How to remove a label from a jar or bottle?
6 Ways to Remove Stubborn Sticker Labels
Do you want to remove labels from jars, bottles, or other containers to reuse them, and if possible , don't want to lose your nails in the process? Then you've come to the right place.
Reusing containers instead of making new ones is both economical and environmentally friendly. However, we've all scraped off label and glue residue with our nails at least once... and when you have a lot of bottles or jars to recycle, it can quickly become annoying.
In this article, we present 6 methods tested and approved by our team to remove labels and traces of glue on glass, plastic or metal containers:
- Method 1: Warm soapy water
- Method 2: Hair dryer
- Method 3: Oil
- Method 4: Nail polish remover
- Method 5: White vinegar
- Method 6: A scraper or blade
Pssst: you don't have to scratch off your labels next time, use removable , soluble or perforated labels !
1. Peel off a label with warm soapy water
It may come as a surprise, but warm, soapy water is a simple and inexpensive solution for removing a paper label from any type of container.
Why does it work?
- heat weakens the chemical bonds of the adhesive
- water softens the paper and makes it easier to scratch
- Dishwashing liquid contains surfactants that help remove glue more easily
How to do it?
- fill a basin with very hot water
- add a few drops of dishwashing liquid
- immerse the container in water for one hour
- remove the label by scraping with a sponge
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- does not risk damaging your containers
- for glass, plastic and metal
- simple and economical
- not effective with plastic labels because they are waterproof
2. Remove a label with a hair dryer
A hair dryer is a great way to remove a stubborn sticker label from a glass container.
Why does it work?
- heat weakens the chemical bonds in the glue
- It may cause the paper or plastic to swell slightly, creating a small gap between the label and the container
- the hair dryer allows targeted action
How to do it?
- turn on the hair dryer on the hottest setting
- direct the hot air over the label for about 30 seconds, using a back and forth motion to cover the entire surface
- use a spatula to remove the label
- repeat until you can easily remove the label
- remove the last residue with a sponge and dish soap
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- practical and economical
- even works with waterproof labels
- not compatible with plastic containers
3. Remove glue residue with cooking oil
There are special grease products available at hardware stores, but your kitchen cooking oil can also do the trick!
Why does it work?
- the oil contains lipophilic compounds that can dissolve the adhesive
- oil molecules seep between the label and the container
- the oil does not evaporate like other solvents and has a prolonged action
How to do it?
- pour some oil onto a clean cloth
- rub the label with the oil-soaked cloth
- leave to act for a few minutes
- remove the label with a spatula or sponge
- clean the container with hot water and dish soap
- If this is not enough, you can make a paste by mixing the oil with baking soda, and leave it to act for about 15 minutes.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- for glass, plastic and metal
- more expensive than the two previous methods
- does not always work with plastic labels
4. Remove a label with nail polish remover
Acetone is effective for removing glue. You can find it in nail polish remover.
Why does it work?
- acetone is able to dissolve the adhesive
- the action is fast, even on resistant labels
How to do it?
- settle down in a ventilated place
- soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover
- apply the solution to the label
- leave to act for at least 15 minutes
- remove residue with a spatula or sponge
- wash your container with dishwashing liquid
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- on sale in your supermarket
- for all labels, even resistant ones
- very fast action
- may discolor some plastic containers
- non-ecological chemical product
5. Remove glue with white vinegar
White vinegar has become a household staple because it can be used for a wide variety of cleaning tasks. And unsurprisingly, it can also help you remove glue from your jars and bottles!
Why does it work?
- The acidity of the vinegar helps weaken the chemical bonds in the adhesive
How to do it?
- soak a clean cloth in white vinegar
- Apply to the label and leave for 15 minutes.
- gently scrape the label off using a spatula or sponge
- clean the container with water and dish soap
For stubborn labels, you can also submerge the container in a bowl filled with white vinegar.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- on sale at low prices in all supermarkets
- ideal for glass and metal, to be tested on plastic
6. Remove a label from a jar or bottle using a blade or scraper
You can also purchase a scraper to scrape off the glue and label. You can also use the blade of a knife or box cutter, but be careful not to cut yourself. Store-bought scrapers offer better protection and are less likely to injure yourself.
Why does it work?
- You need a very thin tool to be able to pass between the label and the container
- a blade is more efficient (and less fragile) than your nails
How to do it?
- peel off a corner of the label with the blade
- Place the blade under the label and then gently move it to peel off the label.
- The label may come off in several pieces, in which case, be patient and repeat the process
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- effective on all types of labels
- risk of scratching the container
- requires concentration and patience to avoid injury
Discover our labels that can be easily removed without leaving any trace!
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