By fossil1955 from Cortez, CO
Lightweight, non-reactive, unbreakable, and usually airtight plastic containers are perfect for storing dried herbs and other treasures. Reusing them reduces waste and environmental impact much more effectively than labor - and chemistry-intensive industrial recycling. The only hitch is those stupid labels. Most glues don't stick to plastic, so the ones used to stick labels on it have to be practically bulletproof. Unlike glass containers, plastic ones can't be de-labeled by soaking in hot water. Scrubbing scratches up the plastic, and even then it only removes the paper. Tacky glue remains to stick to hands and attract dirt. But, removing labels from plastic containers is deceptively easy once you know how. For success every time, without scratched containers or residual glue, follow this simple procedure:
Apply a thick coat of cooking oil to the label in question. Allow it to soak in, undisturbed, for 24 hours. Try to peel the label off. If it comes readily, proceed to the next step. If it doesn't, repeat steps 1 and 2. (Many labels require two applications; some take several.) After the label has been peeled off, some sticky, partly dissolved glue will remain. To remove it, coat the area with oil a final time and allow it to sit overnight. Wipe off the oil and dissolved glue, then wash the container in hot, soapy water. No trace of label or glue will remain.
Although this is not the book in which you'd expect to find information about removing labels, it does in fact have one of the best set of directions for solving this very commonly frustrating challenge. It is also one of my favorite books, because of tidbits just such as this.
Source: Adapted from The Neighborhood Forager, by Robert K. Henderson and Annie B. Bond
By JodiT from Aurora,CO
By Lyn from Bowen, Australia
How does one remove the sticky residue left after removing labels from plastic jars?
By Richard D.
By patsone
05/17/2011
G'Day Richard from South Australia
Purchase a bottle of orange oil, just a few dabs on cotton wool and hey presto no more sticky goo and the plus is your left with a wonderful smell of citrus.
Here in South Australia we are able to purchase a product. It is not an aerosol item (I am allergic to them) just a pump pack spray called Orange Oil, we kept one in the toilet, much nicer than the 'pretend aroma of citrus.
Good Luck.
Patsone
How do you remove the labels from laundry detergent and kitty litter jugs? Some of them seem to be sealed on. - M
By Miriam (Guest Post)
01/27/2006
Let me clarify this request... the product name, etc is not a label (as in paper glued onto the package) it is some kind of plastic which seems heat (?) sealed onto the container. I have had marginal success using packaging tape to strip the product info off yet this is expensive! Help! These are fabulous containers (laundry detergent, cat litter, etc) for planting flowers, tomotoes, etc yet I don't want to advertise the previous contents! thanks -
How do you remove adhesive label from plastic?
By Tammie from Fenton, MI
By Jim Shorts
10/07/2011
To remove labels from medicine bottles do the following:
1. Heat water in tea kettle until it whistles (careful water is HOT).
2. Fill medicine bottle with water put lid back on.
3. Set timer for 5 minutes.
4. When timer goes off remove label.
I have tested this several times with different times and temperatures and this is the best method.
How do I get the sticky labels off plastic containers?
By Kaky
By Indianone
01/11/2011
Use vegetable oil (Crisco, Wesson) by putting on the label so it is saturated & let it stay on there for 15-20 mins. then try to remove. Repeat if still there. A quicker fix is Good B Gone which is meant specifically for this. Vegetable oil works, just slower & usually have to re apply more than one time.
I'm at a loss to remove a label from a baby wipes container (Pampers brand). It seems to be sealed onto the container. Anyone?
ByJemma
By a4a42316
11/14/2012
Use hair dryer. Try to lift up a corner of the label. Direct the heat under the corner. Be patient. Lift slowly. THis also works on price labels etc. Good luck.
I want to reuse plastic jars, prescription, Pepcid bottles. I need to remove the existing label, clean, sterilize, and print new labels for Milk-Bone Brand MaroSnacks.
How do I remove the label? It kind of peels off by fingernail. Is there an easier way.
By M. C. from Phoenix, AZ
How do I remove the label from hard plastic fresh pie and cake containers that are purchased in the bakery section of stores?
By L.W.
What is the best way to get labels off plastic bottles? I have tried almost everything.
By Mike
Whatever method you use, first test the cleaning/removal material in an inconspicuous part of the surface the label is stuck on the be sure it will not damage that surface.
If the label on the plastic has been wet, or the article has been stored where it was hot or humid, it will be more difficult to remove.
1. Dampen a small piece of cloth, or the end of a swab stick (cotton twisted on the end of a wooden match or orange stick). Dip cotton end in dry cleaning fluid.
2. Allow the fluid to remain on the label only long enough to allow the label to be rubbed off. Wipe away excess fluid immediately, and wash article in sudsy water and dry. (DO NOT ALLOW FLUID TO REMAIN ON THE PLASTIC SURFACE VERY LONG, AS IT WILL DULL THE FINISH OF THE PLASTIC.)
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from Mary Ellen Delsipee, and Isabel Jones, previous Extension specialists.
Source: MSU Extension
How do I remove a large paper manufacturer's label that is glued on plastic? It is not one of those easily removable labels that use a peel off glue. I can't tear it off.
Dennis from Vernon, NJ
By Erin B
By Paula Jo, Mebane NC USA
By Mimipuppa
By Lorraine Weaver
By Jean
By sybers
It's nice to use the clear plastic bakery containers from Superstores for your own food giving, but what about the label? Try to pull very slowly so it comes off in one piece, then use the label itself instead of commercial products to remove the glue residue. Place it over the glue spots, scrape your fingernail across it, and pull it up. Much of the glue will come off. If you keep dabbing the label on, then pulling off, then dabbing, etc., soon you will have a residue-free container with no scratch marks that you can re-use.
By Patricia from Imperial, NE
By Pat
By shirleyamh
By Rachel
By Chris
By Denise
By CM
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Removing Labels from Plastic Containers