How can I remove School Glue or Glue-All?

Surfaces

When concentrated in small areas, a clean cloth should be soaked in warm water and applied to the glue stain. Check the stain for softening after a couple hours. The softened glue should then be able to be wiped clean with a clean dry cloth. Repeat this procedure until all the glue has been removed.

Clothing

When dry, do not use hot water, dry cleaning solvents, a hot drum dryer or iron before the removal of the adhesive is complete, as they can fuse the adhesive film irreversibly, making removal impossible. Soaking in room temperature water for 24 hours or longer will help to redisperse or soften the film. After soaking, wash the fabric in a normal wash cycle and allow it to dry at room temperature. Check for discoloration and stiffness on drying. If so, repeat the process until the item is cleaned to your satisfaction.

How can I remove Spray Adhesive?

Removal of Elmer's Rubber Cement can be accomplished using mineral spirits or rubber cement thinner. Apply the solvent to a clean cloth and place it on the glue for several hours. This will soften the glue which can then be removed with a clean dry cloth. Always test the solvent on an inconspicuous area first to check for compatibility issues.

How can I un-clog my glue cap—what’s the proper way to clean?

The glue caps can actually be taken apart to help remove any blockage. Simply open the cap as far as it will go and then pull the orange part straight up and it should "pop" off. This should allow you to easily access any blockage. The blockage can be cleared with something like a toothpick or paper clip. You can also soak these separated parts in room temperature water which should help to more easily free up any blockage. Once clear, the orange part can simply be pressed/snapped back into position.

How is glue made?

Elmer's Glues are chemical based. They are made or formulated from chemicals which are synthesized (created by Man). These chemicals were originally obtained or manufactured from petroleum, natural gas and other raw materials found in Nature. The exact formula and specific ingredients used in making Elmer's products are considered proprietary information, therefore, we cannot share those with you.

How can I get information about the chemicals used in making glue or material safety data sheets(MSDS)?

If you have a technical question about the materials included in one of our products, click here to go to the product index.

Do you use animals when making glue?

No, Elmer's does not use animals or animal parts to make glue. Our products are made from synthetic materials and are not derived from processing horses, cows or any other animals.

Why is glue sticky?

Although there are many ingredients used to make glue, most formulas contain something called polymers. A polymer is a large molecule that often is described as being a long molecular strand, much like spaghetti. Some polymers are naturally "sticky" depending on how they are made. Others require certain ingredients called tackifiers to make them sticky. One of our many challenges here at Elmer's is to be sure we have exactly the right balance of polymers and tackifiers to create a glue that is sticky and strong.

Why doesn't glue stick to inside of the bottle?

As long as the glue remains inside the bottle away from air it will remain fluid. Glue hardens when there is a loss of water from the formula. Exposure to the atmosphere will cause the water to evaporate and make the glue harden. That's why it is important to keep the cap on the glue bottle closed to prevent hardening or drying out.

I have a milk allergy, are your products safe for me to use?

Our products are derived from synthetic materials, not any type of animal or milk protein. Of course, if you experience any kind of allergic reaction, be sure to check with your doctor regardless of the type of product you are using.

How long can I keep glue?

If stored properly and capped tightly, Elmer's school glues and wood glues have an average shelf life of 2 years; Krazy Glue, also known as a cyanoacrylate, has a shelf life of approximately 12 - 18 months.