Removing superglue from magnets

Have you applied glue to the wrong side of a magnet or other surface that does not require glue? No need to panic!

It is possible to remove superglue, even though many people assume that it cannot be done. We have tested it ourselves and have come up with these easy-to-follow tips and tricks. Follow the various recommended methods below to solve the sticky situation and completely free your magnet of glue resides.

How do I remove superglue?

There are 3 methods you can use to remove the glue stuck on your magnet.

Method 1: Soften the glue

This is the safest and least damaging method to remove glue from a magnet. This approach takes longer, but you decrease the likely hood of permanently damaging your magnet.

5 steps to soften the glue:

1. Pour & mix warm water and washing-up liquid into a tub. Here we recommend that you take hot, but not boiling, water. It helps to dissolve the glue.
2. Place the magnet in the mixture. 
3. Let the magnet soak for about 10 minutes. Continue to monitor the magnet in the solution.
4. If necessary, change the soapy water as often as needed. Cold water will be less effective than hot water in removing the glue, therefore replace the mixture once it has reached a cold point.  
5. Once the glue has softened you can easily pull the glue off the magnet. At this point, we recommend you use your fingers or a small tool.

Method 2: Dissolve the glue 

The next method involves dissolving glue using acetone and a clean cloth. Pro Tip: most nail polish removers contain acetone, so you might be lucky enough to already have it at home.

How to dissolve the glue:

1. Pour some acetone on a clean cloth 
2. Take the cloth with acetone and immediately rub it directly on the glue. Avoid getting acetone directly on the magnet as you might risk damaging the surface.
3. Ensure the rag and the magnet make continuous contact for about 10 minutes. If necessary, repeat steps 1 - 2 until the glue has completely dissolved or you can easily remove it with your fingers.

Method 3: Remove the glue with force 

ATTENTION!! We generally do NOT recommend that you forcefully remove superglue from a magnet. Why? Because you will have a high chance of destroying or splitting the magnet before you finish the process.

How to forcefully remove the glue:

1. Bores in the hard glue with e.g., a drill.
2. Use a pair of strong pliers with manual force on the glue surface to pull off.
3. You may first try to drill into the glue and therefore pull the glue off with the pliers.