fabric of your clothing first to see if alcohol or acetone are safe to use. If you’re not sure, test the product on an inconspicuous area first.
2 Wash the clothes in the washing machine. After you’ve removed as much glue as you can from the surface of the fabric, place it in the washing machine by itself on a cool setting. Follow the instructions on the fabric’s label to avoid damaging it.[15]XResearch source
It’s best if you wait until the Gorilla Glue is fully dry before completing this step. This will prevent the glued parts from sticking to other areas of the fabric.
3 Apply vinegar or WD-40 to leather. Products like acetone and rubbing alcohol are typically too harsh for leather, so rubbing the surface with vinegar is often a gentler option. Alternatively, spray some WD-40 to loosen the glue and make it easier to remove. WD-40 can also soften leather.[16]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 4 of 6:
Removing Gorilla Glue from Metal & Hard Surfaces
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1 Apply isopropyl alcohol to metal or non-plastic surfaces. Dampen a cotton ball or folded paper towel with isopropyl alcohol and place it against the glued-on area. Let the alcohol sit on the surface for about 5 minutes. Remove it and wipe the area down with warm, soapy water. The glue should be loosened enough to scrape away with the edge of a putty knife.[17]XResearch source
Mendes warns against using isopropyl alcohol if the surface is painted, however, as she says, “It can break down paints.”[18]X Expert Source Alessandra MendesCleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
2 Scrape the glue off with a blunt tool. If the Gorilla Glue is stuck to a hard surface, get a putty knife or other tool and apply pressure to the side of the glued area. Gently scrape the glue to lift up its edges. If the glue stays put, add a bit of acetone to the area with a cotton ball and try again.[19]XResearch source
This can also work for other hard surfaces like glass, plastic, or wood. Just make sure the tool you use doesn’t scratch or damage the surface.
Advertisement Section 5 of 6:
Removing Gorilla Glue from Glass
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Blot glass with rubbing alcohol, acetone, or lighter fluid. Glass is typically a durable surface, so it can withstand stronger solvents than surfaces like plastic. Apply the solvent of your choice to a cotton ball, cloth, or sponge. Blot and rub the glue in circular motions, applying strong pressure as needed. If the glue doesn’t come off right away, let the solvent sit for several minutes, then try again.[20]XResearch source
Section 6 of 6:
Preventing Spills When Using Gorilla Glue
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1 Follow the package directions. Before starting your project, carefully read the instructions on the Gorilla Glue package. Pay attention to how you are supposed to hold the applicator and how much glue you are supposed to apply at a time. If you have any questions, reach out to Gorilla Glue Customer Service at 1-800-966-3458.[21]XResearch source
For example, to move the glue down into the nozzle, hold the bottle upside down and tap the cap on a hard surface a few times.
2 Wear gloves. Wearing gloves while working on a project is the best way to prevent super glue from getting on your skin. Try out different types of work gloves at the hardware store to find the best type and fit for you. The downside is that you’ll have to be careful not to get any glue on the gloves themselves.[22]XResearch source
Disposable gloves are a great option when working with glue. However, make sure that they fit properly.
3 Cover your workspace. Remove extra items from your work area and cover the entire space with either foil or a plastic sheet. The benefit of foil is that the glue will not stick to it after it’s hardened. Either way, using a cover will protect the surface underneath, such as a countertop, and prevent it from being damaged.[23]XResearch source
4 Choose the right applicator for your project. One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is attempting to complete a project with a too-small or too-large super glue applicator. There are many different types of Gorilla Glue available, from pens to gel tubes, so spend some time researching exactly what you should use.[24]XResearch source
It’s also important to remember that even the largest projects generally only require a very small amount of super glue.
