When carrying out home improvements you will need to prepare floors, walls and surfaces so that they do not get ruined by spills.
Paint and superglue are two common liquids that spill when you are doing some DIY or crafting and they can both be difficult to remove. If you have had new tiles fitted or new kitchen cupboards and you have spilled superglue on your granite worktop, fear not, there is help at hand.
There are lots of common household products that are good for removing glue from granite, most of which you can get at your local hardware store. Products include soap, alcohol, and nail polisher remover.
We take a look at the best ways to remove glue from granite and get it to look like new again. It is important to fully research what products you use to clean your granite as you do not want to stain it or discolor it.
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Granite Countertop Sealant
Sealing your granite countertop is essential if you want to protect it from spills as without a sealant you will be susceptible to stains and marks that will be very difficult to remove.
Sealing your granite will add an extra cost to your kitchen fitting but it will be a worthwhile investment and much cheaper than refitting granite a couple of years down the line.
After 3-4 years of your granite countertop being fitted, you should seal it again to make up for any natural wear and tear. If you do not keep on top of sealing your granite then even the most basic of spills will prove difficult to wipe up effectively.
Common Methods of Removing Glue
Whatever solution you choose it will need to have the ability to break through the strong bond that superglue makes. We will help you take a look at the best options available to you and offer advice on the best ways to keep your granite countertop clean.
Before you employ one of these methods you should quickly wipe up any excess glue using a paper towel to get the worse of it off but act quickly and be careful not to get the towel stuck to the granite.
Wetting the paper towel may help prevent it from sticking.
Soap and Water
You may not think that normal soap and water will be effective at removing superglue but it is used to cutting through grease and dirt from your pans so it can work on granite too.
Using soap means that there is less of a chance of causing damage to your countertops as it does not stain. When using this method of cleaning, fill a large container with warm water and a good squirt of liquid soap but not too much as it may become too slippery.
You should put your cloth into the mixture and squeeze the excess water out before using it on the stained floor. Rinse the cloth and take more of the mixture on as long as necessary.
If you have a lot of glue on the countertop you may need to make a fresh batch of the mixture if the original one spoils. This method can take some time and elbow grease but is cheap and effective.
[amazon box=”B01H7DFM32″ template=”vertical”]Nail Polish Remover
For small super glue stains on granite worktops, you can use nail polish remover which contains adhesive-loosening ingredients. Make sure there is acetone in the nail polish remover as acetone-free removers will not be effective.
To use, dab a small amount of nail polish at a time on a clean microfiber cloth and rub it into the countertop in a circular motion working front the outside in.
You should continue to dab and wipe until all of the superglue has been removed and then wash with soap and water to remove any traces of the nail polish remover.
[amazon box=”B077C67BCJ” template=”vertical”]Alcohol
Alcohol is another solution that can be used to clean stubborn super glue stains from your granite worktop.
The alcohol can destroy the glue bond and is also good for cleaning your stovetop and backsplash so you can clean them while you are there. To use, dab a cloth over the top of the bottle of alcohol then dab on the countertop to remove the super glue.
If there is a lot of glue then you may need a fresh cloth or several if it is a big spill. You should think about using gloves to protect your hands as alcohol may irritate your skin.
Once you have finished using the alcohol and the glue is gone you should wash as normal to get rid of any traces of alcohol. Please test an area before using this method to ensure it does not mark or discolor your expensive worktop.
[amazon box=”B07J49CD76″ template=”vertical”]Scraper
If you have stubborn areas of glue on your granite then a scraper may need to be used once the glue is dry.
If you only have small bits of glue in several places around the granite and it has been there for a long time then choosing to use a scraper straightaway may be quicker. You should choose a scraper that is not too sharp, such as a plastic scraper or spatula, so that you do not scratch it.
You should hold the scraper at an angle you should press the edge between the super glue and the granite and gently push forward to lift the glue You should work from the outside in until all of the glue has been removed and then wash with soap and water.
[amazon box=”B08YF7TFJD” template=”vertical”]Commercial Products
You may just want to jump to store-bought products that are designed to remove glue from work surfaces. You can get them from the cleaning aisle of the supermarket or at your local hardware store.
You should always read the labels before buying so that you get the correct products for your needs and always follow the safety instructions when using them, which will involve checking a small area first to make sure that it does not destroy your granite.
Homemade Granite Cleaner
If you cannot get to the store or you like to make your cleaning products then this easy and effective DIY cleaner may help you get rid of glue on your granite countertop.
This solution can also be used for other areas of your house such as bathrooms and kitchen sinks.
Ingredients
You will need the following items to make a DIY granite countertop cleaner:
- 2 cups rubbing alcohol
- 2 cups water
- Several drops of your favorite essential oil (lemon, orange, or watermelon are nice options)
- A clean spray bottle
Method
Pour all of the ingredients into the bottle and shake it before use. Spray the mixture onto the glue directly or you can test a small bit first by spraying it on to a cloth and wiping over a small area.
You should wipe with microfiber clothing to ensure all of the mixtures are removed once the glue has come away from the granite. You can use this mixture for almost all granite stains.
[amazon box=”B07J49CD76,B0757XL7ZH” grid=”2″]Products to Avoid
If you look up common cleaning products regularly you are likely to know that vinegar is recommended for cleaning lots of items. In this case, however, vinegar should not be used to clean granite it can damage it.
The acid in the vinegar can destroy the sealant and therefore make it prone to discoloration and the inability to clean away spills. If vinegar has damaged your countertop you may need to reseal.
You should also avoid bleach, strong disinfectants, lacquer thinners, abrasive sponges, and scouring pads.
Maintaining Granite Countertops
Once you have removed the superglue from the granite surface you should give it a thorough clean with soap and water. After that, it is importuned to maintain your countertop by avoiding spills and keeping on top of cleaning.
You can take the following steps to avoid having to pay our for dealing too often or replacing your countertop:
- If you spill anything on your countertop wipe it up straightway with either a paper towel or a damp cloth. This should be fairly easy as granite is not as absorbent as other countertops such as wood or marble.
- Follow the above steps if you spill glue or paint on your granite worktop
- Use covers or old sheets to protect your countertops if you are doing home improvements in your kitchen
- Stock up on some or all of the items mentioned above so that you can act quickly if you spill glue or other items on your worktop.
- Try not to store items that could spill easily and cause damage to your countertops if they were to spill
- In general, keep on top of your kitchen hygiene by wiping surfaces down regular with suitable cleaning solutions
If you find that you have tried all of the above options and you still cannot remove glue from your granite then you may need to speak to an expert cleaner who will have experience in dealing with such issues.