Are you struggling with stubborn labels on wine bottles while sorting garbage? Perhaps you’re seeking ways to recycle your used glass bottles? Or are you looking to reusing them with some new custom labels of your own?
If so, you are definitely struggling with the question “how to remove labels from wine bottles effectively?” Don’t worry. CustomAny is here to help. In this article, we will bring you 5 pro methods for effortlessly removing labels from glass wine bottles or any other glass bottles you have at home. CustomAny also provides you with comprehensive guides for each technique and tips that will ensure your project is hassle-free.
Let’s get started.
Why do you want to remove labels from wine bottles?
Let’s check the common reasons why people want to remove labels from wine bottles and if our methods can assist you on these purposes.
1. Classify the garbage
Removing labels from wine bottles is a necessary step for the proper garbage classification. Glass – the material of the bottles, and the paper (or vinyl or BOPP) surely belong to two different groups of garbage, So by detaching labels, you sort the material into their belong garbage group as regulations on waste classification.
2. Recycle or sell them
Clearing labels allows for a cleaner surface, making your bottles more desirable for recycling centers. Also, with a plain exterior, your glass bottles become more attractive to crafters or businesses who are interested in purchasing them for various creative or functional purposes.
3. Apply another label and reuse the bottle
In case you yourself are a creative crafter who wants to reuse your bottles by adding new custom labels to them, you need to remove the old ones without leaving behind any residue or scratch. This enables you to apply a brand new label to customize the bottle as you wish.
No matter what of these above is your purpose, you need an effective way to remove the original labels from wine bottles. So, let’s dive right into the 5 methods that we’ve rounded up for you.
How to remove labels from wine bottles: 5 effective methods you should try
When looking for a way to remove labels from bottles, you must hope it will help you achieve a rewarding result, but easy and cheap to do. Look no further, here are 5 unique approaches to help you achieve your expectations.
1. Soak in Hot Water
Our first method is to simply soak your wine bottles with their original labels in hot water. Heat from the water can soften the adhesive layer under your labels. By doing so, the labels will be much easier to peel off the bottles without leaving behind sticky residue.
To remove labels using the soak-in-hot-water technique, you will need:
- A large pot or sink
- Hot water
- Dishwashing soap
- Scrubbing sponge or brush
How to get labels off wine bottles using hot water:
- Fill your sink with hot water.
- Add a generous amount of hot water.
- Submerge the labeled part of your wine bottles in the hot water.
- Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
- Use your fingernail or a razor blade to gradually lift up the old label, starting from the edges.
- Peel the label off your bottles, part after part. If there is any part left behind, use a scrubbing sponge or brush to gently rub it off.
When using the hot water to remove labels from wine bottles, you will see that it is a simple and cost-effective method which just requires minimal tools. However, note that it may not work for labels with strong adhesives.
2. Use Your Oven
Using your oven to remove labels from wine bottles is similar to using hot water, because they are both methods of using heat.
This removal involves placing your wine bottle in the oven, turning the oven on at a high temperature. The heat from your oven makes the adhesive underneath the label more flexible, allowing for an easy and residue-free removal.
To using oven for removing labels from wine bottle, grab these tools:
- Oven
- Oven mitts
How to remove wine bottle labels using oven:
- Preheat your oven at 200°F (93°C).
- Place your bottles with original labels on them onto the oven.
- Warm the bottles in the oven for about 5 minutes at the same temperature.
- Using oven mitts, take out the bottles and peel off the softened labels.
Using an oven to heat up the labels is a fast and efficient way to make it soften for a hassle-free removal. This method, thanks to the high temperature, can even work for labels with strong adhesives.
3. Steaming
The next method we recommend is taking advantage of steam. Use steaming power directly on the labeled area to loosen the adhesive beneath the stubborn labels on your wine bottles.
Tools you will need for this technique is just a steamer or a kettler.
How to remove labels from wine bottles in steaming method:
- Use your steamer or kettler to create hot steam.
- Hold the labeled area close to the steam source, carefully do it to prevent burning yourself.
- Be patient; allow the steam to work on the label for a few minutes before attempting to remove it by your fingernail or a razor blade.
This method doesn’t require soaking the whole bottles but is still effective for removing labels. However, you need to be cautious to avoid burns.
4. Oil and Baking Soda
Oil and baking soda, which can be easily found in your kitchen, would be a natural approach on how to remove labels from wine bottles. This combination becomes a dynamic duo against stubborn labels, not only on your glass bottles but also on plastics or stainless steel. The oil helps break down the adhesive, while the baking soda adds a gentle abrasive quality, resulting in labels that peel off more effortlessly.
What you will need:
- Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Baking soda
- Cloth or sponge
How to remove wine labels using oil and baking soda:
- Mix equal parts of oil and baking soda to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the labeled area on your wine bottles.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Use a cloth or sponge to rub off the paste, the labels come with the paste too.
This method offers you a natural and chemical-free mixture to effectively remove even the most stubborn labels without leaving any residue but it somehow requires more time compared to other methods.
5. Specialized Adhesive Removers
It’s smart to opt for a professional method: specialized adhesive removers for stickers and labels. It is a convenient and reliable solution, in which these commercial products efficiently dissolve adhesives, allowing you to remove the original labels and clean off the residue on wine bottles.
You will need these things:
- Adhesive remover product
- Cloth or sponge
How to remove labels from wine bottles using adhesive remover products:
- Firstly, it’s recommended to follow the instructions provided on the adhesive remover product.
- Apply the adhesive wine label remover to the labeled area.
- Allow it to penetrate to the label for the specified time.
- Use a cloth or sponge to wipe away the softened label and then rinse with water.
Using a specific formula made for label adhesive is a great choice especially for those looking for a quick and reliable solution. The key is to choose an appropriate adhesive remover product suitable for your type of labels.
Tips and Tricks for removing wine labels
There are some tips for all of the techniques we’ve just mentioned above. So if you want a smooth and residue-free experience, keep in mind 3 helpful principles:
1. Test a small area first
Before using the chosen method for removing the entire labels or for removing all the labels from the entire bottle, it’s wise to try a test on a small section. This way, you’ll know how effective that removal method is without risking potential damage to your wine bottles. If it doesn’t work well, try other methods.
2. Lift, don’t pull
After using heat or mixture to soften the adhesive layer under your label, it’s come to peel the label off your bottles. Remember to gently lift the label from the edge, using a flat tool like razor blades. A gentle lifting motion, rather than a forceful pull, can minimize the risk of scratching your bottles or leaving behind sticky adhesive residues.
3. Patience is key
When you remove labels from wine bottles, whether you choose to soak the bottle, apply steaming, or use some substances to dissolve adhesives, be patient. The label needs time to loosen its adhesiveness. If you rush through this removal process, it is not the best way to remove labels from bottles. It may lead to incomplete removal or scratching on the glass bottles.
In case there is resistance, it’s wise to do it one more time with your chosen technique.
Conclusion
Now we have learned 5 easy yet effective methods on how to remove labels from wine bottles. We hope that this information can help you master the label removal art to successfully recycle or reuse any old glass bottle.
In case you want to give your bottles a new look, personalize them with custom labels and stickers for bottles available on our website. We offer these adhesive pieces in any shape, size and material to serve as your DIY projects, gifts, home decor, and many more.
