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How to Remove Glue Residue From Book Pages

The sticky residue from glue is a challenge to remove, but it can be especially inconvenient when glue has dried onto delicate surfaces. Removing it from the pages of a book, for example, involves the risk of tearing and crinkling due to harsh cleaning materials or exposure to water. While the use of a liquid cleaner is almost unavoidable for removing the residue from book pages, there are effective cleaning products available that will lift the glue with minimal damage to the book.

Things You'll Need

Stain remover
Cleaning cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a multipurpose stain remover for dissolving glues and adhesives, available at a home improvement center or hardware store. Popular brands such as Un-Du, Goo Gone and Goof Off are solvents that safely eliminate glue from clothing and fabrics, among other surfaces.
- 2
  Follow label instructions to prepare the product. Spray or pour a small amount of the solvent onto a soft cleaning rag, such as terry cloth. Apply just enough to dampen the cloth, not soak it.
- 3
  Set your book on a flat surface and expose the page that has been affected by glue residue.
- 4
  Gently wipe the dried glue with the cleaning cloth, using minimal pressure. Most stain removers are petroleum- or limonene-based and are less likely than water-based products to be absorbed by paper.
- 5
  Wipe the pages clean of the product and allow them to air dry. Slight warping of the pages is to be expected, but the stain remover is less of a risk to book pages than water-based solutions.

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