How to Clean a Hot Glue Gun

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 13, 2023 References Tested

Cleaning a glue gun mostly comes down to removing glue and debris that has built up on the gun. Foil will take off most of this glue. However, you can also try acetone to remove glue and debris. Similarly, it can help to keep the glue gun clean after each use by wiping the tip off with a dryer sheet.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Glue off the Outside

1
Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is a good scrubber for a hot glue gun. Rip off a square of aluminum foil and wad it up in a ball. A big piece is a necessity because it will help keep you from burning your fingers.^{[1]
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2
Scrub the tip with the foil ball. With the glue gun warm, push the tip into the ball of foil, making sure you don't burn your fingers by touching the tip. Rotate the tip or the ball to scrub it, taking off glue and other debris.^{[2]
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3
Rub the glue gun down with the aluminum foil. Once you're done with the tip, rub the rest of the gun down with the foil. The gun should be warm so that the glue is easy to remove. It should scrape off most of the glue.^{[3]
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4
Heat the glue gun using a heat gun or blow dryer. Set the glue gun on its side, preferably on a silicone mat. Lay a single piece of foil on top of the glue. Rub the foil in, using protection on your hands so you don't burn your fingers. Go over it with the heat gun or blow dryer. The glue should stick more to the aluminum foil than the glue gun, so you can easily peel it off. Repeat the process as needed.^{[4]
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- You may need to remove parts, like the kickstand, to help clean the whole gun.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning Specific Areas

1
Wipe off the tip. One way to clean the tip is to simply use a dryer sheet. After you're done with the glue gun, run a dryer sheet across the tip, being careful not to burn yourself. It should remove most of the glue.
2
Use a pin or needle tool to clean out the base. If you have a cordless gun that fits into a base, the small hole at the bottom of your gun may need to be cleaned out from time to time. Otherwise, you'll have trouble settling the gun on the base. Use a pin or needle tool to scrape out the hole, leaving it clean to fit into the base.^{[5]
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3
Apply acetone. Pour acetone (nail polish remover) on a paper towel. With the glue gun off, begin rubbing the glue gun to remove dirt and stains. It may also take off some of the glue, especially small pieces of glue. Keep rubbing until the gun is clean. You may need to change out your paper towel and reapply the acetone from time to time.^{[6]
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4
Disinfect the glue gun. If you think your glue gun has come in contact with germs, you can wipe down the outside with a disinfectant. Don't use one that's flammable. Also, make sure your gun is unplugged and cool before applying the disinfectant. For instance, you can wipe it down with a solution of half vinegar, half water or a gentle commercial disinfectant.
- Dampen your cloth with the mixture. You don't want the cloth sopping, so wring it out. Wipe down the gun. Use a cloth dampened with clean water to wipe it off. Dry the glue gun off with a paper towel.

Community Q&A

Question

My glue gun has been used once and is now blocked. What can I do?

Community Answer

If the glue from your glue gun is clogged up or is covering the hole, get a needle and carefully poke into the hole, and pick off excess with your fingernail.
Question

What do I do if my hot glue gun is clogged and heating it up isn't working?

Elizabeth Bolster

Community Answer

Once it is cooled down, you can take a sharp pin and use that to unclog the hot glue gun.
Question

How do I clean a hot glue gun if it is clogged on the inside?

Community Answer

Use a needle to pick at the clogged glue on the inside to get it off. Then, heat it up to make it easier to remove whatever else is left, taking care not to touch the hot parts with your bare hands.