How to Remove Gorilla Glue From Plastic

Gorilla glue is known for its versatility and strong bonding properties. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including woodworking, crafts and hobbies, repairs, and more. While they’re effective and easy to use, stubborn drips or smudges of Gorilla Glue can end up where they are not wanted – on plastic surfaces.

Whether it’s a crafting mishap, a DIY project gone wrong, or a repair job that didn’t quite pan out, effectively removing Gorilla Glue from plastic surfaces can be tricky. Your best bet is to either use a glass cleaner, WD-40, or dish soap. If all else fails, you can also try scraping it off with any sharp object – although you’ll have to be extremely careful.

In this guide, we will explore effective methods to remove Gorilla Glue from all types of plastic surfaces, ensuring that your favorite plastic items stay clean and unblemished. We’ll also share some important do’s and don’ts, as well as some handy best practices that you should consider.

Glass Cleaner

In our experience, glass cleaners are excellent at removing Gorilla Glue from plastic surfaces. These cleaners, such as the Windex Glass and Window Cleaner, are designed to tackle tough stains and adhesives while being gentle on the surface. 

The glass cleaner we recommended is particularly effective due to its ammonia content. Ammonia is a powerful solvent that helps break down adhesive bonds, making it easier to lift the Gorilla Glue off the surface without causing damage to the plastic material.

Most glass cleaners have versatile cleaning capabilities, as they are not only effective at removing Gorilla Glue but can also clean multiple surfaces, including glass, mirrors, plastics, and other materials.

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Pour out 1 ounce of glass cleaner solution into a small container.
2. Soak up a cotton ball with the solution and press it to the areas with Gorilla Glue.
3. Allow the cotton ball to sit on the glued areas for 15 minutes or longer until the adhesive starts to loosen up.
4. Then, use a putty knife to gently scrape the adhesive from the plastic surface. Repeat steps 2 to 4 until the glue is completely removed.
5.  Wipe away any residue with a clean damp cloth and allow it to air dry. 

WD-40

Known for its versatile applications, WD-40 can also be a handy solution for removing Gorilla Glue from plastic surfaces. While it’s primarily used for tasks like loosening hinges, preventing corrosion, and removing rust, it can work effectively against stubborn adhesives like Gorilla Glue. 

Its effectiveness against Gorilla Glue and other adhesives is attributed to its oily formula. The oil combined with other ingredients helps to weaken the adhesive properties of the glue, making it easier to remove without harming the plastic surface.

Using WD-40 to remove Gorilla Glue from plastic is a safe and effective method. However, as with any cleaning solution, it’s important to test on a small, inconspicuous area of the plastic first to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Start by spraying a small amount of WD-40 directly onto the Gorilla Glue spot. Ensure that the affected area is adequately covered so that the oil can properly penetrate the glue and break it down.
2. Gently rub the glue with a clean cloth or paper towel in a circular motion. The motion helps to lift the glue from the plastic surface.
3. Continue this process until you have successfully removed all of the glue. Be patient and persistent if necessary. Apply more WD-40 if required.
4. To ensure that no residue remains, wipe the plastic surface clean with a damp cloth.

Dish Soap

If you don’t have access to glass cleaners or WD-40, dish soap can be a suitable alternative for removing fresh Gorilla Glue stains from plastic. This method works best when the glue is still relatively fresh, but it can also be effective for dried glue spots with some extra effort.

Cleaning Instructions:

1. First, give the affected surface a rinse with some warm water. Make sure the water is not boiling hot or you may risk melting the plastic surface or harming yourself.
2. Then, apply a generous amount of strong degreasing dish soap and let it sit for about an hour. During this time, it’s good to ensure the room is warm so that the glue won’t harden further.
3. Fresh glue stains should be loosened up just by now and can be rinsed off. However, if you’re dealing with stubborn glue stains then you can use a knife to gently scrape the glue off and repeat until it is completely removed. However, you’ll need to be extremely careful not to damage the plastic surface.
4. Give the plastic surface a rinse and simply wipe it dry. 

