How to Remove Hot Glue From a Cement Block Wall

Does hot glue work on concrete? It does, and this adhesive is often used on cement walls and surfaces. It's also called hot melt and is a thermoplastic adhesive. The great aspect of hot glue is that it won't leave ugly holes and scars, like bolts and screws. On the downside, it can leave marks on cement block walls and surfaces.

Rubbing alcohol dissolves hot glue, and in most cases, 70 percent strength is effective enough. Start by dipping a paintbrush or a cotton swab into the bottle and use it to cover the glue mark completely. Don't put on more than you need but it's good to know that the alcohol will quickly evaporate if you get some outside the glue stain.

Let the alcohol do its job for a few minutes and then see if you can ease the glue residue off the cement wall. Do this with a putty knife or other dull knife and work slowly and carefully. If this method doesn't work at first, you should try it a few more times, letting the alcohol stay on the glue stain for a bit longer each time. After you have done your best to remove the glue, wipe the area with a clean, damp rag or sponge and let it dry completely.

When the alcohol doesn't work, you'll have to use more elbow grease. If there isn't a lot of glue on the concrete, try scraping it off with a concrete scraper tool, taking care not to scratch or gouge the surface. Some glues are water-based, so you can also try boiling some water and sponging the glue to soften it. A rotary scrubber can work wonders on hot glue stains, and you can then use the scraper again. Don't add anything like vinegar or a cleaner to the water, as this can damage the concrete surface.

Should these methods not work, you can shop for an eco-friendly mastic remover designed for concrete. Read the label carefully before buying it and follow the directions when using it. You usually apply these with brushes, pump sprayers and mops for cement floors and then the product sits there until the glue softens, which can take up to a few hours. You'll need to use a degreaser or a concrete cleaner to finish the job. As a last resort, you can rent a buffer fitted with a sanding disk or hire a professional.

Hot glue also works well on brick surfaces, but as with cement, it's a good idea to first put up painter's tape onto both surfaces and then apply the hot glue onto that instead. Adding the hot glue first makes it so that you won't have to worry about removing the hardened glue later. If you have to remove hot glue on brick, you can try the rubbing alcohol trick.

Other items that can sometimes work to remove hardened glue from hard surfaces are WD-40, vodka, peanut butter, mayonnaise or vegetable or canola oil. When trying any of these DIY removers, you must allow them a few minutes to work, scrape with the putty knife and then thoroughly clean the surface once the glue is gone. Some experts also recommend heating the glue with a hair dryer or heat gun first; this can soften it enough to remove it with a scraper.