Glass bottle label glue cleanup

submitted about 9 years ago by VAPORMARKProud Sidebar Reader!

I re-use glass bottles, but getting the labels cleanly off has been difficult. Until now. The labels and glues are all a little different. Some plastic labels come off cleanly, but some leave a glue behind. Paper labels often leave glue and shredded paper behind.

I've searched the net in the past and found lots of methods to cleanly remove the labels, but only had mixed results. I found this link and gave it a try. It has worked perfectly and repeatedly.

Here's the method:

fill a small pot with water and the bottle to be cleaned
bring to boil and turn off the heat
add a few table spoons of ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda
soak for an hour
remove bottle and wipe label/glue off with paper towel

This worked so well for me that I wanted to share.

Comments

13 points

by r4xabout 9 years ago

Or just wipe with Goof off. Done in 10 seconds.

2 points

by Binsky89about 9 years ago

Seriously. It's a product designed for this exact purpose, and it's like $3 for a bottle.

9 points

by Knurlingerabout 9 years ago

isopropanol :) removes everything in seconds.

2 points

by iwillnoteatgreeneggsabout 9 years agoLemon Party Man!

I just use an sos pad to scrub any residual off the outside.

2 points

by BlameReligionabout 9 years ago

I just use Goo Gone and it works pretty well.

2 points

by medalbeerabout 9 years ago

I've always used lighter fluid. Apparently mayo works too but I'm yet to try

1 points

by nw167about 9 years ago

I soak it in boiling water for 10 minites, and the label usually peels off leaving minimal residue. What residue is left comes off with a very quick scrub.

1 points

by weathrderpabout 9 years ago

Why not just use Isopropyl Alcohol? Or am I missing something...

2 points

by Binsky89about 9 years ago

I've found that iso doesn't always get all the residue. Goo gone is my go-to.

1 points

by milesmkdabout 9 years agoMixologist

That's what use. No dirty dishes

1 points

by weathrderpabout 9 years ago

And no soaking for an hour...

1 points

by brimley5000about 9 years ago

I am actually about to need to deal with the same issue. Will an ultrasonic cleaner work?

1 points

by Vurveabout 9 years agoVurve with the Swurve

OxyClean works extremely well too. Commonly used throughout the homebrewing beer scene to take off old labels.

1 points

by DIYdoofusabout 9 years agoOne of "The Damned"

I homebrew. A DIY version of Powdered Brewery Wash is 70% unscented Oxyclean and 30% TSP 90 (found at Ace Hardware). It really does a great job of cleaning.

1 points

by iLLNiSSabout 9 years ago

Just put them in a pot of hot water and peel them off after. The hot glass should allow the label to come off clean as a whistle. You don't need anything but plain water.

1 points

by SenorPierreabout 9 years ago

someone recommend oxy clean to me once and it works wonders. leave your bottles soaking in an oxy clean bath overnight. by the next morning the labels will be floating and the adhesive will rub right off.

1 points

by VapingDougabout 9 years ago

Try goo-gone. Works great!

1 points

by UltimateNinjaabout 9 years ago

I use the rough side of a spong and elbow grease

1 points

by ElGatoTheManCatabout 9 years ago

Goo gone, lighter fluid, etc. Just put some on an old sock and wipe it.

1 points

by Bamrzabout 9 years ago

Goo Gone, WD40, Skin so Soft - all take less than an hour.

1 points

by zwermpabout 9 years ago

Def goo gone then the dishwasher.

1 points

by Coffman34about 9 years ago

After you peel the label off, just tap the glue left behind with the glue side of the label and it will come off.

It takes a little a a time, but it doesn't take long. 3-5 mins per bottle.

1 points

by SeaVapeabout 9 years ago

I use a little lighter fluid on a paper towel and it comes right off then in a pot to boil for 30 minutes to sanitize.

1 points

by wh1skeyk1ngabout 9 years agoDiketones, Schmiketones

Bar Keepers Friend works amazingly as well. Probably a fairly similar product.

1 points

by Jac0basabout 9 years ago

Isopropanol or lighter fluid... Removes it in seconds.