How to Remove Gorilla Glue from Your Hands

Gorilla Glue is one of the toughest adhesives to remove due to its fast-drying and strong bonding properties. Exfoliating the skin and applying oil are key steps to remove dried glue, although they might not always be fully effective. For stronger Gorilla Glue formulas or adhesive that has completely set after some time, it should naturally peel off without causing harm to your skin.

Exfoliate the skin. Use a sharpening stone, pumice stone, or any rough-textured materials to rub against the skin. Scrub gently but steadily to avoid tearing the skin, and use your fingers to prevent burns from friction. Try exfoliating for a few minutes, then continue if the glue shows no signs of peeling off or coming off.

• If exfoliating tools aren't available, a wooden stick or a thick card can be used as an alternative.

Apply oil. Rub one of the following oil-based ingredients onto your hands for a few minutes:

• Hand cream, olive oil, sunflower oil, or baby oil are gentle on the skin. Enhance the effect by heating the oil for about 10 seconds in the microwave and/or adding a pinch of salt to increase friction.
• Lip balm, lip gloss, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), anti-stick spray, or makeup remover oil are other options. Additionally, Argan oil and pure shea butter oil are also good solvents.
• Polyglycol hand lotion may work better.

Use a blunt edge to scrape the glue off. Use a dull butter knife or your finger to scrape around the edges of the glue while the oil is still on. Avoid using a sharp blade to prevent cutting through the skin's protective layer.

Apply a bit of citrus fruit. Some people claim that rubbing a lemon slice on the skin, applying oil from citrus fruits, or using citrus-based products safe for the skin can help remove glue.

• This method may cause irritation if the Gorilla Glue or exfoliating ingredients dry, crack, or tear the skin.

Scrub a homemade mixture. After cleaning the oil off your skin, prepare a mixture for better results. For users dealing with MDI (the adhesive component in Gorilla Glue), this mixture is useful for cleaning up glue splatters:

• Washing soda (Na2CO3) powder (5-10%)
• Cleaning agent (0.2-2%)
• Water (enough to create a 100% mixture)

Wait a few days. The glue will peel off along with the new layer of skin, and the stain will fade completely after about 4-5 days. Waiting is recommended over using harsh chemicals (which are often ineffective and damaging to the skin).

• Moisturize your hands with hand oil while waiting, as Gorilla Glue can cause dryness or cracking of the skin.

Wipe off the wet glue with a dry cloth. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to clean up the glue immediately if it spills. The glue can be completely removed if cleaned within a few minutes.

Wash with soap. Gorilla glue hardens when it comes into contact with water, so it won't be fully effective unless you treat it right away. Rinse thoroughly with soap and plenty of water.

• Bar soap can help increase friction, but liquid soap might work better. If using liquid soap, opt for dish soap instead of hand soap (if your skin is not sensitive).

• Prepare a box of disposable gloves next to the Gorilla glue tube to remind you for your next craft project.
• To remove glue from skin, you can dampen a thin paper towel and gently massage it into the skin. The glue will be cleaned off after about 30 minutes.

• Avoid using alcohol, acetone, or other solvents. These can strip away the skin's natural oils, making the glue stick more firmly. While soaking your hands in these solvents may seem effective, frequent exposure could damage your skin or internal organs.
• Repeated exposure to Gorilla glue can wear down the outer layer of skin. This may lead to heightened sensitivity, causing pain from heat or touch.
• It is not recommended to use baking soda and vinegar as they can hinder the healing process and make the glue stick more strongly.

• Soap or a cleaning product
• Baby oil or other skin-safe oils (Polyglycol is best)
• Half a lemon
• Dull butter knife
• Dry Na2CO3 (Washing Soda powder)