Getting Those Labels Off

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-labelled 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:

1. Apply a thick coat of cooking oil to the label in question.
2. Allow it to soak in, undisturbed, for 24 hours.
3. 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.)
4. 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.
5. Wipe off the oil and dissolved glue, then wash the container in hot, soapy water. No trace of label or glue will remain.

Note from Annie: 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.

Read more: Home, Household Hints

Adapted from 'The Neighborhood Forager, by Robert K. Henderson.Copyright (c)2000 by Robert K. Henderson. Reprinted by permission of Chelsea Green Publishing Company.
Adapted from 'The Neighborhood Forager, by Robert K. Henderson.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Howard C.

1:46PM PST on Jan 27, 2012

A great idea thank you. For those wondering how to get glue off glass that cannot be soaked. As Brenda T has suggested Stick Stuff remover works really well, if you haven't got any then nail varnish remover will do the trick, be careful about using it on plastic though, it can damage it.

send a green star

Dar R.

1:40PM PST on Jan 27, 2012

After struggling with plastic spice bottles using: soak in hot, soapy water, rubbing alcohol, two kinds of finger polish remover without luck I used mechanics waterless hand cleaner. (I used Goop but I'm sure they all work about the same) After sitting for about 30 mins. I rinsed them in hot water, Perfectly clean!

Carole R.

10:12PM PDT on Sep 15, 2011

Good tip. Wonder if this would work for price labels that stores stick right in the middle of the glass on a picture frame?

KS G.

12:43AM PDT on May 17, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Brenda T.

2:19AM PDT on Apr 11, 2011

Try "Sticky Stuff Remover" ! It's brilliant.

David M.

10:30AM PST on Nov 28, 2010

Thanks

Bon L.

4:55AM PST on Nov 15, 2010

Thanks for the info.

Dove S.

8:57AM PDT on Aug 23, 2010

Haven't read other comments on this yet, just gotta comment first. I tend to be "that one" who has to point out that the emperor is wearing no clothes, lol I found this uproariously funny--and, silly me, I invariably have to share such things ;)

Hey, I'm not saying this isn't a *lovely* answer to this age-old problem, but "deceptively easy"? lol Maybe my funny bone is just particularly sensitive this morning, but I couldn't stop laughing, as that phrase kept strolling through my brain as I read this ;)

We're talking about a plastic container here, people -- continuing to oil it up (btw, I don't keep cheap oil) over 2 to 4 days?? Then, the need to find an out-of-the-way place to put it for this unbelievably long duration (for a cheap plastic container), and then still possibly having to mess with more residual glue... Geez. Maybe effective (eventually), but definitely not "deceptively easy." lol

Truly, thanks for stoking my funny bone *still laughing* ;)

I got this when I googled for a way to remove residual glue (luckily my label peeled right off). I may try a tiny dab of my not-cheap sunflower oil. Thank you :)

DS

Cindy M.

7:49PM PST on Feb 28, 2009

I store non-edibles in plastics because I've heard the same thing as Mik Mik, that somehow our foods pick up harmful gases or something. It makes sense if you think about the whole scare w/infant bottles. Plus I've had a chemist tell me never to drink anything alcoholic out of plastic for the same reason. I'm just trying to be safe, so I store crafts & such in plastics, and edibles in glass or metal as much as possible. I've also heard it uses more electricity in your fridge if it's in plastic because it doesn't get as cold. My cat also gets serious allergies, and one of the things I was told was to quit feeding & watering him in plastics. I stopped & noticed an improvement right off. Makes you wonder about us, and we're bigger so it would probably be subtler. I try to only use plastics for foods if I'm taking it somewhere, but the key word's "try". With things they way they are in this lifetime, I think it's also next to impossible to totally avoid. Also, for anyone making their own beauty creams etc., do note that natural creams & such often mold right away in plastics that are reused. The first time's fine, but what a waste! You might want to try to make them in glass or metal, which can be sterilized between uses.

Mik M.

2:49AM PST on Feb 27, 2009

Plastic is no good for any food!