Article
Learning how to remove glue from hardwood floors properly can save their finish and keep them looking beautiful.
They are specifically formulated for your DIY projects.
Disaster has struck and you spilled glue on your beautiful hardwood floors. Knowing how to remove glue from hardwood floors can be a lifesaver. Find out how here.
To find out how to remove glue from hardwood floors, you should know what type of glue you are dealing with: water- or solvent-based
Knowing how to remove glue from wood floors is critical, because using the wrong cleaning product can ruin your floors. Hardwood floors are expensive to install or repair, yet most adhesives can safely be removed without causing damage to the hardwood or the applied finish if you follow our easy steps.
Better safe than sorry: Before starting any DIY project, place a protective mat on the floor or table to prevent glue from spilling onto the wood. In most cases, a simple cardboard mat is sufficient.
Adhesives are either water based or solvent based, and the spill is either still wet or already set. Wet adhesive can be cleaned up with soapy water if it is water-based; if it’s solvent-based, acetone (nail polish remover) is the answer. For glue that has already set, you will need to hold ice on the spill for five minutes until the glue becomes brittle. With applied pressure, the frozen glue will fracture, and any remaining residue can be removed using a natural oil like peanut butter or vinegar. Learning how to remove glue from hardwood floors this way will save your hardwood floors from permanent glue damage.
Useful advice on how to remove glue from hardwood floors is to clean the glue up with soapy water while it is still wet
If the glue is still wet:
- For water-based glue, use a damp, soapy rag and clean up the spill.
- For solvent-based glue, use acetone sparingly to clean up the mess, then clean the area with a damp soapy rag.
If the glue is dry:
- Hold ice on the glue for a minimum of five minutes, then apply firm horizontal pressure with a blunt edge to fracture the glue from the floor.
- Clean any residue using acetone, then clean thoroughly with a damp, soapy rag.
- If there is still a sticky residue, scrub lightly with vinegar or another natural oil and let sit for a minute, then wipe clean with a damp, soapy rag.
They say an ounce of preparation is worth a pound of planning. When starting any adhesive DIY job, use the tools that get the job done, but also ones that reduce the chances of spills and drips. LePage has some great applicators to reduce potential spillage. Check out our Super Glue Ultra Gel Control that sets in seconds. The easy-to-use side squeeze bottle allows for pinpoint accuracy and is ideal for vertical applications.
Lepage also has a premium Super Glue Ultra Liquid Control product that dries transparent and forms strong bonds that set in seconds. It is moisture resistant and can withstand water and freezing temperatures.