Baking Soda

If you’re looking for a cleaning solution that’s more natural, you can also try baking soda. This ingredient works by breaking down the glue particles through its abrasive texture. Furthermore, baking soda is also readily available in most homes and is a gentle option for handling stubborn Gorilla Glue stains.

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Pour a pile of baking soda onto the affected area and scrub with your fingers in a circular motion.
2. Then, start adding some drops of water and continue scrubbing until you get a foamy paste. 
3. By this time, you may be able to tell that the glue is being lifted when tiny bubbles start to appear.
4. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the affected area using a back-and-forth motion.
5. Rinse a few times with warm water to completely remove the glue and any residue before drying it with a microfiber cloth. 

Objects With Sharp Edge

Lastly, for quick and effective removal of dried-up Gorilla Glue, you can use any object with sharp edges. This can include a scraper, box cutter, plastic putty knife, or any other items. If you decide to use this method, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid scratching the plastic surface during this process. You may also want to use this method in combination with a cleaning solution, as the outcome will be more effective.

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Carefully use the sharp edge object to gently scrape away the dried Gorilla Glue. If possible apply a cleaning solution to aid in this process.
2. Work in a controlled and deliberate manner to avoid damaging the plastic.
3. Continue until all the glue is removed from the plastic surface.
4. Wipe the plastic surface clean with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Do’s & Don’ts When Removing Gorilla Glue from Plastic

Generally speaking, plastic is relatively versatile and durable. However, it can also be sensitive to certain cleaning methods, especially when trying to remove dried adhesives like Gorilla Glue. Remember that the durability of the plastic depends on various factors including the type and finish.

Therefore, it’s important that you are cautious when removing any type of glue from plastic surfaces to prevent scratching or damaging it. We’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts that you should consider throughout the glue removal process that you can find below.

• Be Gentle During the Process: Plastic is a relatively delicate material compared to other surfaces, and excessive force or aggressive scrubbing can cause scratches, blemishes, or even permanent damage. Therefore, you’ll want to approach the cleaning process with a gentle touch to avoid harming the plastic.
• Test the Cleaning Solution Before Use: Before applying any cleaning solution or method to the affected plastic area, always perform a test on a small, inconspicuous area. This precaution helps you determine if the chosen solution is safe for the specific type of plastic you’re working with.
• Don’t Use Acetone: A powerful solvent that can easily and effectively dissolve Gorilla Glue is acetone. However, the solution is also known to react with plastic and structurally weaken it, causing it to become brittle. As such, it’s best to avoid using acetone when dealing with plastic, as it can lead to irreversible damage.
• Don’t Use Steel Wool: Materials like steel wool or abrasive pads can scratch, roughen, or mar the plastic surface, leaving behind unsightly marks or grooves. Therefore, they should not be used when removing Gorilla Glue from plastic. Instead, go for gentler cleaning methods to preserve the plastic’s appearance.

Best Practices to Avoid Gorilla Glue Accidents

Gorilla Glue mishaps happen all the time on multiple types of surfaces and even on the skin. In order to prevent future accidents, we’ve compiled some best practices that you can follow.  

• Wear Gloves: When working with Gorilla Glue, it’s always advisable to wear protective gloves to avoid getting adhesive on your skin. If possible, choose nitrile gloves over fabric gloves as the glue can absorb and penetrate through the latter.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Other than protecting your hands, you will also want to protect your arms and other parts of your body, especially if you’re working with a large amount of Gorilla Glue. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs that you don’t mind getting dirty or damaged.
• Cover Your Work Space: Remember to protect your work area with plastic sheets to minimize cleanup from accidental spills. Try to avoid using newspaper or paper towels as the glue and seep through these materials and onto your table. 
• Read Product Directions: Before applying the glue to your project, you should always read and follow the instructions on the Gorilla Glue packaging. This can help ensure proper use and prevent any unwanted accidents. 
• Use Proper Applicators: Choosing the right applicator for the job is crucial. This is because if the applicator is too big, you risk spillage and potential damage. Use appropriate applicators such as a brush or nozzle, to control the amount of glue dispensed.