Adhesives hold packaging, labels, furniture, vehicle parts, shoes and electronic components together. However, during production they also leave residues: on application and laminating rollers, nozzles and melting units, on gluing units, labelling machines and conveyor belts, on moulds and on tools. If the residue is left to build up, machines become clogged, quality suffers, and cleaning becomes more time-consuming with every shift.
Step 1: What type of adhesive is it?
We explain in detail the different types of adhesives in this article Various adhesives in the industry. When it comes to cleaning, the most important factor is whether the adhesive is still soft or has already set.
| Type of adhesive | Behaviour and approach | Might be suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Hot melt Hot-melt adhesive, e.g. EVA, polyolefin | softens again when heated Pre-clean mechanically whilst warm; dissolve any residue with a cleaning agent | Gluemex |
| PUR hot-melt reactive | cures when exposed to moisture in the air and does not soften again afterwards Remove before it sets, if possible | Nova Safe S |
| 2-component adhesives e.g. epoxy, polyurethane | cure chemically When fresh, use a cleaner; once set, simply soak and remove mechanically | Nova Safe S |
| Emulsion adhesives and glues e.g. PVAc, acrylate | water-soluble when fresh, tough when dry Rinse with water, then wipe dry with a cleaning product | Planntex 100 |
| Solvent-based adhesives e.g. contact adhesive | drying by evaporation soften with cleaner and remove | Gluemex |
| Labels and adhesive tapes Press-on adhesives | remain sticky permanently Peel off the label; remove any adhesive residue with a cleaner | Topclean |
| Silicone Adhesives and sealants | elastic, adheres strongly scrape off thick layers, remove the film with a cleaner | Planntex 100 |
These suggestions are just a starting point. Adhesives vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. We’ll work with you to find out which cleaner works best for your adhesive during a consultation, usually with a free sample or an on-site demonstration.
Step 2: Choose the right method
- Mechanical: Plastic scrapers, putty knives or cloths remove thick layers. Do not use metal tools on delicate surfaces.
- Heat: Hot-melt and other thermoplastic adhesives soften when exposed to hot air on a low setting and can then be scraped off. Never combine heat with flammable cleaning agents.
- Cleaning products: An adhesive remover loosens the residue so that it can be removed with a cloth or scraper. For thin films and residue in corners, nozzles or grooves, this is usually the gentlest method.
- Combination: It’s often quickest to remove thick layers mechanically first and then dissolve the rest with the cleaner.
Step 3: How to proceed
- Switch off the machine, allow it to cool down and ensure it cannot be restarted.
- Carefully remove thick layers of adhesive using a plastic scraper.
- Apply the cleaner and leave it to work for a suitable length of time, depending on the thickness of the coating.
- Remove the loosened adhesive with a cloth, brush or scraper. Repeat if there are any stubborn residues.
- Wipe the surface clean. If it is to be bonded or coated afterwards, it must be free of residue.
Why not just use acetone or isopropyl alcohol?
Many commercially available adhesive removers contain acetone, isopropanol or other solvents subject to labelling requirements. Acetone and isopropanol are highly flammable (H225), cause severe eye irritation (H319) and may cause drowsiness and dizziness (H336). This means explosion protection, storage requirements and personal protective equipment are necessary. Furthermore, they evaporate so quickly that they often fail to properly dissolve thick layers of adhesive.
The Hazardous Substances Regulation requires an assessment to be carried out to determine whether hazardous cleaning products can be replaced with less hazardous alternatives. Many of Eco-Nova’s adhesive removers are not classified as hazardous. Find out more: Acetone substitute without hazardous substance labelling.
From real-life experience
- Polyol and isocyanate residues on aluminium moulds: A manufacturer of sole material worked with us to test four cleaning products on its delicate aluminium moulds. Nova Safe S performed best, without damaging the aluminium, and saves staff a significant amount of time. Read the success story
- Binder on silicone rollers: Until now, residues of PVA, PVAC and other plastics could only be removed using a brush and high-pressure water. Following tests on the production line, the time taken was reduced by almost half when using Microsolv NX. Read the success story
- Residue on steel moulds: A company has replaced volatile solvents containing VOCs with Topclean and has since stopped using cleaning products that require labelling. Read the success story
Adhesive on rollers? There’s a separate post on this: Cleaning rollers in the industry.
Tips to stop it sticking in the first place
- Remove any residue whilst it is still as fresh as possible, particularly in the case of PUR and 2K adhesives.
- Clean nozzles, application rollers and gluing units at the end of each shift, not just when faults occur.
- When using hot-melt adhesive, ensure you maintain the correct processing temperature. If the adhesive is too hot, it will carbonise and be difficult to remove.
- Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first, particularly on plastic, paintwork and rubber.
Always follow the instructions in the safety data sheet. The safety data sheet is available on request to existing customers and to customers who have received a sample or attended a demonstration.
The best way to find out which cleaner will remove your adhesive is to discuss it together. If possible, please let us know the manufacturer and product name of the adhesive, as well as the surface type. Our technical advisers will recommend a cleaner and put together a free sample for you.