Asked on Dec 19, 2015

Removing labels printed on plastic

Jeanette S
by Jeanette S
I have seen here on HT where there is a formula for removing printing from plastic containers. Does anyone know what it is? I want to remove the printing off a Folger's red plastic coffee container.
  13 answers
  • Denise Denise on Dec 19, 2015
    it's called Goo Be Gone. Works awesome every time. Home depot carries it. Put a dab on a paper towel, place paper towel on sticky stuff wait a minute. Gently rub sticky off.
  • Jane Golden Jane Golden on Dec 19, 2015
    Sometimes soaking the item in water with a couple of dryer sheets will work...also peanut butter on the label will sometimes dissolve the goo.
  • L W F L W F on Dec 19, 2015
    You can also microwave the item the label is on (with water in it) - carefully and slowly. It then is a lot easier to peel off. Some residue may remain - I use coconut butter and a bit of baking soda in a paste to remove left over goos! Good luck!
  • Jean Worrill Jean Worrill on Dec 19, 2015
    WD40 works on any type sticker glue even from your hands...Love it!
  • Elaine Freimuth Elaine Freimuth on Dec 19, 2015
    I agree with Jean! and also with Jane peanut butter works great! Good luck!
  • Lolly Lolly on Dec 19, 2015
    Lighter fluid takes labels off
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 19, 2015
    Is this the post.www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/house/homemade-sticker-remover-glass-jars-5193090/jars
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Dec 19, 2015
    I believe you can remove printing from plastic with the Goo Gone or Goof Off products. If it is an actual label you should be able to soak it off
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Dec 20, 2015
    I chose to use 100% Acetone Nail Polish remover. Wow! With that orange peel type finish on the Folger's can, it was a task! When I finished getting the paint off, there was a whitish residue which I did not like so I took a drop of two of olive oil on a paper towel and wiped down the can...STUNNING! CAUTION: Keep in mind Acetone is highly flammable...do not use near flames. It evaporates quickly so paper towels can be put in trash.
  • Mcgypsy9 Mcgypsy9 on Mar 04, 2016
    I know you are probably past doing this but I just want to let you know if you mix a little oil with baking soda it will take off labels and all the writing on any plastics. I keep a container of this under the sink and I use it every day as I save cans and plastic bottles, jars, glass bottles jars, milk jugs and whatever! With the writing on a jug just make sure you use more of the baking soda and not so much of the oil. It works like a sandpaper and removes all the writing. It also removes glue left from labels by putting it over the glue spots, let it sit overnight or longer and i use a green scrubber pad to get it off or if it is glass it usually just wipes off with a wet cloth. Hope this helps!
  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 03, 2023

    Soak a rag, paper towel, or cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, lighter fluid, or yes, even cheap vodka. Let it sit on the face of the labels for at least 15 minutes for an easy way to remove labels.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jan 04, 2023

    Coconut oil+baking soda, make a paste and apply, rub it in and let it set overnight the label will come off.