First few minutes
Just happened? Do this first
- Check the glue's packaging first, since many makers print removal steps.
- Harden the glue with ice or cold water before you scrape.
- Blot, don't rub, and work from the edges toward the center.
Glue on concrete isn't one stain but several adhesives, and each one needs its own approach. Fresh glue usually lifts after a chill and a gentle scrape, but cured glue may only loosen, so expect a few rounds of work. If the tube or tub says super glue or epoxy, those are usually permanent, so read the packaging before you start.
Old tile glue on a concrete floor is a slow job, so give each spot time before you move on. Old carpet glue on concrete steps or a porch usually responds better to repeated light work than one hard scrub. Rinse the area well between rounds so you can see what's still stuck.
Before you start
What concrete, brick & driveways can take
Safe to use3
- Water
- Hot water
- Soaking
Use with care5
- Chlorine bleach
- Oxygen bleach
- Solvents (alcohol, spot removers)
- Acids (vinegar, lemon)
- Scrubbing and abrasives
5 items
What you'll need
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- Ice or cold waterHardens the glue so it lifts off instead of smearing.
- Dull knife or spoonLifts the hardened glue without gouging the concrete.
- Washing (sal) soda or detergentThe cleaner for the wash. Use detergent, not soap.
- Cloth and soft-bristled brushLets you scrub gently without roughing up the surface. (opens Amazon)
- Clear waterRinses out the cleaner completely.
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6 steps
Step by step
Step 1 of 6
Check the glue's packaging
Many glue makers print removal instructions right on the tube or tub, so read those first. Note the product name as well, since the type of adhesive decides which remover is safe to use.
Step 2 of 6
Harden the glue with ice
Press a bag of ice wrapped in a towel onto the glue, or pour cold water over it, and hold it there until the glue feels firm. Firm glue lifts in pieces, which is far easier than trying to scrape soft glue off the concrete.
Step 3 of 6
Scrape off the loose glue
Work a dull knife or spoon under the glue at a low angle and lift it off in small pieces. Stop once only a thin film is left, because the wash handles what remains.
Careful. Don't push the glue deeper into the concrete with the blade.
Step 4 of 6
Wash the spot with detergent
Mix washing (sal) soda or detergent (not soap) with water, then work it into the spot with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Blot rather than rub, and work from the edges toward the center so the stain doesn't spread.
Tip. Rinse the cloth often so you aren't smearing glue back over the concrete.
Step 5 of 6
Rinse with clear water
Flush the spot with plenty of clear water until no suds or cleaner are left on the concrete. Rinsing fully keeps leftover residue from interfering with the next step.
Step 6 of 6
Let the concrete dry
Let the area dry all the way before you judge it, since damp concrete looks darker than it will. If a faint mark or hardened film remains, the glue has likely set in, and the set-in options below are the next move.
If you'd rather buy than mix
Best products for glue on concrete, brick & driveways
A stain-specific glue remover made for your adhesive type is a better bet than a homemade mix, especially for set-in glue. Check that the label names the adhesive you're removing.
Goo Gone Goo & Adhesive Remover Spray Gel
Goo Gone Original Adhesive Remover
How we picked these: each product is made for this type of stain, its maker doesn't warn against using it on concrete, brick & driveways, and its directions fit the steps above.
Finished the steps? How does it look?
Nice work. Let it dry completely and check it again in good light. Here is what done looks like:
How to tell it's really gone →A faint mark usually needs one more round, not a stronger product.
See what to do for what you're seeing →If the stain was already dried or set, the method changes.
Old, dried or set-in stains →When to call a professional →How to tell it's working
A glue spot that's coming up will look lighter after each wash and rinse, and the concrete should feel smooth when you run a hand over it. Wait until the slab is completely dry before you judge the result, because a damp patch always looks darker than it will end up. If it looks the same after two rounds, the glue has most likely set, so head to the set-in section.
What changes for yours
Adjust for your concrete, brick & driveways
Tile adhesive
Tile adhesive is a different product from carpet glue, so check its packaging before you start and follow any removal instructions the maker prints. The same order works for it: harden, scrape, then wash with washing (sal) soda or detergent, not soap.
Walls need more care than floors, so keep the scraping light and keep the wash from running down onto other surfaces. Once the glue is off, the tile face itself may need cleaning, and the Tile guide covers that.
Linoleum adhesive
Old linoleum adhesive is often hard and stuck fast, so expect the ice and scraping steps to take longer. Work in small sections so the glue lifts before it has a chance to smear.
If it still won't lift after the wash and the drying check, treat it as set-in and move to those options. Keep each section small so the glue doesn't spread.
Outdoor carpet or artificial turf
The backing on outdoor carpet and turf is glued down hard, so the ice and scraping steps matter most here. Test the wash on a hidden corner first, since you may not know what the backing is made of.
Wash, rinse and dry as usual, then check the spot once the concrete is fully dry.
Threshold sealant or construction adhesive
Sealant and construction adhesive cure differently from carpet glue, so don't assume the same steps will lift them. Check the product packaging first, and only use the steps here once you know what the material is.
Scrape along the edge with a utility knife or dull blade, cutting as much as you can before any cleaning. If a film stays behind, the set-in options are the next step.
