How to Clean a Glue Gun

Glue guns are a necessity for crafters.

Hot glue guns allow crafters to melt and position glue dabs and strings in just a few seconds. These tools are heating elements that melt the glue and dispense it when the gun's trigger is pressed. After your crafting or model building session is over, a glue gun can end up a sticky mess with glue on the nozzle and barrel. Before you stow your glue gun away, clean it up. Cleaning the gun will allow the machine to work properly in the future and not stick to anything you do not want it to.

Things You'll Need

• Hot glue gun
• Heatproof container
• Fabric softener sheets

Instructions

1. Unplug the hot glue gun. Prop up the stand carefully. The stand is located at the front of the gun, near the nozzle.

2. Stand the gun up on a heatproof surface during the cooling session. When the gun is completely cool, proceed. Thirty minutes is ample time to allow the gun to cool down.

3. Remove two fabric-softening sheets from the package. Stack them on top of one another.

4. Wipe down the gun handle, nozzle and barrel with the dryer sheets. Continue to wipe until the glue residue is gone. Toss the dryer sheets away. The glue gun will be free of glue.

Tips & Warnings

• Wiping down the gun before it is completely cool can result in painful burns.

References

• Needlepointers: General Crafts Tips and Hints
• Technology Student: The Hot Glue Gun