10 Ways to Remove Super Glue from Nails Without Acetone


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How to Remove Super Glue from Nails Without Acetone

Removing super glue from nails is a tricky task, considering the fact that this adhesive is super strong and is resistant to water. However, if you are looking for how to get super glue off nails without acetone, then you have landed in the right place.

Acetone is highly toxic and can make your skin dry and damaged within seconds of its application. So, it is better to look for other alternatives to remove super glue from nails in order to save your precious fingers from any kind of damage.

To help you out with this issue, we have listed out various ways how to remove dried super glue from nails without acetone. Check them out below!


10 Ways to Remove Super Glue from Nails Without Acetone

Super glue is a great invention that can help us in many ways. We can use it to fix a broken vase or shoe and even in emergency situations such as when you are out on a picnic, you can use it to fix a torn dress.

However, super glue is not something that we would like to get stuck on our nails. It is extremely difficult to remove from nails and most of the time, we end up with damaged nails.

But do not worry, there are several home remedies that can help you remove super glue from your nails without causing any damage to your skin or nails.

1. Keep Nails in Warm Water

One of the best ways to remove super glue from nails is by keeping your nails dipped in warm water for about 15 minutes. The warm water helps loosen the superglue bond. But, if you are using this method, you must be careful not to keep your hands immersed in water for too long as it can lead to dryness and even nail damage.

2. Rub With Toothpaste

Another way to get super glue off of your nails is by using toothpaste that contains baking soda. It will help break down the chemical bonds of the glue and will allow you to peel off the dried glue easily. Use a soft-bristled tooth

3. Use White Vinegar

Another great option is soaking your nails in a bowl of diluted vinegar solution. This method is highly effective, especially when used with the nail polish remover and acetone method described below. To make the vinegar solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a bowl.

Once done, soak your nails in it for 10-15 minutes before trying to remove the super glue with a nail polish remover.


4. Rubbing Alcohol Method

Rubbing alcohol is an effective way to get rid of superglue from your nails as it contains ethanol and acetone, which are known to break down the adhesive qualities of superglue. This method works well if you have accidentally glued your fingers or if there is a minimal amount of glue on your nails.

To remove super glue with this method, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the area of your nail where there is dried glue.

5. Use Acetone-free Nail Polish Remover

You can also use an acetone-free nail polish remover to remove that stubborn super glue from your nails. Dip a cotton ball into the nail polish remover and apply it over the affected area on your nails. Wait for about 30 seconds and then rub gently until the glue comes off completely.

6. Use Soap and Water

If the superglue has managed to stick to a larger area of your nails, use soap and water to remove it. Add a little bit of soap or shampoo on a soft cloth and rub it across the nail with the glue on it.

Try to hold your hand under running hot water for about 10 minutes so that the glue melts and comes off easily. Once you are done, use a cotton ball soaked in warm water to wipe off the leftover residue from your nails.


7. Rub Petroleum Jelly

Rubbing petroleum jelly on your nails can help remove super glue from them with ease. Petroleum jelly has oil-based properties that can help dissolve superglue easily, without damaging your skin or nails in any way. It is also helpful when you have super glue stuck between your fingers as well.

7. Use Lemon Juice

The acid present in lemon juice is known to help break down the super glue making it easier to peel off from the nails. All you need is a cotton swab and lemon juice.

Dip one end of the cotton swab in some lemon juice, and apply it on the affected areas for a few minutes before rubbing it off gently with another cotton swab or your fingers. Do this several times until all the glue loosens up and comes off completely from your nails and fingers.

8. Olive Oil

Olive oil helps to loosen up superglue present on nails while moisturizing them at the same time, courtesy of its emollient properties that keep nails soft and supple preventing them from peeling or cracking.


9. Baking Soda

This is another alternative to acetone to remove superglue from nails. Take some baking soda and water in a bowl and mix them well to make a paste. Apply this paste on your nails and wash off with warm water after 10-15 minutes for clean, super glue-free nails!

10. Cuticle Oil

Cuticle oil can be used to remove super glue from nails as it is filled with essential oils. Take some cuticle oil on a cotton swab and apply it to your nails. Wait for a few minutes and then wash off with warm water. This will help you to remove super glue from your nails without acetone!

11. Peanut Butter & Mayonnaise

You can also use peanut butter or mayonnaise to remove superglue from nails without acetone. Apply these products on your nails and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water after some time and you will get clean superglue-free nails!


In summary, super glue is one of the most powerful and useful adhesives in existence, but it can be a nuisance when you accidentally get it on your skin or other unintended surfaces like your nails. Super glue is used to bond items together almost instantly, so it can be a challenge to remove the stubborn substance.

Luckily, there are several methods you can use to remove super glue from nails without damaging your nail bed. The methods described above are all safe and non-toxic.

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