The Easiest Way To Remove Super Glue From Metal Is Already In Your Medicine Cabinet

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The invention of super glue ranks pretty high on the list of man's best inventions. One quick search on social media and you're sure to find tons of amazing super glue tips and tricks that you wish you knew sooner. The adhesive can bond just about anything together, from broken bathroom shelves and TV remotes to loose accessories or cracked vases. Fun fact: Super glue was actually invented by accident in 1942, during World War II. A doctor by the name of Harry Coover was attempting to make a specific plastic for military use, and inadvertently formulated the super sticky substance we all know today as super glue. 

One major downside of using super glue to fix things around the house is that it can be tricky to take apart what you accidentally glued together. Sure, you can head to the store to buy different glue-dissolving solvents, but there is actually one common household ingredient in your medicine cabinet that you can use to break down the glue when it's stuck to metal, and that's hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide can effectively clean, disinfect, and whiten fabrics. And as it turns out, this substance is one of the most affordable ways to remove glue too. You can buy a 16-ounce bottle of Swan hydrogen peroxide for $7 on Amazon, or find a similar product at your local grocery or home goods store. In terms of super glue removal, hydrogen peroxide works best on metal surfaces. Using hydrogen peroxide to remove super glue from fabrics generally isn't recommended, since it can cause bleaching.

Before using hydrogen peroxide as a glue removal agent, grab a few things from around the house. You'll need a handful of cotton balls, a pair of protective gloves, and a Tvkiadv plastic scraper or a similar alternative to it. Start by putting on your gloves and removing as much of the glue as you can with your scraping tool, without damaging the metal surface. 

Next, soak a cotton ball in the peroxide, and press it down firmly on the affected area to try and soften the glue. As the adhesive breaks away, blot any remnants with new cotton balls. You may need to repeat these steps a few times. Continue this process until all the glue is removed. Don't forget to continue incorporating your scraping tool as needed. Once the glue is removed, clean the surface as usual. You can also use several other non-conventional household items to remove super glue if it's stuck to surfaces that aren't metal.

If you happen to get super glue on your skin during this process, applying the hydrogen peroxide generally isn't advised, as it can cause irritation. Try soaking your skin in warm, soapy water and then gently peeling the glue off, if possible. You can also try applying nail polish remover (or acetone) to the affected skin. Rubbing oils on the affected skin, such as butter, olive oil, and coconut oil, is also recommended.