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Expert Q&A
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Question What do you do if you get Gorilla Glue on your skin? Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks. Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist Expert Answer If you don't want to use acetone, know that hydrogen peroxide is good for removing the glue from your skin! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 20
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Tips
If you would like additional help with removing a particular Gorilla Glue product, contact the product safety team. The general customer service number is 1-800-966-3458.[25]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
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Warnings
If you get Gorilla Glue in your eyes, immediately rinse them out with water. If you are unable to fully rinse out the glue or if your eyelids stick together, seek medical treatment immediately. If you swallow or ingest Gorilla Glue, seek emergency treatment right away. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Alessandra Mendes and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks. This article has been viewed 432,952 times. 6 votes - 80% Co-authors: 9Updated: November 11, 2024 Views: 432,952 Categories: Removing GlueArticle SummaryX
To remove Gorilla Glue from skin, start by washing the area with soap and water. Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover, dab the affected area, and let the acetone sit on the glue for 6-10 minutes before washing it off with warm, soapy water. If you need to remove the glue from a metal or other non-plastic surface, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and place the cotton ball over the affected area for 5 minutes. Then, wipe the area down with warm, soapy water and scrape away any lingering glue with the edge of putty knife. For tips on removing the glue from fabrics, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Celeste Fleek
May 31, 2020
"I skipped the cotton ball and poured my glass vase full of acetone until it covered glued area... I used wire same size in diameter to a toothpick to maneuver curves of the glass and I removed the glue with some effort. Thanks!"..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
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Yes No Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist Co-authors: 9Updated: November 11, 2024 Views: 432,95280% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Celeste Fleek
May 31, 2020
"I skipped the cotton ball and poured my glass vase full of acetone until it covered glued area... I used wire same size in diameter to a toothpick to maneuver curves of the glass and I removed the glue with some effort. Thanks!"..." more
ANONYMOUS ..
Sep 27, 2024
"I was terrified. The glue stuck to my hands, and I thought I was done for. I searched the internet and found this. I tried it, and it worked. Thank you, Alessandra, and thank you, wikiHow. You have saved my life."..." more Rated this article:
Normski Russell
Dec 7, 2018
"Removed Gorilla Glue from hands and fingers after consulting this article. Really helpful advice."
Kate
Apr 22, 2022
"Helped me to unglue gorilla glue from two pieces of wood that were accidentally glued together."
Anonymous
Nov 17, 2019
"It works! It saved my fingers!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Learn how to dissolve Gorilla Glue easily with this expert guide Co-authored by Alessandra Mendes and Raven Minyard, BA 
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Co-authored by: Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Alessandra Mendes and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks. This article has been viewed 432,952 times. 6 votes - 80% Co-authors: 9 Updated: November 11, 2024 Views: 432,952 Categories: Removing Glue Article SummaryX
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1 Wash the affected area with soap and water. Pour a tablespoon (14.8 mL) of dish soap into a basin filled with 2 cups (475 mL) of warm water. Soak the glued skin into the water and leave it for at least 5 minutes. Pour out the basin, refill it with fresh water and soap, and repeat the process at least once more. This should help loosen the glue so you can wipe it off.[1] 
2 Apply an acetone-based nail polish remover. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into a bit of nail polish remover. If the affected area is larger, consider pouring the acetone into a bowl instead. Soak the glued skin for 6 to 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the solution and wash it off with warm, soapy water.[2] 
3 Exfoliate with a pumice stone. Grasp your pumice stone firmly in one hand and rub it back and forth across the glued skin. Apply just enough pressure so that you can feel the drag of the glue, but not enough to tear or rip your skin. Repeat for a few minutes until the glue begins to separate from your skin.[5] 
4 Work citrus juice into the glue. Place a few drops of citrus juice directly onto your glued skin. Or, cut a lemon or lime in half and hold it against the skin. Keep the citrus juice or lemon/lime on your skin for five minutes. The citric acid will start to eat away at the glue, making it more likely to fall away.[6] 
