If you love making fakes or are just a housekeeper, then you are probably familiar with the benefits of hot glue. But a drop of glue accidentally hitting a cloth or hard surface can cause a lot of inconvenience, and the process of removing it will depend on the surface it hit. Fortunately, there are some simple and effective ways to remove hot glue from just about any surface!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Removing hot glue from fabrics and hard surfaces
Step 1. Apply a drop of alcohol to the surface to avoid damaging it
Alcohol can damage certain fabrics and woods in certain finishes. Before continuing, drip some rubbing alcohol onto the surface to test its reaction to alcohol.
Step 2. Wait for the glue to dry completely
This way you can remove it in one go, rather than having to deal with a dripping liquid. Hot glue dries quickly.
To test the glue, insert a toothpick into it. If the glue is hard and does not leave marks on the toothpick, then it is completely dry
Step 3. Dampen a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and rub around the perimeter of the glue
Isopropyl alcohol will react with the adhesive and weaken its adhesive properties. Wait about a minute for the alcohol to loosen the adhesive properly.
- Most standard isopropyl medicinal alcohols contain about 70% pure isopropyl, while others can reach 91%. Any isopropyl alcohol will work for this method.
- Try using 100% acetone instead of rubbing alcohol or acetone-based nail polish remover if you have one.
Step 4. Scrape off the glue with your fingers or a butter knife
If the glue has glued two items together, carefully peel off one of them first before removing the glue from the other. You may need to apply more rubbing alcohol while removing the glue.
Do not try to peel the glue off with your fingernails, as it may become hard. Use your finger or butter knife for extra control
Step 5. Rinse the surface with water
When the glue is completely removed, rinse the surface with water to remove any remaining traces of glue or drops of alcohol. Let the item dry completely before using it again.
Method 2 of 3: Removing hot glue from your skin
Step 1. Place the affected area under cold running water for 10 minutes
This will allow the glue to cool faster and prevent further burns. You can also apply an ice cube to the glue if the burn is not painful.
- If the affected area cannot be held under a tap, place it in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes.
- Massage the area with your fingers while it is underwater to remove the top layer of glue.
Step 2. Wait for the glue to dry completely
Attempts to remove hot or uncured adhesive can result in an even more severe and painful burn.
Step 3. Soak a piece of cotton wool in olive oil and rub it over the affected area
This should loosen the glue and transfer onto the fleece. You can also use rubbing alcohol for this, but if the skin is burned under the glue, it will be quite painful for you.
- Do this until all the glue has been removed. Use more olive oil or rubbing alcohol as needed.
- If the glue won't come off in any way, wash off the olive oil or rubbing alcohol and seek medical attention.
Step 4. Gently wipe off any remaining adhesive from your skin
The adhesive should easily come off the skin and not stick to it. Be careful not to accidentally pull hairs from your skin.
Do not try to remove the glue with your fingernails or other object, as this can cause severe pain if the skin is burned
Step 5. Place the affected area under cold running water again
This will rinse the remaining oil off your skin and cool the affected area. Make sure there are no traces of glue or oils on the skin.
To relieve pain, blot the skin with distilled vinegar for a few minutes, then rinse it off or leave it on the skin
Step 6. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage the area
Apply the ointment to the entire affected area, then bandage it with a bandage or sterile gauze, depending on the size of the area. Also take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
- If more than two days have passed and the pain has not subsided, see your doctor for help.
- Blisters may appear on your skin. Do not pierce or irritate the area until it heals on its own.
- Change the bandage or gauze as needed and reapply the antibiotic ointment.
Method 3 of 3: Removing hot glue from carpet
Step 1. Place a piece of fabric over the glue
Hot glue adheres better to various types of fabrics than carpet. Be sure to use a fabric that you won't mind throwing away when you remove the glue.
Step 2. Turn on the iron on a moderately medium power and place it directly on the fabric on top of the glue
The iron must be pressed against the glue. Do not move the iron back and forth, or the adhesive will spread further over the carpet.
Do not handle iron or fabric without gloves. The fabric will be hot and may cause burns and severe pain if touched
Step 3. Make sure all the adhesive has transferred to the fabric
Carefully set the iron aside and lift the fabric off the carpet. If there is still glue, take another piece of cloth and repeat the entire process. If you are unable to remove the glue in this way, seek the help of a specialist.
Step 4. Clean the affected area with a carpet cleaner
Once you've removed the glue, gently scrub the area with a carpet cleaner to remove any subtle glue residue that may still be on the carpet.
If you don't have a carpet cleaner, rinse it off with plain water. This will be enough
Warnings
- Wear gloves when removing hot glue to avoid skin irritation from rubbing alcohol or olive oil.
- If you removed the glue from your skin, but after 2 days the pain still persists, seek medical attention.
- Wear gloves when working with the iron to avoid accidental burns.