It’s a sticky situation, but it doesn’t have to be. Gorilla glue is an adhesive that once applied is nearly impossible to remove without professional help. But what removes Gorilla glue? We’ve compiled some different methods and materials that will allow you to get the gorilla glue off your hands and surfaces quickly and easily.
Is Gorilla Glue easy to be removed?
No. The adhesive has an endurance to tensile strength ratio of 1:9.
Many types of glue have been judged to be easy-to-peel, due to their low moduli and hardness (i.e., they bend and stretch easily). But Gorilla Glue is different.
This adhesive was engineered with a much higher level of durability than typical household glues — its high tensile strength of 9,000 PSI fails only when exposed to very high loads over extended periods of time (~2 hours). It’s important that removal won’t wear away the underlying material as this can quickly lead to more damage — so it doesn’t peel off but slides off like pulling a Band-Aid!
However, the methods and materials we list below may help to solve the problem.
Useful methods and materials to remove Gorilla Glue
Method 1: Acetone nail polish remover
- Put on rubber gloves
- Apply acetone nail polish remover to the glue
- Use a razor blade or scraper to scrape off the excess glue
4. Wash any residue off with water and soap, then dry it off with a towel
5. Allow time for drying before using that area again
Method 2: Petroleum jelly or olive oil
- Start by cutting the hair that is glued to your scalp with scissors
- Apply petroleum jelly or olive oil to any glue that remains on the skin and then removes it using a cotton ball
- Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once per week for at least two weeks after removing the glue from your hair
- Avoid putting anything in your hair for 24 hours, such as gel, hairspray, or pomade
- Brush your hair gently so you don’t rip out any of the glued strands
Method 3: Shampoo and olive oil
- Use a dry shampoo to absorb the glue
- Wash hair with conditioner and water, then rinse thoroughly
- Mix one tablespoon of olive oil with two tablespoons of dish soap in a bowl
- Apply the mixture to the glued area and work through hair for 5-10 minutes
- Rinse again and wash as normal
- Repeat if necessary until all glue is removed from the hair
Method 4: WD-40 and warm water
- Put on rubber gloves and place a bowl of warm water next to you
- Spray the glue with WD-40, then use a putty knife or scraper to remove the glue from the surface
- Use a paint thinner and paper towels to clean up any residue left behind
- Allow surfaces to dry thoroughly before using them again
- Repeat steps 2-4 if necessary
- If you are still unable to get all of the glue off, try scrubbing it with soap and water
Method 5: Use Vaseline
- Put on rubber gloves, apply Vaseline liberally over the surface of what needs removal.
- Wait 15 minutes for it to soak in.
- Then use a putty knife or scraper to scrape off what has become pliable again.
- Repeat until all glue is removed from what you’re attempting removal from.
- Dispose of used vaseline by sealing it in a plastic bag with duct tape for disposal later)
Tips to avoid smearing Gorilla Glue to unwanted area
- Put a thin, even layer on top of the area you want to glue
- Wait for it to dry before applying pressure
- Apply pressure slowly and evenly
- Make sure it’s not too hot or cold outside – Gorilla Glue is sensitive to temperature changes
- Don’t use your fingernails or tools like knives, scissors, etc., when trying to separate pieces
- Clean up with soap and water as soon as possible after using the glue (don’t wait until the next day)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove Gorilla Glue fast?
If you’ve applied glue to any concrete surface, it’s best if you can scrape off the excess with a putty knife (make sure the blade is not too sharp) then clean it up with a degreaser and a stiff brush. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to use a pressure washer and neutral detergent. For brick or stone surfaces without cracks, try using soap mixed with water in gallon buckets (complete coverage of the entire area). Allow time for this mixture to adhere.
Will vinegar remove Gorilla Glue?
Vinegar is an acidic component, it may dissolve the adhesive and make it non-sticky.
Vinegar probably won’t remove Gorilla Glue 100% but it will soften the glue and make removal easier. Vinegar is generally said to be a safe go-to for most household cleaning issues. The acidity of vinegar should remove spiderman’s gorilla glue in short order once applied. For maximum potency, add 1 part water, 2 parts vinegar (equal parts), mix together before use. Leave on for 15 minutes or longer as needed until adhesive no longer sticks to the surface and can be wiped away with a paper towel or cloth. Pat dry as needed or otherwise wait until air dries to avoid pulling at fabric fibers while wiping dried residue from immersed surfaces with a damp cloth/paper towel/. Repeat application if necessary to fully remove all traces
Does Goo Gone remove Gorilla Glue?
Goo Gone is a household cleaner that’s made for removing gooey substances, but it’s not strong enough to remove Gorilla Glue. It would take something like acetone or paint thinner to successfully remove Gorilla Glue.
Granted, there are plenty of brands out there of various strengths – and depending upon what Goo you’re attempting to clean up, you might want an extra-strong formula for tougher substances. The most important thing is don’t let the chemistry get in your eyes (goggles should be worn), don’t overdo just because it says “Goo” on the bottle – remember they all have different ingredients! And again depending on what Goo you’re dealing with- such as shiny vinyl padding on what a thick tar goo- you might need to take the extra time for something like Goo Gone just to get it all off.
