It seems that almost everything we buy nowadays comes with those annoying sticky labels that are virtually impossible to remove. And even if you manage to peel off the label, then there’s the problem of the sticky residue left behind.
Unfortunately, warm soapy water is not enough to completely remove this residue in most cases. You may end up spending hours trying to clear small pieces of paper with your nails.
You’ll be relieved to know that there is a better solution. Read on for a handy guide on how to remove sticky labels and residue with one magic product – rubbing alcohol. It’s easy to get hold of and simple to use, and with its help your newly purchased item will soon be label-free and sparkling clean.
In this post:
Key Takeaways
Sticky label residue is difficult to remove with water alone because common adhesives are not water-soluble
Rubbing alcohol effectively dissolves adhesive, making label removal quick and efficient
The process involves soaking the residue, gently rubbing, and wiping clean, often completing in minutes
It’s important to test on delicate or painted surfaces first, as alcohol may affect certain materials
Proper precautions should be taken, including using in a well-ventilated area and keeping away from ignition sources due to flammability
How to remove labels
Simply follow these steps to remove even the most stubborn of sticky labels from a range of surfaces:
- Discard as much label as possible with your fingers, without scratching the object.
- Wet the remaining label and wipe with a soft cloth.
- Depending on the size of the label, you’ll need to take a slightly different approach. For a small label, dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol (also known as denatured alcohol). For a larger label, pour a small amount into a bowl and use with a sponge or cloth. In either case, gently rub the sticky residue
- Continue to rub the label until it’s saturated with rubbing alcohol. After a few seconds, the rubbing alcohol should start to break down the label and dissolve the stickiness.
- Wipe the object (with a different, dry cloth) to make sure the label has been completely removed. Repeat steps 3 and 4 if necessary
- Once the label is removed, wash the surface with warm soapy water and dry.
And that’s it – you should find that the label is completely gone, and the whole process taking just a few minutes to complete.
How does it work?
Rubbing alcohol refers to a 70% denatured alcohol solution, available at ReAgent, usually involving ethanol mixed with methanol. It has many applications, relying on its antiseptic and disinfectant properties – and is particularly useful as a general use household cleaner.
This product is effective in removing glue residue left behind from labels – this is because common adhesives are soluble in alcohol. As a result of soaking the label in rubbing alcohol, the glue is completely dissolved and can easily be wiped away.
Water is also considered a solvent, but in this case, it doesn’t have the right properties to dissolve sticky residues.
Final considerations
A few last key points you need to know about using rubbing alcohol to remove labels:
- It may not be suited for every item, so especially with delicate objects, it’s better to test the effect of the rubbing alcohol in an inconspicuous location. This is particularly important in objects with painted designs, as the alcohol may also remove the paint.
- It’s better to use vinegar if you want to get sticky label residue off clothes.
- We recommend always using rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing the fumes.
- Lastly, containers must be kept away from flames or combustible materials, as this is a highly flammable product.
Conclusion
Rubbing alcohol provides a simple and effective solution for removing stubborn label residue. It works by dissolving the adhesive that water cannot break down. When used carefully and appropriately, it offers a quick way to clean a wide range of surfaces, leaving items label-free and ready for use.
