How to Remove Glue Spots

Do sticky glue spots have you coming apart at the seams? Use these stain removal methods to get rid of glue spots.

Remove Glue Spots From:
Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon, Silk, Triacetate, Wool

Immediately sponge (the method of using light strokes with a dampened pad working outward from the center of the stain) the area with water. Then apply a wet spotter and a few drops of white vinegar. Cover with an absorbent pad dampened with wet spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being picked up. Change the pad as it removes the stain. Keep both the stain and pad moist with wet spotter and vinegar. Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining materials and residue from stain removers) with water and repeat until no more stain is removed. For a lingering stain, use an enzyme presoak (follow directions on label; caution, some enzyme presoaks are not designed for use on wool or silk). Cover with a clean pad that has been dipped in the solution and wrung dry. Let it stand 30 minutes. Keep the area and pad moist and warm, but do not let the wet area spread. When no more stain is removed, flush thoroughly with water and allow to dry.

Remove Glue Spots From:

Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic,
Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Spandex

How To Make Wet And Dry Spotters
Dry Spotter:
To make a dry spotter, combine 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) and 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution may be stored if the container is tightly capped to prevent evaporation of the solvent. Mineral oil may be substituted for the coconut oil, but is not quite as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are poisonous and may
be flammable.

Wet spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use. Store wet spotter in a plastic squeeze bottle.

Soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing or laundry detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. (Omit vinegar when treating cotton and linen.) Let soak for 15 minutes and rinse well with water. Sponge cotton or linen only with rubbing alcohol. Rinse well and launder as soon as possible.

Remove Glue Spots From:

Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Ceramic, Glass/Tile,
Cork, Glass, Linoleum, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss,
Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Porcelain Dishes,
Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering

Remove as much glue as possible with a dull knife or spatula. Wipe surface with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe dry.

Remove Glue Spots From:

Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone,
Granite, Limestone, Slate, Terrazzo

Carefully scrape (the method of using a scraping tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to remove any excess material. Wash with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water. Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and allow to air dry.

Remove Glue Spots From:

Grout

Wipe up excess with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water. To remove any dried material dip a wet toothbrush into a little powdered cleanser and gently scrub the stain. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Remove Glue Spots From:

Leather, Suede

Very gently scrape to remove any excess material. Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe with a clean dry cloth. Repeat if necessary to remove any sticky traces. On leather, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

Remove Glue Spots From:

Wallpaper

Gently rub the glue with an artgum eraser. Use small, gentle strokes so you won't tear the paper. When the glue has been removed, wipe the area with a cloth dampened with clear water to remove any eraser particles.

Remove Glue Spots From:

Wood

Mix dishwashing detergent in hot water and swish to make a great volume of suds. Dip a cloth or sponge in only the foam and apply. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened with clear water. Polish or wax as soon as possible.

Don't let glue stains make you come unglued. The above tips will get rid of those white spots for good.

Publications International, Ltd.