Stuck with Glue on Your Carpet? Here’s How to Get It Off (Without Wrecking It)
Glue on the carpet—whether it’s from a DIY project, kids’ crafts, or a home repair—can be seriously frustrating. Once it dries, it feels like it’s never coming out. The good news? With the right steps (and a bit of patience), you can remove glue from carpet without damaging the fibres. Here’s how to tackle it at home—and when it’s worth calling in a professional, like Acorn Carpet Cleaning, to give you a hand in Glasgow or Paisley.
First, Figure Out What Type of Glue You’re Dealing With
Not all glue is created equal, and knowing what type you’ve got helps you choose the safest and most effective method.
- Water-based glue – often used for crafts or light repairs
- Wood glue – a bit tougher, commonly found in DIY jobs
- Adhesive carpet glue – used during carpet fitting; this one’s particularly stubborn
If you’re unsure, start with the gentlest method first and work your way up.
Get Ready – What You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather your supplies so you’re not scrambling mid-clean:
- Warm water
- Hot water (for tougher glue, used carefully)
- Clean cloths
- Paper towels
- Acetone nail polish remover (test first!)
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Glue from Carpet
Step 1: Blot (Don’t Rub)
Start by gently blotting the glue with a clean cloth or paper towel. If the glue is still wet, you’ll be able to lift some of it before it sets. Avoid rubbing—this just spreads it and pushes it deeper into the carpet.
Step 2: Loosen Things Up
Next, apply warm water to the glue spot. This helps soften the glue, especially if it’s water-based. For more stubborn glue, carefully use hot water—just don’t overdo it, as heat can affect some carpets.
Step 3: Use Acetone (With Caution)
Still stuck? Apply a small amount of acetone nail polish remover to a cloth and gently dab the glue. Always test a hidden patch first—acetone can lighten or damage certain carpet fibres.
Step 4: Lift the Glue
Once the glue has softened, use a clean cloth or blunt scraper to gently lift it from the fibres. You might need to repeat this process a couple of times for the best result.
Step 5: Final Clean
After the glue is gone, rinse the area with warm water and a clean cloth to remove any leftover residue. Blot dry with paper towels and admire your handiwork!
Extra Tips for Success
- Act fast – glue is much easier to deal with before it dries rock-hard.
- Know your carpet – wool, synthetic, or blended fibres can all react differently.
- Patience pays off – don’t rush it. Slow, careful steps work best.
When DIY Doesn’t Cut It – Call in the Pros
Some glue stains just won’t shift easily—especially carpet adhesive or dried-on wood glue. If you’re worried about damaging your carpet or just want the job done quickly, we’re here to help.
At Acorn Carpet Cleaning, we offer professional stain removal across Glasgow and Paisley, using safe, effective methods tailored to your carpet type.
We’ll get your carpet looking great again—no fuss, no damage.
Final Thoughts
Glue on the carpet might feel like a disaster, but with the right approach and tools, it doesn’t have to be permanent. Follow these steps for safe glue removal, and if you need a hand, Acorn Carpet Cleaning is just a phone call away.
Need Help with Glue Stains?
📞 Contact Acorn Carpet Cleaning for expert stain removal in Glasgow and Paisley. Friendly service, guaranteed results—let us take the stress out of your carpet clean-up.
