DIY Remove Sticky Labels from Glass Bottles
I am sure you've heard, but we just moved to Westerly, RI a couple of weeks ago. Moving is so much fun, isn't it? Can you just feel the sarcasm? With as much hard work, it opens up possibilities for a new beginning. Even more than that, it gives you a new space to create in. That is the part that I was excited about, and I'm being serious now. No more sarcasm here. This post is part of a sponsored series by Raymour & Flanigan. All ideas expressed are my own.
Isn't it funny though... when you're trying to fit all of your old furniture into a new space, it doesn't seem to "just work". You're faced with new angles, dimensions, different sizes, shapes and available wall space. It's kind of like a puzzle without a guaranteed solution. Have you moved? Have you experienced this too?
Just before the big move, I'd been in discussion with Raymour & Flanigan about creating a refreshed living space. It was perfect timing because the new living room area in our new home is quite the nightmare! Keep posted, I'll share crazy looking before pictures below. In preparation for this BIG reveal, (happening soon, yay) I am putting together a few DIY home decor projects to tie the whole look together. One of the pretty things I wanted to do was to add some height to the absolutely gorgeous Mirage server that I just HAD to have as the centerpiece for the living room. Isn't it fabulous?
With such a gorgeous focus point, I'm starting with decorating some wine bottles that I had on hand. The first step to preparing them for great things is to get those pesky labels off them. Not quite as easy as it sounds! Not all labels are made them same so some of them are a little more challenging than others.
How To Remove Sticky Labels from Glass Bottles
The processes that I used to remove the labels is very simple and without harsh chemicals. You'll most likely have these things on hand right now.
Step 1: Soak your glass containers in warm soapy water. Just soaking in dish soap and water will help loosen up the labels. In most cases, this will get the majority of the labels off. You can soak for 30 minutes or even overnight for trickier labels.
Step 2: Once you're done soaking, try scraping the labels off. I've found my nails are the best way to start removing the labels, but you can use a paint scraper or any kitchen tool with a firm surface.
Step 3: You might find just a little bit of the label remaining or you might find a whole lot. Not all labels are made the same, that's a fact. The next thing to try is a scouring pad (like Brillo brand for example). For some bottles, this works perfectly as a final step.
Step 4: If you still have sticky icky on your bottle, no worries - the next step can be used. Rub some olive oil with a dishrag or paper towel, this should loosen up the remaining goop. Simply press and rub into the stubborn areas, it should virtually start melting away.
Now that you're done, what will you create with your bottles? I'll be sharing my creation soon, keep posted!
In the meantime, check out the "before" pics that I mentioned. Here is the mess of a living room space that we're working on now. You promised you wouldn't laugh. Oh wait, no you didn't. Fine. Have at it. Our furniture is coming tomorrow, I have lot's of preparing to do! The fine people at Raymour & Flanigan have helped us with ideas to make the best out of the space. So laugh now while you can. Can't wait to share all the good things that will be happening in this challenging space!
Keep posted for updates and more of the fun little home decor projects I'm getting ready to complete our new look!
Have you worked on any home decorating or projects lately? What have you been up to?
I use an orange oil concentrate, called CitraSolv, to remove the goo left by labels. It smells good, too. This orange oil also takes grease off of my cabinets that the leading degreasing cleaners won't even touch.
Love this tip! Thanks so much for joining us at Freedom Fridays - pinned and will be sharing on my Facebook page tomorrow!
Yay for this! I always have some random container laying around that could use this! Thanks so much for sharing at The Wednesday Roundup and I'm pinning it now!
I must try this! I am constantly battling with removing labels off glass bottles! Thanks for sharing these quick and easy steps 🙂 saying hello via Say G'day Saturday linkup. x
Love easy tips on the internet!
Thanks for sharing on this week's Share Your Stuff Tuesdays!!! We hope to have you join us again next week 🙂
(Rachael @ http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com)
I find that soaking first is the best method too. It really gets the process going much easier.
Congratulations on your move. Best wishes as you creatively work with your new space - I'm sure it will be fabulous!
I'm also known for the soaker method. I had to stop using my nails though because it was tearing them up. I now keep a box blade in the kitchen for those days when I need a good scrape. I have found that spraying the leftover residue with some windex or awesome cleaner also cuts through that stickiness and it peals right off.
Thanks for coming by the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. Love your post and appreciate you taking the time to share.
Blessings,
Shari
Never tried the olive oil trick! Looks simple enough though. 🙂
Swinging over from Lou Lou's link party!
Thanks for the great tips. I had no idea olive oil would get it all off. I would love it if you linked this up to my Motivate Me Monday linky party at IT'S A ginger SNAP.
I appreciate the easy tip! There are so many times I'd like to do a project or reuse a bottle and get stymied by those labels.
I'm busy trying to clean out stuff for an upcoming garage sale. Once all the stuff is out, I can think of decorating 😉
Sometimes I see some pretty bottles I would love to keep and decorate with. Now I know how to get the labels off easily. Congrats on moving into your new home.
Why is it they always feel the need to put them front & center? Especially on frames!
Never knew to use olive oil!! Awesome!! I CANNOT wait to see your new furniture!!
Oh my goodness, I had no clue it was that simple... I can't wait to see what else you come up with. Thanks for sharing
I get labels started with my nails also, then a utensil if needed. I didn't know about the olive oil, I hope I can remember it next time I need it!
Love this! I am always struggling with trying to remove labels from bottles.
I love interior decorating! My nephew actually works at Raymour & Flanagan! I LOVE the focal piece!! It is very primitive and exactly the style I would choose myself.
I do this too but instead of my fingernail I use a straight razor blade.
I have a ton of bottle and jar projects to do and this will make it so much easier! Thanks for sharing!
This is such an awesome DIY! I love the idea of decorating with glass bottles. They make great vases.
We just moved into a new home, too, and I've also been looking for some cheap DIY decoration ideas. I have a few wine bottles on hand, and I was actually just looking at them last night, trying to figure out what I could do with them. Thanks for the tip on how to remove the labels!
Your room is going to be amazing. I have to say removing labels is my least favorite chore but you sure make it look easy. It's such a great way to decorate and I can't wait to see the finished product. Your Mirage server is just beautiful 🙂
Thanks for that tip! Sometimes a big price tag will be plastered on my glass and it's always a pain to get off! Not anymore!
I tend to save a bunch and then clean them all at once. I love making things out of old bottles!
I had no idea that it was so easy! Wow. I am totally going to try this. I have tried nail polish remover before, but it doesn't quite get all the sticky goo off.
I did something similar with old wine bottles I had around the house. I spray painted them. I think my children broke them though. I need to do more, guess it's time to start drinking wine again.
Lol! Well, that is one way to keep the inspiration flowing 😉