How to Get Rubber Cement Glue Off of Wood Floors
Certain crafts or projects may require the use of rubber cement in place of standard white glue or a glue stick. Rubber cement is soft and pliable yet provides a cement-like hold when it dries. The last place you want rubber cement to end up is on your wood flooring. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Wood floors are particularly delicate because of their finish. Thus, it's imperative that you take extreme care when cleaning up spilled rubber cement from your wood floors. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic spoon
- Plastic knife
- Dish detergent
- Hot water
- Putty knife
- Clean dish cloth
- Acetone
- Cotton swab
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the edge of a plastic spoon on the floor next to the glob of rubber cement. Scrape as much rubber cement as possible into the spoon with a plastic knife. This prevents the rubber cement from smearing. Throw away the plastic spoon and knife.
-
2
Apply a mixture of dish detergent and hot water to the stain. Let the soapy mixture sit for five minutes. Dish detergent lubricates and softens the glue, making it easier to remove.
-
-
3
Soak up the soapy water with a clean dish cloth. Scrape the edges of the rubber cement with a putty knife. A fresh spot of rubber cement may come off entirely if you wash the area in time.
-
4
Apply acetone to a cotton swab. Dab the spot of rubber cement with the cotton swab. The acetone loosens the glue's bond to your wood floor.
-
5
Lift the edges of the rubber cement with a putty knife. If the edges remain stuck, apply additional acetone until the rubber cement separates from the floor and begins to peel.
-
6
Peel away the rubber cement with the putty knife. Begin at the edges of the spot and work your way to the center of the stain.
-
7
Rinse the area well. This washes away any acetone left on the floor that could damage its finish. Pat the area dry.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you do not have commercial acetone on hand, many brands of nail polish remover contain acetone and are suitable for this task.
Dried rubber cement is more difficult to remove than fresh rubber cement.
Acetone gives off toxic fumes. Never use acetone in an area that lacks adequate ventilation.
Do not soak the rubber cement in acetone. Depending on your wood floor's specific finish, acetone can strip the wood, leaving an unsightly discolored spot.
Do not let liquids stand on your floor for longer than a few minutes. This could leave a water mark on the hardwood.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