5 Rub the area with sugar or salt. In a small bowl, mix together a spoonful of sugar, a spoonful of salt, and just enough water to moisten them both. Apply this mixture onto the glued skin area and rub it in with your fingers. Wipe off and replace the solution as it gets broken down. The rough salt and sugar crystals should wear away at the glue.[7] 
6 Rub warm oil onto your skin. Place a small bowl of sunflower oil, coconut oil, baby oil, or olive oil in the microwave and heat it for 10 to 20 seconds. The final temperature should be warm, but not hot enough to burn. Use a cotton swab to apply the oil directly onto the glued skin area. Let it soak for 3-4 minutes, then check to see if the glue has dissolved. If not, repeat the entire process over again.[8] 
7 Wait for it to fall off naturally. Skin naturally regrows and regenerates. If the glued spot isn’t too large or painful, you can simply wait for it to flake away on its own after about 5 or 6 days. Make sure to watch for any cracking or breaking of the skin around the glued spot. This is also a good option if you are worried about applying corrosive chemicals to your skin.[9] 
8 Apply moisturizer after removing the glue. Glue provides a barrier that prevents moisture from reaching your skin. Combine this with any chemicals that you apply to break it down and you might notice that your skin seems abnormally dry or flaky. Counteract this by rubbing in a bit of body lotion or baby oil onto your skin.[10] 
9 Never pull the skin apart immediately. Resist the natural urge to pull or yank the skin away from what it’s connected to. Gorilla Glue is a very strong adhesive and can actually damage your skin before breaking away. If the glue is on a large portion of your skin or if you are in pain, seek medical attention right away instead.[11] Advertisement 
Soak plastic surfaces with a wet, soapy cloth. Harsh solvents like acetone and alcohol often eat through plastic surfaces, so it’s often harder to remove glue from plastic products. Soak a cotton cloth in warm water and dish soap, then lay the cloth on top of the glued area for 2-4 hours. Drip more soapy water onto the cloth as needed to keep it moist. Remove the cloth and wipe up the glue if it has dissolved. If it hasn’t, gently scrape it with a putty knife.[12] 
1 Scrub clothes or fabric with acetone and a toothbrush. Apply a bit of acetone or soap and water onto the fabric. Then, get an old toothbrush and rub it over the glued on area. Try to alternate directions while rubbing and experiment with a light jabbing motion against the fabric to flake the glue away.[14] 
2 Wash the clothes in the washing machine. After you’ve removed as much glue as you can from the surface of the fabric, place it in the washing machine by itself on a cool setting. Follow the instructions on the fabric’s label to avoid damaging it.[15] 
3 Apply vinegar or WD-40 to leather. Products like acetone and rubbing alcohol are typically too harsh for leather, so rubbing the surface with vinegar is often a gentler option. Alternatively, spray some WD-40 to loosen the glue and make it easier to remove. WD-40 can also soften leather.[16] Advertisement 
1 Apply isopropyl alcohol to metal or non-plastic surfaces. Dampen a cotton ball or folded paper towel with isopropyl alcohol and place it against the glued-on area. Let the alcohol sit on the surface for about 5 minutes. Remove it and wipe the area down with warm, soapy water. The glue should be loosened enough to scrape away with the edge of a putty knife.[17] 
2 Scrape the glue off with a blunt tool. If the Gorilla Glue is stuck to a hard surface, get a putty knife or other tool and apply pressure to the side of the glued area. Gently scrape the glue to lift up its edges. If the glue stays put, add a bit of acetone to the area with a cotton ball and try again.[19] 
Blot glass with rubbing alcohol, acetone, or lighter fluid. Glass is typically a durable surface, so it can withstand stronger solvents than surfaces like plastic. Apply the solvent of your choice to a cotton ball, cloth, or sponge. Blot and rub the glue in circular motions, applying strong pressure as needed. If the glue doesn’t come off right away, let the solvent sit for several minutes, then try again.[20] 
1 Follow the package directions. Before starting your project, carefully read the instructions on the Gorilla Glue package. Pay attention to how you are supposed to hold the applicator and how much glue you are supposed to apply at a time. If you have any questions, reach out to Gorilla Glue Customer Service at 1-800-966-3458.[21] 
2 Wear gloves. Wearing gloves while working on a project is the best way to prevent super glue from getting on your skin. Try out different types of work gloves at the hardware store to find the best type and fit for you. The downside is that you’ll have to be careful not to get any glue on the gloves themselves.[22] 
3 Cover your workspace. Remove extra items from your work area and cover the entire space with either foil or a plastic sheet. The benefit of foil is that the glue will not stick to it after it’s hardened. Either way, using a cover will protect the surface underneath, such as a countertop, and prevent it from being damaged.[23] 
4 Choose the right applicator for your project. One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is attempting to complete a project with a too-small or too-large super glue applicator. There are many different types of Gorilla Glue available, from pens to gel tubes, so spend some time researching exactly what you should use.[24] 
Alessandra Mendes Cleaning Specialist Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks.