EASIEST WAY to Clean a Hot Glue Gun (It Really Works!)
Here is a quick hack for how to clean a hot glue gun in under MINUTEI wish I knew earlier!
Hot glue guns are one of my most-used tools for crafting, gift-wrapping, and DIY hacks, which means they get messy fast. Glue drips, burnt residue, and sticky strings can make your glue gun harder to use and even shorten its lifespan.
The good news is that how to clean a glue gun is so easy, and you don’t need any special products to do it. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
This Martha Stewart mini glue gun is my absolute favorite, but sadly it’s no longer made. I try to take care of it and clean it regularly to prolong its life. I prefer mini hot glue guns unless I’m working on a larger project, and I haven’t yet found a comparable replacement. If you have a mini hot glue gun you love, let me know in the comments of the video — I’d love to try it!
Watch this 9‑second video to see the exact method I use. The before/after photo shows how well it works. et me know what you think in comments in my YouTube video.
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Supplies to Clean a Hot Glue Gun
- Hot glue gun you would like to clean (unplugged and cooled)
- Aluminum foil
My Favorite Crafting Tools
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How to Clean a Hot Glue Gun Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Warm the Glue Gun Slightly (This Is the Secret!)
Plug in your glue gun for 1–2 minutes just long enough to soften the glue inside, on the hot glue gun and around the nozzle.
Then unplug it.
This makes the glue flexible and easy to remove without burning yourself.
Be careful not to touch the sides or the nozzle because it will still be warm.
2. Use a Sheet of Aluminum Foil
Crumble a sheet of aluminum foil into ball.
Wipe and rub the sides and nozzle of the hot glue gun with aluminum foil to clean off attached glue. Be careful not to touch the hot glue gun.
Continue to rub the sides and nozzle of the hot glue gun until all of the glue residue is wiped clean.
Aluminum foil is the BEST tool for removing glue from the hot glue gun.
- it’s heat-safe
- it scrapes of the glue without scratching the hot glue gun
- it grabs and removes melted glue instantly
Why This Method Works
- Aluminum foil removes glue without scratching
- Slight heat softens glue for easy removal
- No expensive tools needed and it does not damage the hot glue gun
This is the safest, fastest way to clean a glue gun — and it works on dual-temp, mini, and full-size glue guns.
FAQs
How do you clean the nozzle of a hot glue gun?
Rub it with aluminum foil while warm. It removes glue instantly.
How do you clean the outside of a hot glue gun?
Use crumbled aluminum foil to gently rub off the attached hot glue.
How do you remove glue gun glue from fabric?
Freeze the fabric, then peel off the hardened glue.
Can you leave a glue stick in a glue gun?
Yes — it’s safe. Just unplug the gun when you’re done.
More of my Favorite Hot Glue Gun Hacks
No More Burnt Fingers – Life Changing
I make a lot of crafts and projects that require my hands to place and position pieces parts and accents with a hot glue gun but I sometimes burn my fingers.
Here is a short video demonstrating the solution to protect my fingers from intricate crafts using a hot glue gun.
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Here are the silicon finger caps used in this video.
Easiest Way to Refill a Hot Glue Gun before the Glue Stick Runs Out
I prefer using a mini hot glue gun for my projects, which means I use the smaller glue sticks. There is nothing more frustrating than running out of glue right in the middle of a delicate craft!
Instead of waiting for the old stick to completely disappear, I use a simple hot glue gun hack to reload the new stick before the old one is even used up. It saves so much time!
This trick is perfect for keeping your glue flowing smoothly on all your DIY projects.
Watch the short video below to see exactly how I refill my hot glue gun without stopping my project!
I hope you enjoyed my Hot Glue Gun Hacks. Let me know in the comments in my videos which one you liked best and share your favorite hot glue gun hacks!
