How to Remove Super Glue from Eye glasses (We Tried 4 Methods)

Imagine how much stuff we would end up throwing away if we didn't have that little bottle of super glue. Also known as Krazy glue or power glue, the fast-drying adhesive can glue together all kinds of different materials. In fact, apart from a broken heart, super glue can fix almost anything.

Since it dries pretty quickly, super glue can sometimes end up on surfaces it shouldn’t be. If you’ve ever tried fixing your eye glasses with super glue, then you know what we’re talking about. While fixing the frame, the glue can drip and spread onto the lenses and before you can even think of ways to clean up the mess, it has already dried up and left a hard glue spot on your glasses.

You may be tempted to scratch it off with a blade or run to an optician to get it replaced, but hold your horses and give this article a read. You’ll be surprised to learn how easy it is to remove super glue. Although the glue is a strong adhesive, it creates only a weak bond with smooth surfaces. A little elbow grease or a bit of solvent will remove the hardened glue in no time.

The hacks described below will not only remove the glue from your glasses but also come in handy if you accidentally end up gluing your fingers together. If that hasn’t happened to you yet, just wait. It will.

Scroll further to learn four easy hacks to remove super glue from eye glasses.

Method 1: Nail Polish Remover (Acetone Base)

An acetone-based nail polish remover is your best bet to get super glue off your glasses. However, do not use this hack on plastic lenses, as the remover can erode the surface. Also, if your glass lenses have any form of a coating on them, it is advisable to do a quick patch test on the edge just to be sure it doesn’t harm the coating.

Otherwise, if your specs have simple glass lenses, this method will work every time.

Caution: Do not apply nail polish remover on the frame, as it can damage the coating.

Single-Step Method: Soften the glue with nail polish remover & wipe it off

• Soak a cotton swab with an acetone-based nail polish remover.
• Dab it on the dried glue. This will help soften the glue.
• Soak a cotton ball with the nail polish remover and rub it over the loose glue. Continue rubbing using more remover and fresh cotton balls until all the glue has come off.
• Rinse your glasses with warm water and wipe them dry with a lint-free cloth.
  

Method 2: Toothpaste

Another popular remedy is applying toothpaste on the glue. Toothpaste is safe to use on both plastic and glass lenses. in fact, you can also use it to clean and shine up your home.

However, do not use toothpaste that contains any beads or granules that can scratch the surface. Also, opt for a white toothpaste only. Other than that, this hack is safe to use on both coated and uncoated lenses.

You will need to first soak the glue with warm water and then rub the toothpaste over it. It may require some elbow grease to get the glue off completely.

Step 1. Soak the glue with warm water

• Fold a lint-free cloth and soak an edge in warm water.
• Dab the soaked cloth multiple times on the glue until it gets soft.

Step 2. Rub toothpaste on the softened glue until it comes off

• Apply a small blob of toothpaste on the glue.
• Use a dry edge of the cloth to rub the toothpaste over the glue.
• Applying firm pressure, continue rubbing in small circular strokes until the glue comes off. It may take some time, but it will eventually come off.
• Rinse your glasses with water and wipe them dry with a clean lint-free cloth.
  

Method 3: Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol acts as a highly effective cleaning agent and can also remove super glue from eye glasses. Just like the acetone nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol acts as a solvent on the dried glue and a little rub can make it come off easily. While it is safe to use on both glass and plastic lenses, do a patch test first if your lenses have a protective coating.

Single-Step Method: Soak the glue with rubbing alcohol & rub until it comes off

• Use a cotton swab to dab rubbing alcohol on the dried glue.
• Continue rubbing using more alcohol to get as much of the super glue off as possible.
• Rinse your glasses with water and wipe them dry with a clean cloth.
  

Method 4: Dish Soap

If you are wary of using any harsh chemicals on your delicate glasses, then go for this dish soap hack. Liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, is mild enough to use on both plastic and glass lenses. It will also not damage any protective coating on your glasses. If you are using any other brand of dish soap, make sure it is ammonia-free. In fact, you can also use this versatile ingredient for cleaning, pest control, and more.

A good rub with the soap solution will break the bond between the glue and the glass surface. The glue can then be wiped off easily.

Step 1. Prepare the soap solution

• Pour ½ cup of warm water in a bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap.
• Stir well until the soap dissolves completely.
  

Step 2. Soak the cloth in the soap solution & use it to wipe off the glue

• Fold a microfiber cloth and dip it in the soap solution.
• Press the damp cloth against the glue and hold it for a few minutes. You can also secure it with plastic wrap and leave it on for 2 to 3 hours.
• If the glue has not softened yet, rewet the cloth with the warm soap solution and dab it on the glue again.
• Once the glue is sufficiently soft, use the same cloth to give the glue a little nudge. Apply gentle yet firm pressure to get as much glue off as you can.
• Rinse your glasses with plain water and wipe them dry.

Tips

• Use only a microfiber or lint-free cloth to clean your glasses. Never use a paper towel, as it can scratch the glass surface.
• You can also try using a Magic Eraser to remove super glue from eye glasses, but only on glass lenses that do not have any protective coating.
• Acetone-based nail polish remover can also be used to get super glue off your skin.
• You can also try our hacks to remove super glue from plastic surfaces.