There are few more frustrating sensations than peeling away a label and half of it getting left behind on the surface. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to remove label stains, whatever material you might be working with.
Unfortunately, if you’ve reached this stage, it’s time to say goodbye to your label . Whether instructional or decorative, it’s unlikely to survive the removal process well enough to be used again, so be sure you definitely want rid of it before getting started with any of the below.
How to Get Rid of Label Residue
Hot Soapy Water
One of the most tried-and-tested techniques for getting rid of label residue is to soak it in hot, soapy water. Just a few squirts of washing up liquid will be enough, then let the item soak for an hour or so. The hot water will then soften the glue on the label , making it much easier to peel away the label or wipe it off with a dishcloth.
Plastic Scraper
For the not-so-intense label residue, a plastic scraper, or even an old credit card, might be enough to get rid of your label glue. Gentler than a metal scraper, a plastic one is less likely to damage the surface that your label is on.
If a plastic scraper isn’t strong enough for your stubborn label residue, keep reading for more tips.
Masking Tape
If you have masking tape lying round somewhere, it could help you remove sticky residue. Wrap it around your index and middle fingers with the sticky side facing out, then dab it against the sticky surface repeatedly. The glue should stick to the masking tape and get pulled away from the surface.
A Rubber
This method is best for occasions where there’s only a small amount of label glue that needs getting rid of. By rubbing this against the surface, the sticky residue will get rolled up and easily come away.
Peanut Butter
We know – this one seems a bit far-fetched, but a lot of food items are actually very good at removing label glue due to the oil in them. It’s also something that you’re likely to have in your home at short notice. Spread the peanut butter over the label and leave it to set in for 15 minutes, then wipe it away. The sticky residue should come with it.
If you’re not a peanut butter household, mayonnaise works well, too. The combination of vinegar and oil in this product breaks down the glue very well if you leave it 15 minutes before wiping away.
White Vinegar
Vinegar is a great option for the more stubborn label stains as the acidity of it helps to dissolve the label . Apply it to the necessary area, leave for a few minutes, then wipe it away.
To really benefit from this method, you should also then add some vinegar to a bowl of hot, soapy water, and leave the item to soak for an hour. The sticky residue should then come away with ease.
How to Cleanly Remove Labels from Different Surfaces
When you’re removing labels , it’s important to consider the material it’s stuck to, as you don’t want the removal method to damage the surface.
Removing Labels from Glass
The best method for removing labels from glass is hot, soapy water. You’ll want to avoid any methods that could scratch the surface, so this gentle technique is the best one to start with for any kind of glass, including mirrors and windows.
For the best effect, polish the glass with a cloth after you’ve removed the label to get rid of any streaks.
Removing Labels from Laptops or Phones
Lots of people like to decorate laptops and smartphones with labels , but when it comes to getting rid of them, they’re likely to weld to the surface. The best option here is to use oil or vinegar, but be careful that it doesn’t get into the device. Use a very small amount to begin with and add as necessary.
Be sure not to use hot soapy water when removing labels from electrical items, or anything that would be damaged by water.
Removing Labels from a Car
Removing a label from a car can be difficult to do without damaging the paint job, but that isn’t to say it’s impossible. As with anything, it’s all about using the right method.
First, clean the area with hot, soapy water. Then heat the area to loosen the adhesive (we recommend using a hairdryer). This should encourage the label to start peeling from one corner. Grab it, peel the label off, and use vinegar to remove any sticky residue. Be sure to then clean the area again to finish the job.
Removing Labels from Wood
Avoid food products when it comes to removing labels from wood. As wood is naturally a very absorbent material, you’re unlikely to ever get the peanut butter or mayonnaise out for good.
Instead, white vinegar or other household cleaning solutions are the best options for removing a label from wood. Leave it to soak for a few minutes, then use a plastic scraper to remove the glue. Clean the area afterwards to leave the wood in good condition.
Find Your Labels with Label Source
Now that you know how to get rid of labels should you need to, there’s no need to hold back from purchasing whatever you need from Label Source.
We have industrial labels, health and safety labels and more, so you’ll be sure to find the health and safety signs and labels that you need from us. Get in touch to find out more about how we can help you, or visit our blog for more.
