How to Remove Glue from Wood

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

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

1
Apply white vinegar to the glue for a natural option. 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]
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- 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.
2
Soften small glue spots with mayonnaise. 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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3
Let orange peels sit on small spots of glue to break them down. 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Sanding off Large and Stubborn Glue Spots

1
Use 600-grit sandpaper on thick glue. 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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2
Switch to 1200-grit sandpaper and remove the remaining glue. Carefully sand the remaining glue. Make sure you do not sand any of the wood, just the glue.^{[3]
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3
Wipe the area with a soft cloth. 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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4
Use a wood finish to restore the wood. 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]
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- You can also apply a layer of wood polish to shine up the area and make it appear less dull.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Applying Commercial Products for a Quick Fix

1
Use acetone on untreated or unfinished wood. Acetone can be used on wood that is unpainted and untreated, as it can damage varnish and paint.^{[6]
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Chiu, Raymond. Cleaning Guru. Personal interview. 15 October 2019.} 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]
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- 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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  Chiu, Raymond. Cleaning Guru. Personal interview. 15 October 2019.}
2
Apply a commercial glue remover on tough glue spots. 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.
3
Soften small spots overnight with petroleum jelly. 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]
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- Be careful not to scrape the glue too hard when you remove it, as you do not want to scratch the wood.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Applying Heat to Small Spots

1
Use the low heat setting on a hair dryer or a heat fan. 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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2
Apply the dryer or fan to the glue for 15 seconds to soften it. 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]
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- 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.
3
Use a plastic scraper or your fingers to remove the softened glue. 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]
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- Be careful not to swipe or scrape too hard with the scraper, as you risk scratching the wood.
4
Wipe the area with a soft cloth. Once you have removed the glue, wipe the area down to make sure there is no remaining glue.