During small repairs, crafts or a school project with the kids, drops of super glue often end up on a glass table top, mirror or display cabinet. The glue sets in seconds, and the longer the spot stays, the harder it holds.
Wet glue is easy to remove if you act at once. Dried glue is harder: scraping glass with a blade is risky as it can leave scratches. Below are three methods, from the gentlest to the most effective.
What you will need
Important: Do not scrape glass with a metal blade held at a steep angle and do not use abrasive pads. If glue gets on your skin, soak it in warm soapy water; never apply surface products to skin.
Step 1
Remove wet glue straight away
Spotted a drop before it sets? Dampen a soft cloth with warm water, press it onto the spot for a few seconds, then wipe the glue away. Fresh glue comes off well this way, with no chemicals at all.
Step 2
Try warm soapy water
If the glue has started to harden, mix a little liquid soap into a cup of warm water, dip a cloth in it and rub the spot. Warmth and soap weaken the bond between glue and glass. It is safe, but often needs several rounds.
Step 3
Apply WD-40 to dried glue
For an old, hard spot, spray a small amount of WD-40 Multi-Use directly onto the glue. For a tiny drop, WD-40 Smart Straw is handier: the thin straw gives a precise jet without overspray on nearby surfaces. You do not need much.
Step 4
Wait a minute
Leave the product for about a minute. In that time it penetrates the glue and loosens it from within, so the film lifts from the glass much more easily.
Step 5
Wipe the glue away
Wipe the spot with a clean cotton cloth. If a thick blob remains, ease it off with a plastic scraper at a low angle, then apply and wipe again.
Step 6
Clean the glass to a shine
To avoid greasy streaks, wash the area with glass cleaner or warm soapy water and polish with dry microfibre.
Tip: Before gluing small items, cover the glass with paper or old newspaper: it is easier than removing glue afterwards. A pocket-size
WD-40 100 ml fits neatly in a craft toolbox.
What next
The same method works for mirrors, glass cabinet doors and the outside of aquarium lids. The sooner you treat a spot, the less effort it takes.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».