How to remove super glue from skin

14 Sep How to remove super glue from skin

So, how do you get super glue off your fingers and hands? Dropping super glue on fingers and other skin is not the end of the world, and can easily be cleaned off by following these simple steps.

Soak the affected area

If you do get super glue on your skin, the first thing to do is to soak the affected area in warm soapy water. If you act quickly, this may well be all that is needed in order to loosen the glue.

Consider adding vinegar to the soapy water. Its acidic properties will work against the agents of the glue.

                  Try an acetone-based nail polish remover

If the glue remains, an acetone-based nail polish remover should do the trick. Make sure it contains acetone, as this is needed in order to be effective. Dab the acetone gently into the glue until it is loosened and comes off.

Do not apply the acetone using any cotton-based material, like a cotton ball or cotton pad as this could become caught in the superglue.

File the glue away

If a small amount remains, gently use an emery board as a file to remove super glue from your skin. This is of course a tricky task, which needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging the skin.

If you find this tricky, ask someone to help you.

                  Use margarine if you have sensitive skin

A milder alternative, if you have sensitive skin and are concerned about the effects of the acetone, is to use margarine. Gently rub the margarine into the affected area until the glue comes away.

Make a salt and water paste

Another alternative to acetone (although less advisable if you have any cuts or damaged skin close by) is to add salt to a small amount of water to make a paste, and apply it to the affected area. Rub it in, rinse it away, and repeat the process if the glue lingers. If the glue is sticking two fingers together, rub the paste between the fingers until they gently come apart.

Use lemon juice for stubborn superglue

If you’ve followed our guide for how to get super glue off your hand put the glue is proving stubborn, try the method above using lemon juice rather than water. The acidic agents in lemon juice will work on the glue at the same time as the abrasive properties of the salt.

This method isn’t advisable if you have any cuts or damaged skin close by.