How do I remove glue from wood without damaging it?

What is wood glue?

Wood glue is an excellent option for creating a simple joint between two pieces of wood, as it is so easy to use that you may rush to use it only to discover when it dries that the results of your project are not as perfect as you thought. Fortunately, the following wood glue removal techniques will make separating glued wood pieces and starting over an easy process:

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The first step - preparation

• Place several thick layers of old newspapers with a layer of plastic underneath on the desired work area, then place the glued object on the newspaper, and wear a pair of plastic gloves to protect your hands.
• Pour two cups of vinegar into a large bowl and dilute it so that the vinegar percentage is 30% of the solution. Soak the towel in the solution and wring it out a little. The towel should be sufficiently soaked and slightly wet, but not overly soaked in vinegar.

Step 2 - Apply vinegar

• Place the towel on the wood and try as much as possible to let the parts saturated with vinegar touch the glued parts directly. Continue pressing until you are sure that the vinegar has been absorbed, then leave the towel wrapped on the wood for 15 minutes.
• Remove the towel and try to pull the wood pieces apart, at this point you should feel them starting to come apart. These steps should be enough to separate the wooden pieces if you used a little glue.

Step 3 - Thaw more

• In most cases, it will take at least two applications of vinegar, and you will need to repeat this process with the towel and vinegar solution until you are able to separate the wood pieces.

Step 4 - Remove glue

• When you are able to separate the wooden pieces, you will notice that the wood glue is no longer solid. It has become semi-liquid and paste-like. Remove the glue from the wood first in order to use the wood again.
• Get another clean towel and wet it completely with warm water, wringing it out so it stays damp and not saturated, then wipe it over the wood surface where the glue is.

The glue will eventually come off the wood, but getting it all done may require using several towels - just like the vinegar step - which will remove both the glue and any clumps on the vinegar.

Step 5 - Dry

To finish, run paper towels to absorb moisture from the wood, then rub the wood with another paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. Give the wood plenty of time before using it again