How to Get Sticky Glue Out of Rubber Boots

Boots can be as good as new, once sticky glue is removed.

Stepping on sticky glue while wearing rubber boots can cause loss of traction, and the mess can spread if undetected. If the glue has worked into the tread of the boot, it can be tougher to dislodge. Different types of glue will take various amounts of effort to remove. It is always advisable to try and remove the glue sooner rather than later. Most glues are chemical-based, with long polymers of molecules strung together which give them their stickiness. Breaking these down helps remove the glue.

Things You'll Need

• Hot water
• Rag
• Penetrating fluid product or paint stripper
• Scraper -- 1/2 inch wide
• Paper towels
• Tea towel
• Iron

Instructions

1. Run hot water over the affected area of your rubber boot, for several minutes. Work on one boot at a time, if both have been covered by sticky glue. If the glue is an epoxy type, add a little detergent to the hot water in a plugged kitchen sink -- letting it fill to about 1 inch deep -- and set the boot upright to soak for a few minutes. Use a rag to dry off your boot.

2. Apply a penetrating fluid to the sticky area of your boot. This will act as a lubricant between the boot rubber and glue. For epoxy type glues, use paint stripper instead of penetrating fluid, then try chipping off the glue with a scraper. For other types of glue, once your penetrating fluid is in place, cover the sticky area with two layers of paper towels.

3. Position the boot so that the paper towels set over the area you are working on, as flat as possible. Then place a tea towel flat over the paper towels.

4. 

   Use a household iron to help get out glue.

   Heat up an iron to the highest level. Work the iron over the top of the tea towel. The heat should break down the glue sufficiently that it turns to liquid and sticks to the paper towels. Check the paper towels regularly and replace them as you remove the glue, little by little.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many different manufacturers of penetrating fluid, available at hardware stores or auto supply stores.

• Wear protective gloves while removing the glue from your rubber boots.

• Use an old tea towel, since it could easily be ruined by the removed glue.

• Specially formulated glue-removing products are available to purchase.

• Acetone, found in nail polish remover, is good for removing superglue, but this may discolor your boot.

• Don't remove the glue in a confined area; make sure the space you use is well-ventilated.

• Take care when using an iron over the uneven surface of a boot.

References

• Epoxy Adhesives: Epoxy Glue
• Elmer's: How is Glue Made?
• The Original Super Glue: Removing Super Glue

Resources

• Bearing Specialists Association: History of Adhesives
• The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture; Removing Stickers and Labels; L. Adler