Need to know how to remove super glue from tiles? Whether you’re dealing with porcelain or ceramic, we’ve got the solutions.
First, a general rule for any kind of glue removal – clean up while it’s still wet. Wet glue is much easier to remove than dried glue. So if you accidentally spill super glue on your tiles, act straight away, and clean up with some damp kitchen roll.
Here’s how to remove super glue from porcelain tiles if the glue has already dried, using a solvent like acetone. You should keep the area well-ventilated and wear gloves, or wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Test the solvent. We recommend using acetone, which is commonly found in nail polish remover. Test the acetone on a less visible part of the tiling, to check that it doesn’t stain.
- Apply the solvent. Soak a piece of cloth or a paper towel in a small amount of acetone, and cover the glue stain for about 15 minutes.
- Clean up. Once the glue has softened, you should be able to remove it with a damp cloth, and then clean the tile with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water.
For large or particularly stubborn glue stains, you may need to repeat this process a couple of times. Once the glue has been softened by the acetone, you can also try gently scraping it off with a blade or scraping tool. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the tile.
Ceramic is more porous than porcelain and absorbs more water. Removing glue from porous surfaces may require a few extra steps.
Here’s how to remove super glue from ceramic tile. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and to wear gloves.
- Prepare the area. Make sure it’s completely clean and dry.
- Apply acetone. Apply a generous amount of acetone directly to the glue stain.
- Cover the stain. Soak a paper towel in acetone and use it to cover the glue stain. This will prevent the solvent from evaporating, and give the glue longer to soften.
- Add a layer of cling film. Put a sheet of cling film or similar plastic wrap over the paper towel, then seal the edges with sticky tape. Wait for a few hours.
- Remove everything and clean up. Dispose of the plastic and paper towel and clean the tile with soap and warm water.
If the glue stain persists, you can try scraping off some of the softened glue with a blade or scraping tool. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface.
