Stain Buster — Glue, Water-Based Craft

There are different types of glues on the market. If you are removing a glue that is not a water-based craft glue, contact the glue manufacturer for stain-removal recommendations.

Fabric

Scrape off excess glue. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and wash on the hottest possible setting for that particular fabric.

Upholstery

Scrape off excess glue. Mix one tablespoon of washing up liquid with two cups of cool water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. Keep sponging and blotting until the stain disappears. Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Carpet

Scrape off excess glue. Mix one tablespoon of washing up liquid with two cups of warm water. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the detergent solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of ammonia (warning: never mix bleach and ammonia – the resulting fumes are hazardous) with two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with the ammonia solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed.

Sponge with cold water and blot dry.

Hardened glue

If the glue has hardened, you'll need to soften it before you can scrape it off. There are several ways to do this:

Rub petroleum jelly into the stain.

Rub waterless hand cleaner into the stain.

Fold several paper towels until you have a stack about 1/8 inch thick. Soak with warm water and then place the stack on top of the glue stain. Leave the paper towels in place for about an hour until the glue softens.