Elmer's Safe Washable Glue Sticks for Schools – Disappearing Purple Non-Toxic Formula for Teachers and Childcare Centers
Elmer's Safe Washable Glue Sticks for Schools – Disappearing Purple Non-Toxic Formula for Teachers and Childcare Centers
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Why you'll love it
- Disappearing purple color gives kids immediate visual feedback so they can see where the glue goes but it dries clear for a clean look
- Washable formula reduces parental and teacher stress over ruined clothes, desks, and carpets
- Bulk 30- or 60-count pack lowers per-stick cost for classrooms and large families
- Non-toxic, acid-free formula is safe if a young child accidentally touches glue to skin or mouth
- Trusted #1 teacher brand removes the guesswork for first-time craft-supply buyers
- Multi-surface bonding to paper, wood, fabric, leather, and ceramic handles mixed-material projects with one stick
Perfect for
- Back-to-school supply shopping for elementary classrooms
- Group craft projects and poster-making in classrooms
- Home arts and crafts with young children
- Daycare and preschool supervised art time
- Homeschool unit projects involving paper, cardboard, or mixed media collages
Product Information
Visible Application: Disappearing purple formula helps kids see where the glue is.
Mess-Free: Applies smoothly and dries clear for a neat finish.
Educator’s Choice: The #1 teacher brand, ideal for younger learners' crafting and projects.
Safe and Non-toxic: Acid-free formula is perfect for classrooms and homes.
Bulk Value: Contains 30, 0.24-ounce (7-gram) Elmer’s craft glue sticks.
High Performance: Bonds to most porous and semi-porous materials.
Easy Cleanup: Washable for easy and safe clean-ups.
Product DescriptionSpecific Uses For Product: Craft, School
Item Form: Stick
Other Special Features of the Product: Non Toxic, Washable
Container Type: Stick
Full Cure Time: 5 minutes
Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant
Viscosity Level: Medium
Compatible Material: Paper, Wood, Ffabric, Leather, Ceramic
Item Package Quantity: 1
Volume: 7.2 fluid ounces
Material Type: plastic
Color: Standard Stick
Model: E555
Number of Pieces: 1
Global Trade Identification Number: 00026000005555
Part Number: E555
Item Weight: 16 ounces
Item Type Name: Glue Stick
Warranty Description: 2 Years
Included Components: 30 Washable Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 0.24-ounce sticks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this glue truly non-toxic and safe for young children?
Yes. Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are certified non-toxic and acid-free, meaning they are safe for use by children in classrooms, daycares, and home craft areas. The formula has been the trusted classroom standard for decades, and it does not contain harmful solvents or chemicals.
Will it wash off skin and most fabrics if a child gets it on themselves?
Yes. The washable formula is specifically designed for water-resistant cleanup on skin and most washable fabrics. For skin, it rinses off with soap and water. For fabrics, a standard wash cycle typically removes any dried residue, though pre-treating the spot with a bit of laundry soap helps on set-in stains.
Is this safer than liquid white glue for group craft activities?
Yes. Glue sticks eliminate the spill risk of liquid glue, which can soak into carpets, clothes, and paper projects if knocked over. The twist-up format also gives children more control over how much glue they apply, reducing wasted glue and mess in group settings.
Does the disappearing purple dye stain skin, clothes, or craft tables?
No. The purple color is a water-soluble dye that disappears as the glue dries, leaving no visible stain on skin or fabric. On hard craft surfaces like tables or desks, any smudges wipe away easily with a damp cloth, and the acid-free formula will not damage finished wood or laminate surfaces.
Is this safe for children with sensitive skin or allergies?
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are acid-free and non-toxic, and they do not contain common irritants like latex. The washable formula is generally well tolerated by children with sensitive skin, though if your child has a known sensitivity to adhesives, a small patch test on the inner arm is a good precaution.
I am a teacher worried about carpet stains in my classroom — will this ruin it?
Elmer's washable disappearing purple glue sticks are designed for classroom use, and small drips or smudges on classroom carpet can typically be blotted and cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap before they set. Because the glue is water-soluble until it fully cures, prompt cleanup is the key to preventing permanent carpet stains.
My child has eczema — is this glue safe for them to use?
Elmer's washable glue sticks are non-toxic and acid-free and are commonly used by children with sensitive skin conditions. For children with eczema or other skin sensitivities, washing hands after craft time and applying a barrier cream beforehand are common parent recommendations, but the glue itself does not contain harsh irritants.
Is the bulk pack safe to store around pets?
