Glue can be quite stubborn to remove in some cases. Above all, you want to do this without damaging the surface. It can help to use a product such as a solvent. But what products and solvents are there for removing glue?

Removing glue with acetone

Acetone is a powerful and widely used solvent that is especially effective at removing strong adhesives such as super glue. It works great on hard, non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, and certain types of plastic.

Instructions for use:
Apply a small amount of acetone to a cotton swab or cloth and gently rub it over the glue. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a scraper or cloth. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water afterwards to remove any acetone residue.

Caution:
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can damage some materials, such as painted wood and certain plastics. Always test it on an inconspicuous area first.

Removing glue with vinegar

Cleaning vinegar is a milder, natural alternative to chemical solvents. It is particularly effective at removing glue from wooden surfaces and glass. It is also more environmentally friendly and safer to use.

Instructions for use:
Moisten a soft cloth with cleaning vinegar and rub it over the glue. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the glue. Then use a plastic scraper or a cloth to wipe away the glue residue. Rinse with water to remove all vinegar residue.

Caution:
Although cleaning vinegar is less aggressive, it can still affect certain surfaces, so test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Removing glue with alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a versatile solvent that works well for removing adhesives from surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal. It is a good choice if you want a less aggressive alternative to acetone, especially for delicate surfaces.

In addition to cleaning alcohol, you can also use denatured alcohol 70% or alcohol 96% .

The lower the concentration of alcohol, the less aggressive it is.

Instructions for use:
Dampen a cloth with the alcohol of your choice and rub it over the glue. Let it sit for a moment and then use a cloth or scraper to remove the glue residue. If possible, rinse the surface with water and dry it well.

Caution:
Alcohol is relatively safe, but can dry out certain plastics or damage surfaces. Always test it on an inconspicuous area first.

Removing glue with turpentine

Turpentine is often used to remove paint-related glue and other adhesives from wood and metal surfaces. It is slightly more aggressive than cleaning vinegar, but milder than acetone, making it suitable for delicate surfaces that require extra care.

Instructions for use:
Apply a small amount of turpentine to a cloth and rub it over the glue. Let it work for a while and then remove the glue with a scraper or cloth. Then rinse the surface with water and dry it well.

Caution:
Although turpentine is effective, it can be harmful if in prolonged contact with certain surfaces, especially wood with a delicate finish. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface first.

Safety precautions when using solvents

When removing glue with chemical solvents it is important to take precautions:

• Wear gloves: Protect your skin from possible irritation by wearing gloves .
• Ventilate the area: Provide adequate ventilation when using solvents, especially products such as acetone, turpentine, and commercial adhesive removers.
• Protect your eyes: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from chemical splashes.
• Keep products out of reach of children: Ensure all solvents are stored safely, out of the reach of children and pets.

Commercial adhesive removers

A commercial adhesive remover can often be purchased at the hardware store . These are specially developed to effectively remove different types of adhesive from various surfaces. Although they are very effective, they are also often more expensive than traditional solvents such as acetone or turpentine. It is also often the case that the main ingredient of such an adhesive remover is simply a solvent. A major advantage of a commercial product is the ease of use and the instructions provided on the packaging.