Baking Soda Can Remove Labels From Glassware Without A Trace
If you've ever come home from the store with a nice set of glassware only to find that the label won't peel off cleanly, you've probably been incredibly frustrated. Or maybe you've wanted to re-purpose glass food jars but haven't been able to fully peel off the label. Scratching away at the label residue with your fingernails or scrubbing with soap and water sometimes works — but it's usually quite a laborious process, and the results aren't always spectacular. Try as you might, these go-to methods still tend to leave a sticky residue behind.
The solution to this sticky problem is surprisingly simple, and it will save you a ton of time and elbow grease. You only need some water or oil and baking soda to remove labels from your glassware cleanly. There are two methods you can try: Cover the label in a baking soda paste or put your glassware in a simmering pot of water and baking soda.
How the baking soda works
In addition to its use in cookies and cakes, baking soda is well-known as a household cleaning agent because its abrasive quality works well for removing dirt particles. It can be used all over the house, from scrubbing aluminum pans to creating sparkling clean coffee pots. It's also high on the pH scale, making it a base that is good at dissolving grease and other sticky messes. Many people also like it for cleaning because it's powerful enough to clean, but it won't harm you.
These same qualities that make baking soda a hero in the cleaning cabinet also make it a big help when it comes to removing sticky labels or residue. First, baking soda is very abrasive, and its rough texture can help slough off the label. Second, the basic nature of baking soda allows it to dissolve sticky residue. Of course, it's also food-safe, so you don't have to worry about leaving any cleaning products or chemicals behind on your glassware. Baking soda combined with heat is a winning combination, too. When baking soda is added to the hot water, the baking soda releases carbon dioxide, and those bubbles can help work at removing the label on your glassware.
How to remove labels with baking soda
There are two different baking soda techniques to remove labels from glassware. No matter which one you use, start by peeling off as much of the label as you can. For the first technique, make a paste of baking soda and water or oil using a one-to-one ratio. Then, put your paste on the label and let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes. Then, you can wipe the paste off, and the label will wipe right off, too. The process may not be that instant for everyone — you may need to apply the mixture more than once or let it sit for longer, depending on how tough the label is.
The second technique involves using heat to help loosen up the label. For this method, put your glassware into a pot of water on medium-high heat, then sprinkle in some baking soda. Let the water simmer, and eventually, the label should come right off. Even without baking soda, the hot water will help break down the adhesive. If it's stubborn or you're feeling impatient, you can also try carefully peeling it away with tongs. Once the glassware is out of the water and cool enough to touch, rub a little baking soda on any remaining residue to remove it. You'll be left with clean glassware and a little more time (and less frustration) on your hands than if you scrubbed without the power of baking soda.