How To Remove Adhesive Labels, Glue And All

If you have ever tried to remove the sticker from a jar or container of some kind, you are probably well aware of the fact that adhesive labels don’t really like to come off. And, if by chance, you do manage to get the label off, the surface is left marred by unattractive glue residue that seems impossible to remove. There are, however, a number of ways to remove this sticky adhesive.

This is one of the most common materials that you will need to remove glue from, as the adhesive shows up quite plainly and will quickly attract all sorts of dirty odds and ends.

1. Soak the glass in hot water for around 20 minutes. This will loosen the label up and soften the glue.
2. Scrape at the sticker with a razor. Start at one edge; pull and scrape until most of it has been removed.
3. Scrub at the area using a nylon scrubber. This will effectively remove the glue without scratching the glass.
4. Rub vegetable oil over any remaining adhesive and leave to sit overnight, then scrub again and rinse thoroughly.

Every now and then, you will purchase a new item of clothing with an adhesive label on or your kids will come home from school with their uniforms covered in difficult stickers.

1. Place some paper towel directly onto the label, then place a clean cloth over the top and iron over it until the adhesive is lifted.
2. Apply some isopropyl rubbing alcohol into a clean, white cloth and rub into the glue until it is gone.
3. Press an ice cube into the glue for between 5 and 10 seconds, then rub it all off with a clean cloth.
4. Apply some vinegar to a clean, white cloth and blot at the sticker then leave to sit for 20 minutes. Wash.

This is probably the least common material that you will need to remove a label from, but it does happen occasionally. Don’t try to peel it off with your fingers, as this makes it worse.

1. Completely saturate the sticker with a sponge soaked in warm water, then scrape it away with a butter knife.
2. Wipe down the metal with a damp rag once to make sure that all of the paper has been removed.
3. Apply a solvent to the area (such as nail polish remover or baby oil) and scrape with a butter knife again.
4. Wipe down the metal with a clean damp rag to make sure that all adhesive traces are gone.

The next time you find yourself needing to remove a tricky adhesive label, do not despair! It is possible to remove the sticker itself as well as the nasty glue that seems to hang around for months. Make sure that you choose a removal method that is appropriate to the material that you are working with and you are sure to see some immediate success.