Removing glue and labels from glass and plastic containers: tips you need to know
How many times do we wash glass jars or plastic food containers and find ourselves having to work three times as hard to remove the labels and all the glue they leave behind? Removing all this gunk can be tiresome.
And a long soaking doesn't always work either. Fortunately, there are some tips to remove labels - and their sticky backing glue - easily. Read on to find out more:
Remove glue residue from glass
Creativo
There are several methods to remove glue residue from glass surfaces quickly and effectively:
- Disinfectant alcohol: you only need a little on a bit of cotton or a piece of cloth to rub on the affected area.
- Nail polish remover (acetone): Used in the same way as alcohol.
- Spray lubricant, or paint thinner: spray on or let the product penetrate (by rubbing in) into the glue, then take an old rag and rub any residuel away.
- White vinegar: rub it on the glue, leave it to act for a bit and then rub with a cloth.
Generally, these are methods will work well if you have just removed the label and/or the glue is "fresh".
How to remove labels from plastic
Creativo
For plastic, the method involves the use of soap and water, to which, if necessary, white vinegar or nail polish remover is added:
- Fill a basin with warm water and a little dish soap;
- Rub a little white vinegar or nail polish remover onto the glue residue;
- After a couple of minutes, soak the container in the warm water;
- Wait 15 minutes;
- Rub any residue away with a dry cloth.
If there is still some glue to remove, use a plastic scraper - an old credit card will work fine. Alternatively, use your nails! Be aware that the thicker or drier/older the glue residue, the longer you will need to leave it to soak.
Finally, give the container a regular wash to restore it to pristine condition.
Do you have a favorite method for removing label glue residue?