Old, dried or set-in stains
Glue that has sat for months or years bonds deeply into the concrete, so the basic steps often leave a faint mark behind. That's normal, and it means you need a stronger option rather than more scrubbing.
Dried school glue softens in warm water, so soak it for 30 minutes, then scrape and pretreat as in the steps above. Dried airplane glue or household cement responds to amyl acetate, applied on a pad kept moist for 15 minutes and then flushed with clear water. Amyl acetate is poisonous, so wear rubber gloves and keep it off plastics.
If the stain is still there after drying, a poultice of talc, whiting, fuller's earth, diatomaceous earth or clay mixed with the right solvent works best. Spread it at least 1/8 inch thick, cover it with plastic for 24 hours, let it dry, then scrape or brush it off and repeat as needed. Stain-specific cleaners are preferred over homemade mixes, and older stains may only fade, with more risk of damage the stronger you go.
Vinegar, baking soda, peroxide and more
Do home remedies work on glue on concrete, brick & driveways?
Most home remedies you'll see for glue are meant for fabric or fresh spills, so they don't belong in this job. Washing soda or detergent does the cleaning job, and nothing else is needed on concrete.
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What makes it worse
Mistakes to avoid
Don't reach for gasoline or lighter fluid
Gasoline, lighter fluid and carbon tetrachloride are sometimes suggested as solvents, but they aren't safe choices for this job. If you need a solvent, use the amyl acetate option described below.
Don't use solvent near an open flame
Solvents should only be used in a well-ventilated space, away from open flames, pilot lights and smoking. Open a window or work outdoors so the fumes can clear.
Don't skip the rinse between products
Never mix one remover with another, because the combination can be dangerous. Rinse the spot thoroughly before you move from any solvent to the wash.
Don't scrape before the glue firms up
Soft glue smears across the slab and spreads the spot instead of lifting it. Chill it with ice in a bag first, then work from the edges so the glue comes up in pieces.
Don't pick at it with a sharp blade
A sharp blade can gouge the concrete. Use a dull knife or a plastic scraper and keep your pressure light.
Don't mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar
Chlorine bleach mixed with ammonia, vinegar or alcohol gives off a hazardous gas, so never combine them on the slab. If you've already used any of those on the spot, clear the area before you reach for bleach.
Troubleshooting
If the stain is still there
Pick what you're seeing:
The glue smears instead of scraping off
It is still too soft. Chill it with ice or cold water for a few minutes, then scrape again.
A shiny film remains after washing
Repeat the washing soda or detergent wash with a soft-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly. If the film stays put once dry, switch to a poultice or a proprietary adhesive remover for masonry.
A pale ring appears around the cleaned spot
The solution dried before rinsing. Rewet a wider area, wash it again, and rinse the whole section at once.
When to call a professional
Super glue and epoxy are usually permanent, so if that's what's on the slab, a professional is the realistic next call. If you can't tell which adhesive it is, or a sealer on the concrete keeps the washing solution from working, get professional guidance before you move to stronger products. A testing lab can identify an unknown residue if it matters for the job.
Questions
Could old glue on a cement floor contain asbestos?
You can't tell by looking, so if the floor is old and you don't know what the adhesive is, don't scrape or grind it dry. Send a sample to a testing laboratory first. Once the test shows what you're dealing with, you can decide whether the steps here are safe to use.
How do I get old black glue off concrete?
Start with ice and gentle scraping, then wash as usual. If the dark glue is still there after drying, move on to the set-in options, since long-hardened glue rarely lifts with detergent alone.
Can super glue or epoxy be removed from concrete?
Super glue and epoxy cure hard and are usually permanent on concrete. The steps here won't lift them, so the realistic goal is to scrape off what stands proud and accept what's left.
Is ice safe to use on concrete steps and porches?
Ice uses no chemicals, so it's the gentlest first move. On steps and porches, keep the scraping light near the edges so you don't chip them.
What if the glue still shows after I've washed it?
That usually means the glue has set in, so move to the set-in options rather than repeating the wash over and over. Dried glue often responds to those softening and solvent treatments, but deep stains may only fade.
Can I pressure wash glue off a concrete driveway or patio?
It's better to skip the pressure washer for glue. Soften the glue, scrape off what's loose, and wash by hand with detergent and a soft-bristled brush, because high pressure can wear away concrete. Rinse with clear water once you're done.
Should I wet the concrete before washing off glue?
Yes, wet the spot with clear water before any detergent goes on. Dry concrete takes in whatever you apply, which pulls the cleaner and the loosened glue deeper into the slab. Keeping the area damp lets you rinse everything away from the surface.
Can I use bleach on glue residue on concrete?
Bleach isn't the right choice for glue, because the washing method uses washing soda or detergent instead. Household bleach is listed for moss, algae and similar growth, not for glue residue. If you do use it, rinse the spot thoroughly with clear water before anything else touches it.
Glue on other materials
Other stains on concrete, brick & driveways
Start from the bigger picture
How we know this
Every method, amount and warning here comes from university extension services, industry bodies and product makers. We read them, check every step for unsafe combinations and changed amounts, and write it up so you can follow it.