Yes. The sticks are solid, non-toxic, and have no strong fumes or volatile chemicals, so they are safe to store in a craft bin or on a low shelf in a household with pets. There is no liquid spill risk and no toxic vapor release, even in a warm room.
How is this different from generic store-brand glue sticks?
Elmer's is the #1 teacher brand, and the disappearing purple formula is a signature feature that generic brands often try to replicate with less consistent results. The washable, non-toxic, and acid-free standards are also held to a specific formulation that has been classroom-tested for decades.
Is Elmer's safer than a hot glue gun for kids' crafts?
Yes. Hot glue guns reach temperatures that can burn young children's fingers and require close adult supervision, while glue sticks apply at room temperature with no heat risk. For elementary-aged crafters, glue sticks are the standard safer alternative.
Does the glue have a strong smell that could bother a child with sensitivities?
No. Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks have a very mild, neutral scent. They do not contain the strong solvent smells that some liquid glues have, making them a better choice for craft areas used by children with fragrance sensitivities or asthma.
What happens if my child gets glue in their eyes?
While the glue is non-toxic and not intended for use near the eyes, if a child rubs their eye with glue on their fingers, the standard recommendation is to rinse the eye gently with clean lukewarm water for several minutes. The washable formula means it should dissolve and rinse away without lasting irritation, but contact a doctor if discomfort continues.
Is this glue safe to use in a room with poor ventilation?
Yes. The formula has no harsh fumes and very low odor, so it can be used in typical classroom and home craft spaces without special ventilation. This is a meaningful difference from spray adhesives or solvent-based glues, which do require airflow.
Could the glue harm my child if they eat it?
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are non-toxic, meaning they are not poisonous if a small amount is accidentally ingested. That said, the glue is not a food product, and you should still encourage children not to put craft supplies in their mouths and contact poison control if a large amount is swallowed.
How do I apply this glue stick for the best bond?
Twist up the stick slightly, apply a thin even layer to one surface, and press the materials together firmly for about 30 seconds. For heavier or absorbent materials like cardboard or fabric, apply glue to both surfaces and let it set for a few seconds before pressing together. The bond reaches a working strength in about a minute and fully cures in approximately 5 minutes.
How should I store the glue sticks to keep them from drying out?
Store the sticks capped or in their original packaging at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keeping them horizontal rather than standing upright helps maintain even consistency inside the stick. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or near heaters, as high temperatures can warp the plastic casing and affect performance.
Can I refill or reuse the empty glue stick tubes?
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are designed as single-use disposable applicators and are not intended to be refilled. Once a stick is fully used, the empty plastic tube can be recycled where plastic recycling is available. For long-term craft use, the bulk 30- and 60-count packs are the most economical way to keep your supply stocked.
Does this glue work on fabric, wood, leather, and ceramic?
Yes. The formula is designed to bond porous and semi-porous materials including paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, leather, and ceramic. For washable fabric projects, allow a full cure before washing. For heavier non-porous materials, an additional adhesive may be needed for a permanent bond.
Will this glue damage photographs or important documents?
No. Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks are acid-free, which means they are archival-safe and will not yellow, fade, or degrade photographs, printed documents, or scrapbook pages over time. This makes them a trusted choice for scrapbooking, journaling, and memory-keeping projects.
What is included in the box?
Each pack contains either 30 or 60 Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, each weighing 7 grams (0.24 oz). The sticks come in the standard Elmer's branded retail box with a twist-up applicator and protective cap on each stick. No additional tools or accessories are required to use the product.
Is this glue safe to use around children and pets?
Yes. The formula is non-toxic, acid-free, and has no harsh fumes, making it safe for use in homes, classrooms, daycares, and craft areas where children and pets are present. The solid stick format also eliminates the spill and inhalation risks associated with liquid adhesives.
What should I do if the glue stick feels dry or stops twisting smoothly?
If a stick feels dry, it may have been stored without its cap or in a hot environment. Try replacing the cap and letting it sit at room temperature for a few hours, then test it on scrap paper. If it still does not twist or apply smoothly, the stick should be replaced. To prevent this, always recap sticks immediately after use.
What is the difference between glue sticks and liquid school glue?
Glue sticks are solid twist-up applicators that apply a controlled, even layer of adhesive with no mess, no dripping, and no caps to lose. Liquid school glue is a wet adhesive that spreads with a brush or squeeze bottle and is preferred for some heavier or non-porous materials. For most K-5 paper, cardboard, and lightweight craft projects, glue sticks are faster, less messy, and more efficient for group use.
