How to Remove a Glue Adhesive Label

Labels can leave behind a sticky glue residue.

Labels are a common sight on bottles and jars for good reason. Labels provide important information about the contents. To adhere the labels to the bottles and jars, companies use a type of glue adhesive on one side of the label. Removing these labels can be a bit difficult at times. Even if you are able to simply peel the label off, you will be left with a sticky glue residue. The good news is that with a few household items you can remove both the label and the glue residue with relative ease.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Mild Dishwashing liquid
• Plastic mesh pad
• Sponge
• Cloth
• White vinegar
• Butter knife
• Hair dryer
• Baby oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

Water and Dishwashing Liquid

1. Fill your sink basin with warm water.

2. Add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid to the water. Swish the water around to mix the dishwashing liquid into the water.

3. Submerge the item in the water and allow to soak for 15 minutes.

4. Scrape the label with a plastic mesh pad or sponge.

5. Rinse the item with water and allow to dry.

Vinegar

1. Saturate a clean cloth with white vinegar.

2. Lay the saturated cloth on top of the label.

3. Allow the vinegar to soak into the label for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Peel the label off the item. If the label does not come off easily, use a butter knife to scrape off the label.

Heat

1. Plug in a hair dryer.

2. Apply heat to the label by moving the hair dryer in a back-and-forth motion.

3. Peel the label off. The heat from the hair dryer will have softened the glue adhesive.

Baby Oil

1. Rub baby oil onto the label. Use vegetable oil if baby oil is not available.

2. Allow the oil to work into the label and soften the adhesive glue.

3. Rub the label off with a damp sponge or cloth.

References

• Gnowfglins: How to Remove Labels from Glass Jars and Plastic Containers
• WineDefinitions: Removing a Wine Label
• Grape-Nutz: Label Removal
• Wine Labels: Removing Labels