Introduction
Accidents happen. You’re in a rush, trying to put something together, and before you know it, you’ve spilled super glue all over your favorite shirt. It’s a frustrating situation, but don’t despair – there are several ways to get super glue out of clothing. Read on to learn about eight methods for removing super glue from clothing.
But first, what is super glue? Super glue (also known as cyanoacrylate glue) is an adhesive that bonds quickly and strongly to surfaces. It was initially developed for military use during World War II, and today it’s widely used for home repairs and craft projects.
Use a Hair Dryer
One of the simplest methods for removing super glue from clothing is to use a hair dryer. The heat loosens the adhesive, making it easier to scrape off with a butter knife or razor blade.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Put the item of clothing in a sink or basin filled with cold water.
- Hold the hair dryer about 6 inches away from the glue spot and turn it on.
- Keep the hair dryer moving around the spot so you don’t burn the fabric.
- As the glue starts to loosen, use a butter knife or razor blade to scrape it off.
- Once the glue has been removed, wash the item of clothing according to the care instructions.
Rubbing Alcohol
Another effective way to remove super glue from clothing is to use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol breaks down the adhesive, making it easy to wipe off with a cloth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.
- Press the cotton ball onto the glue spot and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Gently rub the glue spot with the cotton ball until the glue starts to break down.
- Continue rubbing until all of the glue has been removed.
- Wash the item of clothing according to the care instructions.
Ice Cubes
Using ice cubes is another easy way to remove super glue from clothing. The cold temperature causes the adhesive to become brittle, making it easier to chip off.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Put the item of clothing in a sink or basin filled with cold water.
- Place a few ice cubes directly on the glue spot.
- Let the ice cubes sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the glue becomes brittle.
- Use a butter knife or razor blade to scrape the glue off.
- Once the glue has been removed, wash the item of clothing according to the care instructions.
Nail Polish Remover
You can also use nail polish remover to remove super glue from clothing. The acetone in the nail polish remover breaks down the adhesive, making it easy to wipe off with a cloth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover.
- Press the cotton ball onto the glue spot and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Gently rub the glue spot with the cotton ball until the glue starts to break down.
- Continue rubbing until all of the glue has been removed.
- Wash the item of clothing according to the care instructions.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another great option for removing super glue from clothing. The acidity of the vinegar helps to break down the adhesive, making it easy to wipe off with a cloth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Saturate a cotton ball with the vinegar mixture.
- Press the cotton ball onto the glue spot and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Gently rub the glue spot with the cotton ball until the glue starts to break down.
- Continue rubbing until all of the glue has been removed.
- Wash the item of clothing according to the care instructions.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda paste is another effective method for removing super glue from clothing. The abrasive nature of the baking soda helps to break down the adhesive, making it easy to wipe off with a cloth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of warm water to form a paste.
- Spread the paste over the glue spot and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Gently rub the glue spot with a damp cloth until the glue starts to break down.
- Continue rubbing until all of the glue has been removed.
- Wash the item of clothing according to the care instructions.
Laundry Detergent
You can also use laundry detergent to remove super glue from clothing. The surfactants in the detergent help to break down the adhesive, making it easy to wipe off with a cloth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent with 2 cups of warm water.
- Soak the item of clothing in the detergent mixture for 30 minutes.
- Gently rub the glue spot with a damp cloth until the glue starts to break down.
- Continue rubbing until all of the glue has been removed.
- Wash the item of clothing according to the care instructions.
Conclusion
Accidentally getting super glue on your clothing can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your favorite shirt. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can use a hair dryer, rubbing alcohol, ice cubes, nail polish remover, vinegar, baking soda paste, or laundry detergent to get the super glue out of clothing.
To avoid getting super glue on your clothing in the future, always use it in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves. If you do get it on your clothes, act quickly to prevent the glue from setting.
