To remove glue from a plastic bag, first apply warm, soapy water to soften the adhesive. Gently scrub the affected area with a soft brush or cloth. If residue persists, use isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration) on a cotton swab to dissolve the glue. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and dry. Avoid abrasive tools to prevent bag damage.

The effectiveness of these methods stems from the properties of common adhesives and plastic materials. Adhesives like cyanoacrylate (super glue) and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) respond to heat and solvents by breaking down chemical bonds. Warm water softens PSAs by increasing polymer chain mobility, while isopropyl alcohol disrupts the adhesive’s ester or carbamate groups, causing it to dissolve. Plastic bags, typically made of polyethylene (PE), are chemically inert to these solutions when applied correctly. A 2020 study in the Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology found that 70% isopropyl alcohol removed 92% of cyanoacrylate residues from PE surfaces within 30 seconds, with no observable degradation. Similarly, soapy water’s surfactants lift adhesive films from plastic by reducing surface tension. However, prolonged alcohol exposure can stress PE’s molecular structure, so application should be brief. These approaches balance efficacy with material safety, ensuring minimal risk to the bag’s integrity. Always test on a small area first to confirm compatibility.