How to Get Super Glue Off Clothes
Learn how to get super glue off clothes easily with this no-stress guide. Discover effective methods to remove dried or wet glue without damaging fabric.

To be honest super glue can be a life saver when it comes to fixing stuff. But oh no what a dreadful situation! Your favorite shirt or jeans has just been stained with this powerful chemical. Now you are wondering whether to discard your favorite clothes. But hang on there is no need to panic. We have the right options that will come in handy for you. Because in this guide we will walk you through different ways to get that stubborn off for good and make your clothes brand new and scoot-free again. By the end of this article you will have all the knowledge and tools to get things straight without any headaches.
So let's get started then.
Don’t Panic and Don’t Try to Rub the Super Glue Off

The number one worst thing you can do is to try to rub it off immediately. That won’t solve the problem instead it will make it even worse. Because that way the glue will go deeper into the fabric making it far more difficult to remove. So first things first take a deep breath and let the glue dry. Yes you heard that right. Let it dry. Super glues can dry really quickly so it won’t be that long until thoroughly dried out. Once that happens, you will have a better chance of removing it from your precious clothes without damaging them.
Now then let's look at some of the methods by which we can save your clothes from this stubborn chemical.
Method 1: The Classic Ascetone Trick for Super Glue, Best for Natural Fabrics
Acetone which is commonly found in your nail polish remover can be one of the most effective ways to dissolve and remove in super glue for good. But and this is a big caution. Be careful when you use it because it can weaken or dissolve some fabrics that are sensitive to it. So if you think that your clothes are delicate then do a small test to see how it works.
Here’s what you need:
- Nail polish remover with acetone in it.
- A small cotton ball or a soft piece of cloth.
- Dull knife or a spoon.
Steps to Take:
- Test First: Apply a small amount of acetone to an isolated location to check for any damage.
- Apply gently: Soak a cotton ball or towel in nail polish remover and carefully apply it to the dried up glue.
- Wait and Loosen: Allow the acetone to settle down for a few minutes. This will begin to break down the glue's stickiness.
- Wipe Carefully: Use a dull knife or the edge of a spoon to carefully wipe away the weakened glue.
- Wash It Off: Once most of the binding agent has been removed, put your clothes in the laundry and voila it's all good again.
If there is any small amount left then repeat the process and wash again.
Method 2: Freezing Off the Super Glue, Recommended for Delicate Fabrics
Moving on to the next part if you feel that using acetone might be harmful then the following method will sure be safe.
Freezing is another way to get it off.
What You Need:
- A fridge with a freezer.
- A butter knife or a spoon.
Steps To Take:
- Place the item of clothing in the freezer for somewhere between 1 to 2 hours. The super glue will become considerably harder.
- Once it is entirely frozen, remove it and carefully twirl the cloth to release it from the glue.
- Clean off any hardened glue with a butter knife or a spoon. It will likely come off easier.
- If needed, repeat the process until almost all of the glue has been eliminated.
Afterwards gently wash the fabric to remove any lasting effects of the glue just to be on the safe side.
Method 3: Use Soapy Warm Water for Super Glue, Best for Small Stains or Sensitive Fabrics
Sometimes you can be lucky if the stain is light and small. Then a simple soap and warm water will do the right trick to get it off.
What you Need Here is:
- A bowl of warm water.
- Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent
- A Soft Tooth Brush
Steps To Take:
- Mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap or a detergent for washing clothes.
- Soak the troubled area for about fifteen to twenty minutes.
- To remove the glue, lightly press the material together or scrub it with a soft toohbrush.
- Do it again if you feel necessary and then wash it normally.
This process is also helpful if your clothes are sensitive to acetone. Be sure to keep it in mind.
Method 4: Vinegar for Coffee Stains, A Nice Choice If You Don’t Prefer Acetone
Here we have another useful method which is vinegar.
This method is also beneficial if you want to use something much stronger than just a simple soap or warm water.
What You Need:
- Some White Vinegar
- A Small Cotton ball or a piece of cloth
Steps You Can Do:
- First soak a small amount of cotton in vinegar and gently apply it to the hardened glue.
- Then wait and let it settle down for 10 to 15 minutes so it can break down the stickiness.
- Make sure to use a dull knife or the tip of your fingernails to gently remove the softened glue.
- Finally wash the clothes.
Vinegar may work a bit slower but it is a much safer and more effective way than acetone when removing the glue from clothes.
Bonus Tips: To Prevent any Super Glue Accidents in the Future
Now that we have discussed how you can remove the glue. Let’s talk about the ways where you can prevent it from happening in the first place.
So here are some tips to learn and keep in mind:
- Wear old clothes or an apron when working with super strong glue.
- To avoid any sort of drips work on a protective surface like using an old newspaper or a cardboard.
- Make sure to wear gloves to keep glue off your hands as it can stick to your clothing.
- Always be aware of the tube opening because a blocked or leaky tip can cause unexpected leaks.
When’s the Right Time to Seek Professional Assistance
Well in a specific situation where you think the the glue has gone too deep and can’t be removed at home without causing harm to your clothes.
Then, it is necessary to take it to a professional dry cleaner, who will use the proper techniques to remove it.
You should know that your dry cleaner might charge you according to the set rate so keep that in mind when going there.
Conclusion: No More Glue Stained Clothes
Getting super glue on your clothes isn’t the end of the world. With the right approach you can get rid of those pesky stains and save your favorite outfits. The next time you have a similar mishap just remember to stay calm, let it dry and choose the correct removal method. Now go ahead and rescue that shirt. You got this.