How to Remove Superglue from Calculator Buttons

Superglue can be surprisingly easy to remove from some surfaces, however, many of the products often used to remove it can also remove the lettering on the calculator buttons. It is a good idea to take a picture of your calculator before trying to remove the glue so that you know which button does what in case the lettering is removed. If needed, you can draw the lettering back on later. The methods below are safe for both rubber and plastic buttons.

• A camera
• A bowl
• Warm water
• Dish liquid
• A cloth
• Isopropyl alcohol
• A fine tip permanent marker

1. Take a picture of the calculator so that all icons on the buttons are clearly visible.
2. Remove the buttons from the calculator. You cannot treat the buttons while they are still attached to the calculator or you risk letting the cleaning solution seep into the electronics area.
3. Put the buttons in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for several minutes.
4. Select one button to clean. It is important to clean one button at a time so that if the icon rubs off, you know which button it is.
5. Moisten a cloth with hot water and some dish liquid and use it to scrub the glue off the button. It may take some time repeatedly rubbing the button between your fingers with the cloth to remove all of the glue.
6. If the glue is stubborn, moisten a cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
7. Rub the button with the cloth until the superglue is removed.
8. Once the glue is gone, wash the button with soap and water. If doing this in a sink, be sure to plug the drain first in case you drop the button.
9. Rinse the button thoroughly with water to remove any trace of the alcohol and soap.
10. If the button logo has come off, draw it back on with a fine tip permanent marker.

• If the alcohol does not work to remove the glue, try using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
• For plastic buttons, acetone nail polish remover can be used in place of alcohol.
• Isopropyl alcohol can cause rubber to dry out over time. For a one time use and thoroughly cleaning off the residue afterward, it should not have an effect. If you do find that the rubber has dried out, rub some cooking oil into the rubber, then blot the rubber to remove the excess oil.
• Many common adhesive removers, such as Goo Gone and Goof Off, can work to remove superglue but should not be used on rubber. If you decide to try a commercial product, be sure to read the label carefully first.