How to Remove Glue Spots: Tips and Guidelines

Do sticky glue spots have you coming apart at the seams? Don't let glue stains make you come unglued. These tips will get rid of those spots for good.

First, identify the kind of material that got stained. Then use these stain-removal methods to get rid of glue spots:

Non-washable fabrics such as acetate, fiberglass, rayon, silk, triacetate and Wool
Washable fabrics such as acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, olefin, polyester, rayon and spandex
Household surfaces such as acrylic plastic, aluminum, asphalt, ceramic, glass/tile, cork, glass, linoleum, paint/flat, paint/gloss, plexiglass, polyurethane, porcelain dishes, vinyl clothing, vinyl tile, vinyl wallcovering
Stone surfaces such as bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, granite, limestone, slate, terrazzo
Grout
Leather and suede
Wallpaper
Wood

Non-washable Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove glue spots from non-washable fabrics such as acetate, fiberglass, rayon, silk, triacetate and 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 a 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 a 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 you can't remove any longer.

For a lingering stain:

Use an enzyme presoak (follow directions on the label; caution, some enzyme presoaks are not designed for use on wool or silk).
Cover with a clean pad that you have 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 you can't remove the stain any longer, flush thoroughly with water and allow it to dry.

Washable Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove glue spots from washable fabrics such as acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, olefin, polyester, rayon and spandex:

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.

Household Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove glue spots from household surfaces, such as acrylic plastic, aluminum, asphalt, ceramic, glass, glass tile, cork, linoleum, flat paint, gloss paint, plexiglass, polyurethane, porcelain dishes, vinyl clothing, vinyl tile and vinyl wallcovering:

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

Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove glue spots from stone surfaces, such as bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, granite, limestone, slate and 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.

Grout

Follow these steps to remove glue spots from grout:

Wipe 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.

Leather and Suede

Follow these steps to remove glue spots from leather and 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 leather cleaner or saddle soap to condition the leather.

Wallpaper

Follow these steps to remove glue spots from wallpaper:

Gently rub the glue with a coarse rubber eraser.
Use small, gentle strokes so you won't tear the paper.
After you remove the glue, wipe the area with a cloth dampened with clear water to remove any eraser particles.

Wood

Follow these steps to 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.