How to remove glue & adhesive residue stains

Carpet & rugs

Method

1. Scrape the gummy matter from the carpet surface with a dull knife, spoon, or spatula — don't press hard; move the tool's edge back and forth across the stain in short strokes. [1]
2. Sponge the area with a commercial dry-cleaning solvent or carpet spot lifter, blot thoroughly, and let it dry; once dry, rub your fingers through the area to restore the pile. [1]
3. If the stain persists, apply a dry spotter (1 part coconut or mineral oil to 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent), cover with a pad dampened in the dry spotter, changing it as it picks up the stain and keeping both moist; then sponge with dry-cleaning solvent and let dry completely. [1]

Cautions

Don't overwet — solvents can destroy the carpet backing and foam padding. [1]

Upholstery & mattresses

Method

1. Gently scrape off the gummy matter with a dull knife, spoon, or spatula in short strokes, then sponge with a commercial dry-cleaning solvent or spot lifter, blot thoroughly, and let dry — for plain tape residue, repeating this solvent-sponge-and-blot cycle is Illinois's whole method. [1][6]
2. If the stain persists, work in a dry spotter (1 part coconut or mineral oil to 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent) under a dampened pad, changing the pad as it lifts the stain, then sponge with solvent and let dry. [1]
3. For what remains, apply amyl acetate and keep the stain moist under an amyl-acetate pad for 15 minutes, blotting occasionally and covering the pad with plastic wrap to slow evaporation; finish by sponging with dry-cleaning solvent. Acetone can be substituted for amyl acetate. [1]

If that didn't work

For super glue on upholstery, Illinois suggests blotting up the excess, applying small amounts of acetone with an eye dropper and blotting immediately, repeating until no more lifts; then sponging with dry-cleaning solvent, and if a mark remains, applying hydrogen peroxide with an eye dropper before sponging with cold water and blotting dry. [4]

Cautions

acetate, triacetate, modacrylic: Use solvents sparingly — they can destroy the foam padding — and remember acetone is unsafe on acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabric. [1][5]

Leather & suede

Method

1. Carefully scrape the gummy matter from the surface of the leather. [1]
2. Dip a cloth or sponge into the suds of a mild soap, gently scrub, and dry with a clean cloth. [1]
3. If residue remains, lightly apply a pad dampened with commercial dry-cleaning solvent; on leather without a finish, follow with a conditioner such as saddle soap. [1]

Cautions

Test the solvent in an inconspicuous area first — it may remove color from pigmented leather. [1]

Hard surfaces (glass, tile, metal, plastic) — labels & stickers

Method

1. On glass, mirrors, ceramic tile, and metals such as brass, chromium, nickel, and silver: fold a paper towel or cloth into a thick pad the size of the label, dampen it with household ammonia, and leave it on the label for 1/2 to 2 hours, re-dampening as needed — the label will slide off. Wash with sudsy water, rinse, and wipe dry. [1]
2. On plastic, Plexiglas, and melamine: dampen a cloth or cotton swab with dry-cleaning solvent and apply only long enough to loosen the label; remove the label, immediately wipe away the fluid, and wash with sudsy water, rinse, and dry. [1]
3. On resilient floors and vinyl: scrape the gummy matter with a dull edge, then rub with a sponge dipped in warm sudsy water — the warm water softens the glue — rinse with warm water, and wipe dry. Do not use an abrasive product. [1]

Cautions

Do not use ammonia on plastic, and don't leave solvent sitting on a plastic surface — it will dull the finish. On a mirror, keep ammonia from running onto the backing. [1]