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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Housekeeping
Stain Removal
Adhesive Stains
Removing Glue
How to Remove Glue from Wood Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Using Household Products 2 Sanding off Large and Stubborn Glue Spots 3 Applying Commercial Products for a Quick Fix 4 Applying Heat to Small Spots + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Raymond Chiu
Last Updated: October 2, 2025
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This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. This article has been viewed 164,563 times.
Glue can end up on your wood floor after a craft project or on your wooden countertops when you repair a household item. Dabs of glue can look unsightly on wooden surfaces and potentially damage them if they are not removed quickly and correctly. Use commercial products made to remove glue from surfaces for a quick and easy option. Apply natural alternatives like vinegar, mayonnaise, or orange peels for a chemical-free solution. You can also remove any large, thick glue spots with sandpaper or apply heat to small glue spots to remove them easily and safely.
How to Remove Adhesive from Wood
House cleaning professional Raymond Chiu recommends using acetone-based nail polish remover to remove adhesive from wood surfaces. Apply the nail polish remover to the adhesive with a cotton ball or cotton swab and let it sit for at least 2 minutes. Then clean up the glue with a plastic scraper. Repeat as needed.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 4:
Using Household Products
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1 Apply white vinegar to the glue for a natural option. Soak a clean rag in 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) white vinegar. Wring out the rag and dab the glue with it. Do not put too much vinegar on at once. Dab it on in small amounts until the glue becomes soft and loose. Then, use your fingers to gently roll off the glue.[1]XResearch source
Vinegar is a good natural option for removing the glue, especially if you’re worried about ruining the finish on the wood with chemical products.
2 Soften small glue spots with mayonnaise. The oil in mayonnaise can soften the glue and make it easy to take off. Rub a small amount of mayonnaise on the glue with your fingers. Allow the mayo to sit for 15 minutes. Then, wipe the mayo and the glue off with a clean cloth.
If the glue does not come off with the first application of mayonnaise, you may need to apply another layer to get it off.
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3 Let orange peels sit on small spots of glue to break them down. The citrus in the orange peel can help to break down the glue and make it easier to take off. Peel an orange and place the peel over the glue. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then, remove the orange peel and use a cloth to wipe off the glue.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 4:
Sanding off Large and Stubborn Glue Spots
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1 Use 600-grit sandpaper on thick glue. Get a small piece of sandpaper, just enough to cover the glue. Sand until the glue appears flat on the wood. Use light back and forth motions, applying medium pressure to the area.[2]XResearch source
2 Switch to 1200-grit sandpaper and remove the remaining glue. Carefully sand the remaining glue. Make sure you do not sand any of the wood, just the glue.[3]XResearch source
3 Wipe the area with a soft cloth. Remove pieces of glue from the wood with a soft cloth. Check that you did not sand any of the wood, just the glue.[4]XResearch source
4 Use a wood finish to restore the wood. If the glue took off some of the finish or you accidentally sanded the wood a little bit, apply a finish that matches the original finish. Use a satin or dull gloss to shine up the area.[5]XResearch source
You can also apply a layer of wood polish to shine up the area and make it appear less dull.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 4:
Applying Commercial Products for a Quick Fix
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1 Use acetone on untreated or unfinished wood. Acetone can be used on wood that is unpainted and untreated, as it can damage varnish and paint.[6]XResearch sourceChiu, Raymond. Cleaning Guru. Personal interview. 15 October 2019. Place tape around the glue so the acetone does not leak onto the wood. Wet the cotton swab or cloth with a small amount of acetone. Apply it directly on the glue. Do not put it anywhere else on the wood, as it can damage the wood.[7]XResearch source
Wear gloves and a face mask when using the acetone so you do not inhale the fumes. Open a window or clean the wood outdoors.
Let the acetone sit for 1 minute. Use a soft cloth to gently dab the glue until it comes off.
Buy acetone at your local beauty supply store (as nail polish remover) or online.[8]XResearch sourceChiu, Raymond. Cleaning Guru. Personal interview. 15 October 2019.
2 Apply a commercial glue remover on tough glue spots. Put a very small amount of the remover on a clean cloth and dab it on the glue. Use a clean cloth to remove the glue once it has softened. The remover should help to break down the glue so it is easy to take off.
Follow the instructions on the label and do not apply more than recommended. Look for glue removers at your local hardware store or online.
Do not put the remover on the wood, just on the glue, as it can damage the finish on the wood. Try putting painter's tape around the glue so the remover does not leak onto the wood.
3 Soften small spots overnight with petroleum jelly. It can help to soften the glue, making it easier to remove. Leave it on the glue overnight. Use your fingers to gently remove the glue the following day.[9]XResearch source
Be careful not to scrape the glue too hard when you remove it, as you do not want to scratch the wood.
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Applying Heat to Small Spots
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1 Use the low heat setting on a hair dryer or a heat fan. Applying direct heat to the glue can help to soften it and make it easier to remove. Always use the lowest setting on the dryer or fan so you don’t risk damaging the wood.[10]XResearch source
2 Apply the dryer or fan to the glue for 15 seconds to soften it. Place the dryer or fan 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the glue. The heat should melt the glue and make it easier to scrape off.[11]XResearch source
If there is a thick layer of glue or the glue is extra-sticky, you may need to apply the dryer or fan for 20-25 seconds. Do not apply it for longer than 30 seconds at a time, as this can damage the wood.
