How to Remove Gorilla Glue

Last Updated: August 2, 2022 References

Gorilla Glue creates a strong bond that resists damage from water or changing temperatures. However, it’s important to be very careful when working with Gorilla Glue, as it can be challenging to remove it from surfaces or skin. To start the removal process, moisten the glue with water, citrus, or acetone. Once the glue is wet, try to flake or peel it away with a blunt tool or toothbrush. After you repeat this process a few times, the glue should be easier to remove.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Glue from Skin

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 to loosen the glue away from the skin.^{[1]
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2
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 put it directly 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.^{[2]
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- Be cautious using this method if you have any cuts or sores on your skin, as the citrus can cause some irritation.
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3
Apply an acetone-based nail polish remover. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into a bit of nail polish remover. If the attached area is larger, you can also pour some polish remover into a bowl. Soak the affected area of skin for 6 to 10 minutes. Then, take your skin out of the solution and wash it off with warm and soapy water.^{[3]
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- Make sure to get a nail polish remover with 100% acetone, as that is the active ingredient that will eat away at the glue.
4
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.^{[4]
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- 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.
5
Rub 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.^{[5]
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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 a 3-4 minutes. Check to see if the glue has dissolved. If not, repeat the entire process over again.^{[6]
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- 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.^{[7]
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8
Apply moisturizer afterwards. 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.^{[8]
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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.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Glue from Other Surfaces

1
Do a test spot. Locate a hidden area on the damaged surface. Soak a cotton ball with the removal chemical that you plan on using. Place the cotton ball on the surface and keep it there for 5 minutes. Remove the ball and check the spot for any discoloration or damage. This will let you know if that chemical is safe to use on a larger area.^{[10]
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2
Apply acetone to the surface. You can use 100% acetone to loosen up Gorilla Glue from fabrics or even hard surfaces. Get a cotton ball and soak it in acetone. Then, place it on top of the glued surface and leave it for 5 minutes. Remove the ball and wipe the surface off with a water-dampened rag. Repeat this process if the glue stays stuck.
- Do not apply acetone to plastic surfaces, as it can cause additional damage to them.
3
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.^{[11]
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4
Peel the glue away with a blunt tool if it’s stuck to a hard surface. Get a putty knife or other tool and apply pressure to the side of the glued area. Make a gentle scraping motion to lift up the edges of the glue. If the glue stays put, then add a bit of acetone to the area with a cotton ball and try again.^{[12]
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5
Scrub fabric with a toothbrush. Apply a bit of acetone or soap and water onto the fabric. Then, get a 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.^{[13]
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6
Wash any clothing or fabrics. 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 the warmest setting possible. Read the instructions on the fabric’s label to avoid damaging it.^{[14]
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- 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.
7
Lay a soaked wet cloth on plastic surfaces. If you get glue on plastic products, it can be more difficult to remove, as acetone and alcohol will eat through the surface of the plastic. Get rid of the glue by soaking a cotton cloth in warm water and dish soap. Place this cloth on top of the glued area and leave it for 2 to 4 hours. Drip a mixture of soap and water onto the cloth during this time to keep it moistened.^{[15]
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- After you remove the cloth, you can wipe up the glue if it has dissolved. If the glue is still there, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Being Safe When Working with Gorilla Glue

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 via the number on their website.^{[16]
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- For example, to move the glue down into the nozzle, you’ll need to hold the bottle upside down and tap the cap on a hard surface a few times.
2
Wear gloves. Putting gloves on your hands 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.^{[17]
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- Disposable gloves are a great option when working with glue. However, make sure that they fit properly.
3
Cover your workspace. Remove any 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.^{[18]
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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, everything from pens to gel tubes, so spend some time researching exactly what you should use.^{[19]
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- It’s also important to remember that even the largest projects generally only require a very small amount of super glue.

Expert Q&A

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!

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.

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