Removing Sticky Labels: Three Must-Try Methods Explained on TikTok
Adhesive labels do not easily come off jars, glass bottles or plastic containers and many other similar objects: we often have to deal with this small domestic problem. In most cases, it is sufficient to soak the labels for a few hours in warm water and then scrape them off, but it doesn't always work. If the labels are made of plastic, if we don't have the time, if adhesive residue remains or if the objects to be cleaned are too large to be immersed in a basin, what can we do?
There are various methods that can come in handy, and some are illustrated in a number of TikTok videos.
Water, bicarb and oil
Video tutorial via @newlifestyle/TikTok
The first method, which we also see in @newlifestyle's TikTok clip, is the most common: the woman says that every time she has to remove labels from jars, she simply leaves them to soak in the morning in the sink, making sure that the jar remains immersed properly. Then she leaves home for work and many hours later, upon her return, she just has to scrape off the label with her fingernail.
This method, however, sometimes leaves some residue, and in this case, she uses a paste made with three parts of baking soda (bicarb) and one of olive oil (but other vegetable oils will also work). The paste must then be rubbed on the glass until it has removed all traces of the glue.
The method works with paper labels and on surfaces that are not likely to be scratched by the baking soda, which is slightly abrasive
Hot water, bicarb and dishwashing liquid
Video tutorial via @tishmal/TikTok
Another excellent remedy for glass is the one indicated by @tishmal:
- Boil some water.
- Pour the hot water into the jar or bottle until it fills up to the level of top of the label (so the glue melts a little).
- After a while, remove the label with your fingers.
- In a bowl, pour one or two tablespoons of baking soda, a few drops of dishwashing liquid and mix.
- Use the paste obtained on the entire area where any glue residue is left and then rinse off.
An awl
What can we do if, however, the surface to be freed from the label and glue is made of plastic or materials that risk being damaged by using bicarbonate? There are those who use only oil; then there are those who heat the label with a hairdryer until it can be completely removed. But even in this second case, sometimes a little adhesive remains.
@tidycademypro shows that in this case, an excellent ally is a curved awl (like those used for sewing and leather-working crafts). The awl can be used to gently remove (without scratching) the remaining glue.
Which method do you prefer to remove adhesive labels?