3 Use a plastic scraper or your fingers to remove the softened glue. Take the scraper and carefully place it underneath the glue. Gently slide the scraper under the glue several times to dislodge it and remove it.[12]XResearch source
Be careful not to swipe or scrape too hard with the scraper, as you risk scratching the wood.
4 Wipe the area with a soft cloth. Once you have removed the glue, wipe the area down to make sure there is no remaining glue.
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Things You’ll Need
Applying Commercial Products for a Quick Fix
Acetone
Commercial glue remover
Petroleum jelly
A plastic scraper
A soft cloth
Using Natural Alternatives
White vinegar
Mayonnaise
An orange peel
A soft cloth
Sanding off Large and Stubborn Glue Spots
600-grit and 1200-grit sandpaper
Stain and/or finish
Applying Heat to Small Spots
A hair dryer or heat fan
A plastic scraper
A soft cloth
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Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. This article has been viewed 164,563 times. 26 votes - 79% Co-authors: 10Updated: October 2, 2025 Views: 164,563 Categories: Removing GlueArticle SummaryX
To remove glue from wood, apply acetone directly on the glue, allow it to sit for 1 minute, then use a soft cloth to dab the glue until it comes off. If you can wait overnight, put vaseline on the glue and gently pry it off with your fingers the next day. You can also soak a rag in vinegar and apply small amounts until the glue softens enough to roll it off with your fingers. Another home remedy is to put mayonnaise on the glue, allow it to sit for 15 minutes, and then wipe it and the glue off with a cloth. To learn how to sand off large glue spills, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu House Cleaning Professional 26 votes - 79% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10Updated: October 2, 2025 Views: 164,563
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Using Household Products 2 Sanding off Large and Stubborn Glue Spots 3 Applying Commercial Products for a Quick Fix 4 Applying Heat to Small Spots + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Raymond Chiu 
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Co-authored by: Raymond Chiu House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry. This article has been viewed 164,563 times. 26 votes - 79% Co-authors: 10 Updated: October 2, 2025 Views: 164,563 Categories: Removing Glue Article SummaryX
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1 Apply white vinegar to the glue for a natural option. Soak a clean rag in 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) white vinegar. Wring out the rag and dab the glue with it. Do not put too much vinegar on at once. Dab it on in small amounts until the glue becomes soft and loose. Then, use your fingers to gently roll off the glue.[1] 
2 Soften small glue spots with mayonnaise. The oil in mayonnaise can soften the glue and make it easy to take off. Rub a small amount of mayonnaise on the glue with your fingers. Allow the mayo to sit for 15 minutes. Then, wipe the mayo and the glue off with a clean cloth. 
3 Let orange peels sit on small spots of glue to break them down. The citrus in the orange peel can help to break down the glue and make it easier to take off. Peel an orange and place the peel over the glue. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then, remove the orange peel and use a cloth to wipe off the glue. Advertisement 
1 Use 600-grit sandpaper on thick glue. Get a small piece of sandpaper, just enough to cover the glue. Sand until the glue appears flat on the wood. Use light back and forth motions, applying medium pressure to the area.[2] 
2 Switch to 1200-grit sandpaper and remove the remaining glue. Carefully sand the remaining glue. Make sure you do not sand any of the wood, just the glue.[3] 
3 Wipe the area with a soft cloth. Remove pieces of glue from the wood with a soft cloth. Check that you did not sand any of the wood, just the glue.[4] 
4 Use a wood finish to restore the wood. If the glue took off some of the finish or you accidentally sanded the wood a little bit, apply a finish that matches the original finish. Use a satin or dull gloss to shine up the area.[5] 
1 Use acetone on untreated or unfinished wood. Acetone can be used on wood that is unpainted and untreated, as it can damage varnish and paint.[6] Place tape around the glue so the acetone does not leak onto the wood. Wet the cotton swab or cloth with a small amount of acetone. Apply it directly on the glue. Do not put it anywhere else on the wood, as it can damage the wood.[7] 
2 Apply a commercial glue remover on tough glue spots. Put a very small amount of the remover on a clean cloth and dab it on the glue. Use a clean cloth to remove the glue once it has softened. The remover should help to break down the glue so it is easy to take off. 
3 Soften small spots overnight with petroleum jelly. It can help to soften the glue, making it easier to remove. Leave it on the glue overnight. Use your fingers to gently remove the glue the following day.[9] 
1 Use the low heat setting on a hair dryer or a heat fan. Applying direct heat to the glue can help to soften it and make it easier to remove. Always use the lowest setting on the dryer or fan so you don’t risk damaging the wood.[10] 
2 Apply the dryer or fan to the glue for 15 seconds to soften it. Place the dryer or fan 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the glue. The heat should melt the glue and make it easier to scrape off.[11] 
3 Use a plastic scraper or your fingers to remove the softened glue. Take the scraper and carefully place it underneath the glue. Gently slide the scraper under the glue several times to dislodge it and remove it.[12] 
4 Wipe the area with a soft cloth. Once you have removed the glue, wipe the area down to make sure there is no remaining glue. Advertisement 
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