How to: Remove Labels

After returning home from the store with your new mirror, glass vase or a set of dishes, you walk through your front door with a little skip in your step because you have something new. But when pulling your new gift to yourself out of the bag you see the label that will need to be removed. The same questions you have asked yourself before, once again pop into your head… “How will I remove the label?” “What is the secret for removing sticker glue?” Ugh!

First, understand that most labels were made for a reason – to stay on the surface they were applied to. A permanent adhesive label is a little lower in cost to the company than a label designed to be removed by the end user. The 1/2 cent saved on their end = a label removal headache on your end.

Your Passion Labels^tm team has some pointers for you on removing labels!

A Hairdryer is our #1 recommended method to remove a label

The heat from a hair dryer will soften the typical adhesive, allowing you to remove the label more easily. Just make sure that the surface you are heating up will not distort or melt. Thin plastics, film pouches, etc.

Step 1: Apply heat to the label for about 10-15 seconds.
Step 2: With your fingernails, peel up a corner of the label and begin to peel it back.
Step 3: Be patient, as not to tear the label.
Step 4: If it happens to tear, just peel up an edge again and continue to remove the label.
Step 5: Any adhesive residue that is left behind will usually come off with the good ol’ “thumb-roll” method. Use your thumb or finger to apply pressure to the surface and rub the adhesive off. Just a little elbow grease does the trick.

Heat is the key to this method of removing labels and removing label glue.

Chemicals, Cleaners and Household Detergents

Your Passion Labels^tm team often tries to avoid using chemicals when removing labels. The opportunity for the chemicals to splash into your eye, get on your clothing, and even damage the product you are removing the label from, are existing. Always be safe when removing sticker glue.

If you do feel the need to use a chemical, wear glasses. Protect yourself. Also, make sure you test the chemical on the surface of the product that you are removing the label from, prior to jumping in head first. Make sure you have good ventilation in the area you are at.

X – Never use Ammonia on Plastic or Aluminum. It can damage your plastic and it will corrode aluminum.
X – Never let chemicals remain on plastic surfaces very long, they will dull the finish or permeate the plastic, which is not safe for food use then.

There are some chemicals that are known to assist in removing sticker glue. If you use them, please follow their directions carefully.

Vinegar has been known to assist by soaking a cloth or sponge and letting it sit on the label for about 5 minutes, then peel the label off. You will still need some elbow grease though.
Goo-Gone® or Goof-Off®.
Fast Orange®. This has abrasives, so be careful not to use it on anything that you do not want to have scratch marks.
Rubbing Alcohol.

Remove a label from a Wine Bottle

Wine bottles that use an adhesive label, most likely have an adhesive that will remove after being soaked in water for a few minutes, that is above 100-110 degrees. It’s a special adhesive for the wine and candle industry. Soaking the bottle will destroy the labels, or if you plan to save the labels, follow the directions below.

Step 1: Fill the empty bottle with very hot water, above the top of the label. The hotter the water, the quicker and easier you will be able to remove the label.
Step 2: Let the bottle sit for a few minutes.
Step 3: Start with the back label as a test to see if it is ready to peel. Carefully slide a razor under a corner of the label, and gently peel the label off.