How to Remove Super Glue from Fabric

There’s no reason to worry about super glue stains on clothes, as you can clean the glue off with a little acetone and wash it thoroughly. While different fabrics will react differently to super glue, most are fine if you let the glue dry first, then soak in acetone to melt it. Remaining glue stains will then be treated with thorough washing. However, before taking any steps, you should check the cleaning instructions label attached to the garment to make sure it is not causing further damage to the fabric.

Table of Contents

Scrape off glue stains

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Take delicate fabrics to a professional dry cleaning service. The shaving, acetone-soaking, and washing steps are suitable for most fabrics, with the exception of easily damaged fabrics. Fortunately, dry cleaning services have products that can safely remove glue stains from delicate fabrics. ^{[1] XResearch Source}

Check the labels on the clothes. If the label says dry cleaning is required, take it to the laundromat.
Fragile fabrics include sheer, lace, and silk fabrics.

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Let the glue dry on its own. Please wait patiently for the glue to dry. If you try to treat the glue while it’s still wet, the situation will be even worse. Do not try to shorten the process with a hair dryer, or you will only make the glue stick harder. ^{[2] XResearch Source}

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Soak the glue stain in ice water if you’re in a hurry. It will only take 15-20 minutes for the glue stain to dry, but if you can’t wait, you can take a bowl of water, drop ice cubes in to cool, then dip the glued cloth in the water for a few seconds and then remove. Ice will harden the glue. ^{[3] XResearch Sources}

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Scrape off as much glue as possible. Spread the cloth on a hard surface, then use your fingernail or the edge of a spatula to scrape off the glue. You won’t be able to scrape off the super glue right away, but most large pieces of glue will come off. ^{[4] XResearch Sources}

Skip this step if it’s loose fabric, such as knits, or delicate fabrics like muslin to avoid tearing the fabric.

Soak the glue stain in acetone

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Test the acetone first in a hidden spot on the fabric. Dip a cotton ball in 100% pure acetone, then press on a hard-to-see spot in the fabric, such as a hem or seam on a garment. Wait a few seconds, then lift the cotton pad. ^{[5] XResearch Sources}

If the fabric does not discolor or fall apart, you can continue.
If the fabric is discolored or discolored, wash it off with water and dry it.

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Press a cotton ball dipped in acetone into the glue stain. Dip another cotton ball in 100% pure acetone and press against the glue, making sure to avoid the unadhesive parts of the fabric to limit possible damage. ^{[6] XResearch Sources}

You can also use a piece of white cotton cloth instead of cotton wool. Don’t use colored or patterned fabrics. ^{[7] XResearch Sources}

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Wait for the glue to soften and lift the cotton pad. Check for glue stains every few minutes. The waiting time for the glue to soften depends on the amount of glue on the fabric, the type of chemical in the glue, the type of fabric and a number of other factors. Usually you need to wait about 3-15 minutes. ^{[8] XResearch Sources}

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Scrape off the softened glue. Again, you can use your fingernail or the edge of a spoon to scrape off the glue. Maybe the glue won’t come off right away, but that’s okay. The key to safely removing superglue is to work slowly. ^{[9] XResearch Source}

Do not use painted nails to scrape off the glue. The glue has now soaked up the acetone so the nail polish will melt and stain the fabric.

Washing fabric

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Use stain remover. Once most of the stain is gone, you can use stain remover products to clean the fabric. Rub the product deep into the stain, then wash in cold water. ^{[11] XResearch Source}

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Wash the garment with the setting and temperature instructions on the label attached to the garment. This step will remove any remaining stains. Most fabrics are washable in warm or cool water. If the label on the shirt is missing, you should use cool water and wash it on a gentle cycle.

If you don’t have time to wash, you can wash the dirty area with cool water and soap. Rinse and pat dry with a towel.

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Wash again if stain remains. If the stain is only faint, just one more wash and you’re done. If the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat the acetone soak step. ^{[12] XResearch Source}

Do not put the garment in the dryer if the stain remains. You can air dry it.

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Dry the fabric when the stain is completely gone. The safest option is to let the fabric dry naturally, but you can use a dryer if you’re sure the stain is gone. If the stain remains after washing, do not put it in the dryer, or the stain will stick to the fabric. ^{[13] XResearch Source}

If the stain is still visible, wash it again. You can also repeat the acetone treatment or have it dry cleaned. ^{[14] XResearch Source}

Advice

You can use nail polish remover that contains acetone. Be sure to use a transparent one, as colored solutions can stain the fabric.
If you can’t find acetone, try lemon juice or regular nail polish remover.
Ask for advice at the dry cleaner if you’re not sure. ^{[15] XResearch Source}

Things you need

Cotton
Aceton
Laundry stain remover (if needed)
Washing machine

Steps

Scrape off glue stains

Soak the glue stain in acetone

Washing fabric

Advice

Things you need

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