How to Get Sticky Glue Residue Off of Plastic

Removing glue residue without damaging your plastic items

Co-authored by Ahmed Mezil and Eric McClure

Last Updated: June 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Vinegar, nail polish, alcohol, and fatty oils will all successfully remove glue reside from plastic. If all else fails, a tough cleaning product will get the glue off, though. We spoke to Ahmed Mezil, a professional cleaner and the CEO of a maid service, to get the lowdown on which options are best when it comes to removing glue residue. We’ll show you how to get the job done without damaging the plastic underneath.

The Easiest Way to Get Glue Residue Off Plastic

Scrape off as much glue as you can with a plastic scraper or credit card.
If any glue remains, soak a cloth in white vinegar, nail polish remover, or alcohol.
Apply the cloth to the glue and wipe away the residue with the cloth.
Continue scraping the residue and reapplying the solution until the glue is gone.

1

Scraper

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Skip the cleaning agent and scrape away as much gunk as you can. Opt for a plastic scraper or credit card if the glue is already soft. If the glue isn’t soft, use a razor blade. Guide the edge of the scraper, card, or razor over the glue at a roughly 45- to 75-degree angle. Be careful not to scratch the plastic as you gently wedge the scraper underneath the glue to remove it.^{[1]
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Ahmed Mezil
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
- Repeat this process until you get all of the glue residue up.
- You may not need to use any cleaning agents if you get all of the glue up. However, you may need to apply a cleaner first before scraping the glue away.
- Do not use a razor blade on any thin materials, matted surfaces, or unprotected plastic.

2

Soapy Water

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Water and soap is the least abrasive option available. Before you break out any cleaning chemicals or fancy baking soda mixtures, just grab a cloth and dip it in some soapy water. Gently rub the glue with the cloth repeatedly. If it wasn’t a hardcore glue brand, it should come up quite easily.
- Any mild dish soap will work.
- Wipe the water and soap off with a clean cloth or paper towel when you’re done.

3

White Vinegar

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Soak larger glue streaks in vinegar to dissolve the glue. Mezil explains, “Vinegar is always the go-to organic solution for glue. So, I would just soak the area with vinegar.”^{[3]
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Expert Source

Ahmed Mezil
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.} If you don’t want to endlessly scrub a bigger sticky area, douse a cloth or paper towel in vinegar and lay it over the glue. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, then wipe off the now-loosened residue. Use a plastic scraper, if necessary.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Ahmed Mezil
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
- Vinegar is a deodorizer but if you really hate the vinegar smell, wash the plastic with soap and warm water.
- An alternative is to place the plastic in a bowl filled with vinegar to let it soak instead of using a cloth.

4

Nail Polish Remover

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Acetone-based removers are no good at removing glue and may actually discolor the surface. Take a cotton ball, dip it in your nail polish remover, and then gently blot and wipe the glue. Reload the cotton ball as needed whenever it dries out and rinse the plastic off with water whenever you’re done.^{[5]
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5

Alcohol

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Any kind of alcohol should break down glue fast. Mezil explains, “Anything that is above 70% alcohol will work. Wet a paper towel with the alcohol of choice and just gently rub the residue.”^{[6]
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Expert Source

Ahmed Mezil
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.} Vodka, rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol will all work. Continue rubbing it until all of the glue is removed, re-applying the alcohol as needed.^{[7]
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- To remove super glue with alcohol, let the liquid sit on the glue for 15 to 30 minutes to dissolve it before trying to scrub it off.
- Mezil goes on, “Add any stronger alcohol as needed to lift it up.” If typical vodka isn’t doing the trick for example, Everclear should do the trick.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ahmed Mezil
  Cleaning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}

6

Mayo or Peanut Butter

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The fat in these foods will erode glue. These foods do contain a lot of oil though, which can seep into porous plastic and stain them. For sturdier plastics, coat the glue spot with a thick layer of mayonnaise or peanut butter and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping the surface with a clean cloth.^{[9]
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How to Tell If Plastic Is Porous

If you aren’t sure whether your plastic is porous, test a small spot. Apply a dab of either mayonnaise or peanut butter and wait half an hour. If you notice a stain, wash the item with water and try a different method for getting rid of the glue.

7

Rubber Eraser

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Use a rubber eraser for thin layers of glue residue. For example, if you’ve already removed a label and there’s just a tiny bit of residue remaining on the plastic, rub an eraser over it. Gently rub repeatedly in the same direction until the glue wears away.^{[10]
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- You can use either the small eraser on the end of a pencil or a larger rubber eraser.

8

Commercial Cleaner

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Apply a store-bought cleaner if you have tough spots. Goo-gone is probably the most popular option here, but WD-40, Lysol, and most standard household cleaners should do the trick. Spritz a little bit of your preferred cleaner on the surface and wipe the area with a paper towel or clean rag.^{[11]
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- Follow the directions on the package to make sure you’re using it safely and properly.

9

Baking Soda and Oil

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For seriously stubborn glue, baking soda and oil will work. Mix together equal parts oil and baking soda in a small bowl until they form a paste. Use your hands to apply the baking soda and oil, making sure to saturate all of the glue by rubbing in small circles. Wait 30 minutes, then scrub the area with a dampened scouring pad to remove the glue. If any glue remains, use a plastic scraper to wear down the remaining residue.^{[12]
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- The baking soda is an exfoliant to scrub off the glue and the oil softens the glue to make it easier to remove.
- Wash the item with soap and water when you’re done.
What Type of Oil to Use

If you want the cheapest option, use vegetable oil.

If the glue is really caked on, opt for coconut oil. It has more fat than olive oil, which is better for dissolving stubborn glue.

If you want your plastic to smell nice, mix a few drops of essential oil into your mixture, along with the cooking oil. Choose one like peppermint, lavender, or lemon.

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How do you remove old PVC glue?

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This is very hard to do because the glue is designed to actually change the chemistry of the PVC pipe and fitting so that they truly bond together. Your best bet may be to cut out the glued section and fix it with a repair coupling.

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Can you use Goo Gone on plastic?

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Goo Gone is safe on many plastics, but it’s always a good idea to test it in an inconspicuous area first. Make sure it doesn’t stain or damage the test area before using it to remove glue in an obvious place. Don't use Goo Gone on rubber.

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How do you remove glue from an acrylic shower?

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Carefully scrape away the top layer with a razor blade held at a 45-degree angle. Take care not to scrape the acrylic itself. If there’s any residue left, swab it down with a little rubbing alcohol and let it sit for about 5 minutes, then try again to scrape it off. For really stubborn spots, spray it down with mineral spirits and let it soak for 15 minutes, then gently scrape the softened glue away with the razor.

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