Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have a spot about the size of a dime of quick-drying glue on my Formica countertop. How can I remove it? - Jean in Dennison, Ill.

This home-style remedy costs nothing. All it takes is hot soapy water (use thick rubber dishwashing gloves to protect your skin). Saturate a cloth in the soapy water and place it over the glue. Leave it about 15 minutes, remove and dip the cloth again into the hot, soapy water and reapply. Continue this process until the glue softens enough to be peeled off the countertop.

You can get solvents made specifically for removing quick-drying glue. However, most contain acetone that can dull a Formica surface. Before using one of these, test it on an inconspicuous area. Good luck. - Heloise xxxx