We’ve all been there – trying out a fun DIY hair or craft project only to end up with sticky glue and adhesive residue ground deep into the carpet fibers. Removing hair glue and other sticky substances from carpeting can seem daunting, but with a little bit of effort, the right techniques and supplies, you can get your carpet looking fresh and clean again.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most effective methods for tackling hair glue stains and removing them from carpets of all types. We’ll cover homemade solutions, commercial products, steps to take immediately after a spill, and when it’s best to call in the professionals. With a combination of diligence and patience, you can erase those unsightly glue stains.
Act Quickly After a Spill
When glue or adhesive gets onto the carpet, it’s important to act as fast as possible to prevent the stain from setting and becoming more stubborn to remove. Immediately blot away any excess glue with a clean cloth or paper towels, taking care not to spread the stain around. Try to remove as much of the sticky residue as you can while it is still wet.
Next, apply one of the cleaning solutions suggested below while the glue is still fresh. Follow up by blotting continuously with clean cloths until you have lifted as much of the glue as possible from the carpet fibers. The quicker you can remove the glue, the less likely it will bond to and permanently discolor the carpet.
Homemade Carpet Glue Removers
Before pulling out heavy duty chemical cleaners, try some homemade solutions that use gentle, natural ingredients you may already have in your pantry. Here are some of the most effective options:
Vinegar and Warm Water
- Combine equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the glue stain, then let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Blot continuously with clean cloths or paper towels.
- Repeat as needed until no more glue transfers to the cloth.
- The acidic vinegar will help break down and dissolve the sticky glue.
Rubbing Alcohol
- Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol directly onto the glue stain.
- Let it soak in for 2-3 minutes.
- Blot continuously with clean cloths to absorb the dissolved glue.
- The alcohol will break down the stickiness so the glue can be removed.
- Test on an inconspicuous area first to make sure the alcohol does not discolor the carpet fibers.
Vegetable, Coconut or Baby Oil
- Apply a small amount of vegetable, coconut or baby oil to the glue stain.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate and loosen the glue.
- Blot thoroughly with paper towels to absorb the oil and dissolved glue.
- Follow up with dish soap and water to remove oily residue.
Baking Soda Paste
- Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and warm water.
- Use an old toothbrush or cloth to gently rub the paste onto the glue stain.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with warm water and blotting dry.
- The abrasiveness of the baking soda combined with the water will help scrub away the glue.
Laundry Detergent and Water
- Make a solution of warm water, a small squirt of laundry detergent and a teaspoon of vinegar.
- Use a sponge or rag dipped in the solution to gently scrub the glue stain.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot dry.
- The detergent combined with the vinegar will help break down the glue.
Commercial Carpet Cleaners
For extremely stubborn, dried glue stains, you may need to use a commercial carpet cleaner for added power. Look for products specifically formulated to remove adhesive and glue. Here are some top options:
Carpet Spot Remover Sprays
- Spray carpet spot removers like Resolve or Carbona directly onto old, set-in glue stains.
- Let sit for the recommended time before blotting.
- The chemicals in the spray will help loosen the glue so it can be blotted away.
Goo Gone Adhesive Remover Gel
- This gel formula is designed to cling to vertical surfaces and get under glue stains.
- Apply a thick layer directly onto the stain.
- Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes.
- Scrape off the softened glue with a dull knife or spoon.
Adhesive Remover Wipes
- Un-du Adhesive Remover Wipes are pre-moistened with a powerful adhesive dissolving formula.
- Wipe the stain to easily scrub away sticky residues.
- Convenient for tackling stains without liquids or sprays.
Tacky Glue Dissolving Gel
- This thick gel formula clings to glue stains to literally dissolve the sticky adhesive.
- Apply a thick coat and let it work for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrape off the softened glue with a plastic scraper or old credit card.
No matter which product you choose, always follow the instructions carefully and test on a small, inconspicuous area of carpet first to ensure it does not discolor or damage the fibers.
Heat It Up
Applying gentle heat is an effective way to soften dried glue so it can be more easily scraped off carpet fibers. Just be very careful not to singe or melt the carpet. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a hair dryer on the warm setting and pass it slowly over the glue stain for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
- While the glue is warm and pliable, scrape it away gently with a dull knife, spoon or plastic scraper.
- Apply a bit more heat if needed to warm up and continue removing the softened glue.
- Take care not to overheat the carpet fibers.
- This method works best on dried white glue – colored glues may stain the carpet when heated.
Frozen Glue Crackle Method
For glue that has hardened into chunks on the carpet, try the “freeze and crackle” method:
- Place an ice cube on top of the glue stain and let it fully melt.
- This quick temperature change helps break apart and crack the glue.
- Next, try scraping, as the frozen and thawed glue should flake off much more easily.
- For added effectiveness, apply ice then use a hair dryer to soften the glue while scraping.
When to Call the Professionals
While it’s possible to remove fresh glue stains at home with diligence and care, large or very set-in stains may require calling in professional carpet cleaning services. Some instances where the pros are your best option include:
- Glue distributed over a large area of carpeting.
- Stains ground deep into the carpet pile and pad.
- Colored glue that has caused permanent discoloration.
- Delicate carpets at risk of damage from harsh chemicals.
- Little success removing the stain after multiple attempts.
Carpet cleaning professionals have industrial vacuums, steamers, and extraction equipment not available for home use. Their powerful commercial-grade cleaners can eliminate stubborn glue without harsh scrubbing or chemicals that could potentially cause more damage.
Though professional carpet cleaning services cost more than DIY methods, they can save your carpet if the stains seem beyond repair. Calling them in right away at the first sign of trouble can increase the chances of glue removal success.
Glue Stain Prevention Tips
The easiest way to deal with glue stains is to avoid getting glue on your carpets in the first place! Here are some handy tips to keep glue where it belongs:
- Cover carpeted areas with a drop cloth or garbage bags when doing messy crafts or DIY projects.
- Work on top of a table or other protected surface, not on the floor.
- Keep glue bottles capped tightly and stored upright after use.
- Transfer small amounts of glue into disposable containers instead of working from the original bottle.
- Keep glue sticks covered with the cap when not in use.
- Supervise young children and help them use glue carefully and cleanly.
- Clean up spills immediately as you go, don’t let glue dry.
- Check clothing for glue residue before walking on carpets after a craft project.
Conclusion
Getting pesky glue out of carpeting can certainly be a headache, but is completely doable with persistence and the proper removal techniques. First and foremost – act quickly when glue gets on the carpet. From there, try natural solutions like vinegar and rubbing alcohol before moving to commercial cleaners. For really stubborn stains, break out the heavy artillery like adhesive remover gels or call in professional carpet cleaners. And be sure to take precautions with glue during future crafts and projects to avoid stains. With this advice, you can erase glue stains and restore your carpet’s clean appearance.