How to Get Super Glue Off Your Skin: 7 Removal Tips
Super glue is very handy and can effectively help you fix a lot of things. However, it can also be really sticky and painful to remove, especially if you try to peel it off using only brute force, something you should never do. In this article, we have listed 7 different things you can do to remove super glue from your skin quickly and pain-free.
1. Soap in warm water
If the glue is still not fully dried, this can be a great solution. Soak the affected area in a bowl filled with warm, soapy water. Once soft, you can remove the super glue from your skin.
2. Salt and water
Mix water and table salt until it forms a thick paste. Rub the paste into the skin for a minute or 2. The salt will help scrub off the glue.
3. Lemon juice
Pour some lemon juice into a bowl and soak the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. Then use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to rub the lemon juice. Then you can rub your skin with a dry washcloth to loosen the glue. Wash your hands and moisturize afterward.
4. Coconut oil and baking soda
Make a paste with equal parts coconut oil and baking soda. Let the mixture sit on the affected area for 10 minutes. Once it begins to get soft, you can start to remove the glue.
5. Olive oil
Soak the affected area in olive oil for around 20 minutes. Then you can start to safely remove the glue.
6. Laundry detergent
Mix 1/4 cup of detergent in a coffee cup of warm water. Rub the mixture on your skin for 20 seconds or until the glue starts to come off.
7. Nail polish remover or acetone
Only use this if your skin is not very sensitive. Pour some nail polish remover or acetone onto a cotton ball and remove the super glue by rubbing the affected area with it. Once the glue is dissolved, rinse your skin with warm water and soap.
Bonus: tips for using super glue
- “When using super glue, use a very small amount on one surface and a very small amount of water on the other. It will bond immediately. Super glue cures by reacting with water. This is why it sticks your fingers instantly to whatever you are gluing but not the 2 plastic parts you are trying to glue...the adhesive reacts with the moisture in your skin. To effectively use super glue, use just enough to create a thin film on one surface being glued. Most people use way too much and it results in a slow set time and poor bond. Dampen the other surface with water. When the 2 surfaces come in contact with each other, the water will react with the super glue and bond instantly. You should then leave the newly glued object supported and still for another 10 minutes to allow the bonding to finish before applying any pressure to it.” Ⓒ Greatgobbldygook / Reddit
- “Put on latex (or equivalent) gloves before using super glue, no matter how small the job.” Ⓒ thkoog / Reddit
- “Once opened, keep super glue in the fridge — the cap won’t get stuck and it’ll last for years.” Ⓒ TimJethro / Reddit
- “Hold the super glue tube nozzle upward and slowly squeeze the air out before capping. It will keep it from drying out and hardening.” Ⓒ riteytiteyleftyoff / Reddit
- “Before working with super glue (cyanoacrylate), cover your hands in a good layer of lotion. When you inevitably get glue on your fingers, it will help you remove it effortlessly.” Ⓒ camus_absurd / Reddit
- “When using super glue (cyanoacrylate), keep some baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) around and sprinkle some on top of the wet glue. It dries it almost instantly and seems to bond together better.” Ⓒ magickalbeing08 / Reddit
- “When opening super glue for the first time, put a small piece of plastic film between the nozzle and tube (not the cap). This will keep the tube from absorbing moisture and the glue from turning hard. My glue now stays liquid for years.” Ⓒ EngagingData / Reddit
Do you know any other tips to get super glue off your skin? How often do you use this type of adhesive? Tell us in the comments!