How to Remove Super Glue from Metal

Co-authored by Gino Colucci and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: January 13, 2023 References

Super glue is nifty for a ton of fun projects and crafts, but what’s the best way to remove it when it accidentally drips onto a metal surface? Dissolving the glue in acetone is the go-to method, but there are a ton of other household cleaners you can use to get just as clean of a result. We’ve put together a handy list of ways to remove super glue from metal surfaces, including chemical and natural cleaners. If you’re ready to de-glue, stick around!

Things You Should Know

Use household options like acetone, WD-40, hydrogen peroxide, lighter fluid, or rubbing alcohol to dissolve the glue bonds.
For more natural options, you can try white vinegar, baking soda, or baking soda and coconut oil.
Sand the glue away if you are unable to soak it, or if you need to remove particularly stubborn bits.

1

Dissolve the super glue in acetone.

Acetone is the most popular solvent for removing super glue from metal. Wipe the glue area clean with a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol, then soak a cotton pad in acetone and hold it to the glue for 5 to 10 minutes. Scrape the glue away with a plastic scraper once the glue loosens up.^{[1]
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- Use a razor blade or putty knife if you don’t have a plastic scraper, or nail polish remover in place of pure acetone.
- Scrape gently to avoid scratching or damaging the metal surface.
- Repeat the acetone soak until all of the glue is gone. Afterward, use a clean rag and soapy water to wash the metal, then dry.

2

Use lighter fluid to break the glue’s bonds.

Lighter fluid is stronger than acetone and works on stubborn glue spots. Put on protective gloves and soak a cotton pad or rag in lighter fluid. Hold the rag to the glue for several minutes until the glue is soft enough to wipe away. Clean the metal with soapy water to remove any lingering lighter fluid.^{[2]
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- If needed, repeat the lighter fluid soak or use a plastic scraper to remove large chunks or glue or residue.
- Ventilate your work area as much as possible to reduce the chance of inhaling lighter fluid fumes.

3

Spray the glue in WD-40.

WD-40 is a lubricant that loosens strong adhesives. Wipe the area clean with rubbing alcohol and a rag, then spray the glue generously with WD-40. Wait about 5 minutes for the WD-40 to dissolve the glue, then wipe the glue away with a rag or scrape residue off with a plastic scraper.^{[3]
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- Afterward, clean the metal with soapy water and dry it to remove toxic chemicals and prevent rust.
- Use WD-40 to remove adhesive from a variety of household objects and materials.

4

Break down the glue with hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is metal-safe and destroys tough glue. Wipe the metal and dried glue clean, then hold a rag or cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide onto the glue spot until it’s saturated. Wipe the glue away once it’s loose, or use a scraper to remove big chunks and residue.^{[4]
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- Repeat the hydrogen peroxide soak if necessary to remove all of the glue.
- Once the glue is gone, use a rag and soapy water to clean away residue and leftover chemicals.
- Use hydrogen peroxide for a variety of cleaning tasks around the house.

5

Soak the glue in rubbing alcohol.

Rubbing alcohol is great for removing sticky substances like glue. Soak a cotton pad or rag in alcohol and hold it to the glue spot for 5 to 10 minutes. When the glue loosens, use the pad to wipe the glue and residue away. Clean the metal with a fresh cloth and hot water.^{[5]
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- Rub the glue in the direction of the metal’s grain (if it has one).
- Alcohol evaporates quickly, which makes for an easy cleanup.

6

Soften the glue with petroleum jelly.

Petroleum jelly contains natural waxes and oils that soften and lift glue. Use your fingers to apply the jelly to the glue spot, rubbing in circular motions to unbind the glue from the metal surface. Wipe the metal clean with soapy water and a rag once the glue is gone, or use a scraper to lift stubborn pieces.^{[6]
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- For extra difficult glue spots, use petroleum jelly to loosen the glue before applying a stronger solvent, like acetone or lighter fluid.
- Use petroleum jelly to remove glue from your skin or hair, too.

7

Dissolve the super glue with white vinegar.

Vinegar is a natural alternative that’s acidic enough to remove glue. Wipe the area clean and then apply distilled, white vinegar to the glue with a cotton pad. Vinegar works slowly, so let it soak for about an hour. Scrape off the dissolved glue with a plastic scraper.^{[7]
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- Wash the metal with a clean rag and soapy water after all of the glue is gone.

8

Use a mixture of baking soda and coconut oil.

Mix baking soda and coconut oil to make natural glue remover. Combine equal parts baking soda and coconut oil in a bowl (the bigger the glue spot, the more you should use). Then rub the paste over the dried glue and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wipe the glue away or use a scraper to remove it, if needed.^{[8]
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- Rinse the metal with clean water afterward and then dry it off to prevent rust.

9

Use cooking oil to soften the super glue.

Cooking oils, like olive oil, will loosen the glue’s hold on the metal. Pour some oil into a clean rag and hold it to the glue spot for several minutes until the glue is pliable. Then use a spatula or scraper to lift the glue away.^{[9]
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- Wash the oily residue away with hot water afterward.
- Use cooking oil to remove super glue from skin or hair, too.

10

Sand the glue away.

Use fine grit sandpaper or a nail file on flat metal surfaces. Tape off the area that needs to be sanded, then rub away the glue with your paper or nail file. Sand gently as you get close to the metal’s surface to avoid scratching it.^{[10]
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- Use the sharp edges of a nail file to pry off chunks of glue or residue.
- After the glue is gone, clean the spot with soapy water and a cloth.

11

Remove super glue residue with soapy water.

Hot, soapy water is useful for tiny glue spots or super glue residue. Mix 1 cup (237 mL) of hot water and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of dish soap in a container until it’s sudsy. Use a cloth to soak the glue in the soapy water and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use a toothbrush to scrub the residue away.^{[11]
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- Dry the metal thoroughly after removing the glue to prevent rust.

Things You’ll Need

Protective gloves
Cotton pads
Acetone or another solvent
Plastic scraper
Clean rags or sponges
Hot water
Dish soap

Warnings

Wear protective gloves when working with chemicals like acetone, lighter fluid, WD-40, or hydrogen peroxide to prevent damage to your skin. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.

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Always dry the metal after removing super glue to avoid rust formation.^{[13]
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