How to Remove Glue from Wood

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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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Household Products

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    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]
    • 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.
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    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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    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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Sanding off Large and Stubborn Glue Spots

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    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]
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    Carefully sand the remaining glue. Make sure you do not sand any of the wood, just the glue. [3]
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    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]
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    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]
    • You can also apply a layer of wood polish to shine up the area and make it appear less dull.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Applying Commercial Products for a Quick Fix

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    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]
    • 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]
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    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.
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    Vaseline and petroleum jelly 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]
    • 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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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Applying Heat to Small Spots

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    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]
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    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]
    • 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.
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    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]
    • Be careful not to swipe or scrape too hard with the scraper, as you risk scratching the wood.
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    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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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-glue/#.WfdUbxNSyRs
      2. ↑ http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-wood
      3. ↑ http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-wood
      4. ↑ http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-wood
      5. ↑ http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-wood
      6. ↑ Chiu, Raymond. Cleaning Guru. Personal interview. 15 October 2019.
      7. ↑ http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-wood
      8. ↑ Chiu, Raymond. Cleaning Guru. Personal interview. 15 October 2019.
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-glue/#.WfdUbxNSyRs
      1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-glue
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-glue
      3. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-glue

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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!

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